Two Women Yelling About Knitting

Anjali and Alison

Not the same old knitting podcast. This is a space where we look up from our works in progress and acquisitions and talk about what we see in the wider world of knitting – its political, social, and historical context. But don't worry. It'll be fun!

We're friends who share a love of knitting as well as an interest in a lot of sticky topics that relate to knitting – traditional gender roles, consumerism, body liberation, and more. If you want to join us on this journey, hit the "Subscribe" button to follow along.

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S3 · E1
September 4 · 1 hr 1 min
Knitting pattern déjà vu
Welcome back to Season 3! Anjali and Alison kick things off with a topic that a lot of knitters have A Lot of Feelings about: knitwear designers releasing brand-new patterns that are similar (sometimes very similar) to patterns they have already released. We also hear from Sophie Hemmings of the Knit Purl Girl, who was kind enough to share her thoughts from the designer's perspective. Buckle up and put on that cardigan version of the pullover pattern you also own. Or is it a jacket? Or did you buy the blouse version, not the pullover? Doesn't matter, we're going to talk about it all! Follow us on Instagram: @twyakpod Email us: twyakpod@gmail.com We are now on Apple Podcasts and Amazon Music (audio only) and are experimenting with adding video to our podcast on Spotify. Find us and subscribe on your preferred platform! "Would you like to double down on your meal?" - Portlandia Examples of Single Pattern Releases Felix Cardigan and Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers Esther Vest and Esther Jacket by Petite Knit Anker's Sweater by PetiteKnit Ooey Gooey, plus the Sock Set, Cowl, and Mitt Set by Andrea Mowry Cozy Classic Raglan and Cozy Classic Light by Jessie Maed Designs The Weekender, Weekender Light and Weekender Crew by Andrea Mowry Cumulus Blouse and Cumulus Blouse O-neck by PetiteKnit Lakes Pullover, Lakes Cardigan, Lakes Crew Cardigan, etc by Ozetta Celeste Sweater, Celeste Sweater Junior and Celeste Sweater Man by PetiteKnit Gib I and Gib II by Andrea Mowry Examples of Multi-Option Patterns Musselburgh by Ysolda Teague Mara Blouse by the Knit Purl Girl Lanark Sweater by Rebecca Clow Lauder by Rebecca Clow Saglan by Ailbíona McLochlainn Other Knitty Things Alison is wearing the Autumn Alpine sweater with yarn from Queen City Yarn The Tin Can Knits app lets you choose the size you are knitting and just shows you the instructions for that size Other Recommendations WALNUT yarn store in Tokyo Amirisu Sprint hand-dyed yarn Okadaya Shinjuku Craft Code Switching - Pom Pom Mag Substack Anjali's Caddis reading glasses are the Wabi Sabi in "Gloss Minor Blues" and Triple G in Heritage Green
S2 · E7
July 14 · 45 min
Bonus Episode! The viewer comments that changed our minds about knitting
We're popping in for a surprise bonus episode! Join Anjali and Alison in a conversation about the viewer comments that made us think differently, opened our minds to new ideas, or even made us realize we were wrong. Y'all are classy and we appreciate you. Watch for our return for Season 3 in the fall! Follow us on Instagram: @twyakpod Email us: twyakpod@gmail.com Episodes We Mention (In Order of Appearance) Should You Use AI in Your Knitting? Are These Knitting Designers Copying Each Other? Stop Calling Knitting a Grandma Hobby Craftivism & the Melt the Ice Hat Knitty Things We Mention Moby sweater by PetiteKnit Hanstholm sweater by PetiteKnit Anjali is wearing the Corran Cardigan in De Rerum Natura Robinson in Citronnade Green, square buttons from My Sister Knits, an LYS in Fort Collins, CO Mussel shell buttons from La Mercerie, an LYS in Bainbridge Island, WA Wood buttons from Retrosaria Rosa Pomar, an LYS in Lisbon, Portugal Dusty's Vintage Buttons Denver Asian Food Recs Nana's Dim Sum and Dumplings MAK Fam
S2 · E6
May 30 · 57 min
Craftsnark & stitch and b*tch clubs: How knitting gossip has changed
Some academics believe gossip is essential for social life, but what happens when it moves from in-person to online spaces? Join Alison and Anjali in a conversation about gossip, fiber arts, and that one terrible fiber festival everyone heard about. It'll be fun! Follow us on Instagram: @twyakpod Email us: twyakpod@gmail.com Further Reading & Listening on Gossip Normal Gossip podcast knitting episode on Apple and Spotify An Integrative Definition and Framework to Study Gossip — Group & Organization Management "Gossip About Knitting" — New York Times Gossip: An Investigation into the Feminine Art of Conversation — RISD Ritualizing Language: Ancient Greek Women's Gossip and Magic as Intertwining, Subversive Paths to Justice Gossip in Evolutionary Perspective by R.I.M. Dunbar Gossip-Related Artwork Netherlandish Proverbs (1559) by Peter Bruegel the Elder The Friendly Gossips (1901) by Eugene de Blaas Two Women Leaning Back in Sofa, Knitting by Mark Rothko Knitting Gossip Examples #Fybrefest: Unraveling What Went Wrong With this Yarn Festival — Aspen in the Moment 'Fybrefest': How the Catskill Wool & Folk Festival unraveled — Times-Union Original post about Stephen West on Craftsnark West's first apology West's second apology Something is off about the Stephen West backlash — Craftsnark Two Stitches Enter, One Stitch Leaves Storm Sweater vs Staffin Pattern The Sheep Sweater by Rosa Pomar vs Ovis Sweater by Caitlin Hunter Diana Black Sheep Sweater Butterscotch Sweater vs Newspaper Pullover Other Knitty Things Alison is making the Autumn Alpine sweater with yarn from Queen City Yarn Anjali is bartering with the Burgos Vest, knit in Harrisville Designs WATERshed in Elm
S2 · E5
May 8 · 1 hr 6 min
Who benefits from test knitting?
What's going on with test knitting culture? Anjali and Alison discuss some of the controversies from the perspectives of both knitters (unrealistic deadlines! demanding photo requirements!) and knitting designers (so much ghosting!). Plus: another edition of Cast On or Drop That Stitch, featuring four trendy knitting patterns. Follow us on Instagram: @twyakpod Email us: twyakpod@gmail.com Further Reading on Test Knitting Yarnpond: site to find test knitting calls Reddit: Test knitting deadlines are getting shorter everywhere Reddit: Since when did test knitting just become giving designers free marketing? Reddit: Test Knitting "Reviews" Cast On or Drop That Stitch Patterns Vilma Top by Gregoria Fibers Uma Scarf by PetiteKnit January Socks by Kaitlin Barthold Miu Top by Una Gil Other Knitting Things Anjali's "Woolen Spun" baseball hat from Harrisville Designs The Traveler pattern by Andrea Mowry Frog It Yarns Oxbow Socks pattern by Andrea Mowry
S2 · E4
April 17 · 58 min
Knitting and mental health: it's complicated!
Is knitting good for your mental health if it sometimes makes you feel...bad? In this episode, Anjali and Alison talk about the mental health benefits of knitting, but also some of the darker aspects that aren't often talked about: compulsive yarn buying, procraftination, toxic productivity culture, and more. Follow us on Instagram: @twyakpod Email us: twyakpod@gmail.com Our new theme song is "Candy Apple Red" by Annabelle Chairlegs! Further Reading & Listening on the Benefits More on soldiers knitting to heal from trauma in Knit, Purl, Heal — Piecework Magazine Therapeutic Knitting with Betsan Corkhill — Why I Knit podcast Stitching Time: Women and Fiber Art in Psychiatric History — Psychiatric Times Why knitting can help you feel less anxious — Dr. Mia Hobbs Crochet increases attention through requiring motor skill learning — Nature Further Reading on the Complexities We couldn't find the original article we read about procrastination, but here's more on the "Wall of Awful" Meditations for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman Becoming "That Girl": A Digital Ethnography of Productivity and Wellness Culture on YouTube — Kate Norton Excessive Knitting and Addiction — Psychology Today Knitting, creativity, mental health — Kate Davies Other Mentions Project Knitwell Lou Dangit on Instagram Knitty Things Lumme Pullover in Studio Donegal Soft Donegal Corran Cardigan by Rebecca Clow in De Rerum Natura Robinson in Citronnade
S2 · E2
March 29 · 1 hr 8 min
Is the Melt the ICE hat performative or political?
Anjali and Alison dive into the messy topic of knitting as political statement, covering the tricoteuses ("knitting women") of the French Revolution, 2017's famous pink hat, and the Melt the ICE hat. Things get a little spicy! Follow us on Instagram @twyakpod: https://www.instagram.com/twyakpod/ Email us: twyakpod@gmail.com #TWYAK // Show Notes Further Reading The Pussyhat's Identity Crisis — Sapiens Not My Pussy Hat: Why I Didn't Participate in the Women's March This Year — SELF Unifying yet dividing: voices of pussyhat maker–wearers who participated in the 2017 Women's Marches — Fashion & Textiles Anyone else planning on knitting a pussy hat like everyone did years ago? — Reddit When You Want the Antiracism Cookie — Antiracist Dietitian In Minneapolis, Knitters Are Protesting With Red Hats — New York Times Size Inclusive Collective post on Instagram Patterns Mentioned Kitty Hat Melt the ICE Hat on Ravelry Abolish ICE Beanie on Ravelry Lumme by Sari Nordland Traveler's Shawl by Andrea Mowry Zipper Sweater by PetiteKnit Yarns Mentioned Flywheel by Harrisville Designs in Penstock Re-Ply Rambouillet by Brooklyn Tweed Germantown by Kelbourne Woolens Soft Donegal by Studio Donegal Also Mentioned Folk Tales documentary
S2 · E3
March 29 · 1 hr 5 min
Are these knitting designers copying each other?
Accusations of copying seem to be all over knitting social media recently. Alison and Anjali dig into the topic of knitting patterns and intellectual property: what can and cannot be copyrighted, and beyond that, what rules are designers socially or ethically bound by? We have some interesting examples to ponder and then we wrap up the episode with another round of Two Stitches Enter, One Stitch Leaves. Follow us on Instagram: @twyakpod Email us: twyakpod@gmail.com Further Reading For Personal Use Only: Restrictive Clauses in Craft Patterns — Craft Industry Alliance Patterns and copyright protections — Ohio State University Libraries Stephen West shawl destash drama on Reddit A short history of knitting patterns in Britain — Victoria and Albert Museum This Golden Fleece: A Journey Through Britain's Knitted History by Esther Rutter Gansey Investigation with Di Gilpin and Sheila Greenwell Pattern Examples We Talk About Norma Sweater by My Favorite Things Knitwear Harbor Sweater by Ozetta More on the inspiration for the Norma design Isager Archives collection inspired by Ase Lund Jensen Pink Fizz by Andrea Mowry Lace pattern #025 by Hitomi Shida Japanese Knitting Stitch Bible by Hitomi Shida Sailor Slippers pattern by Annie Germain Aspen in the Moment episode about Sailor Slippers drama Yarns & Patterns We Mention Mungo by Retrosaria Rosa Pomar Musselburgh Hat by Ysolda Teague in Mondim Halibut Cowl by Caitlin Hunter in Alpaca Elegance, in Sencha and Darjeeling Anjali's Lumme pullover is in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter (RIP) in Sweatshirt and Harrisville Designs Watershed in Aquifer Anjali's Art Class Description of the class Tracey Emin's work
S2 · E2
February 12 · 1 hr 8 min
Should you use AI in your knitting?
We're back with season 2! And diving right into to a controversial subject: AI, its current role in knitting, and where it might be headed. Plus: our first knit-a-long! Who’s ready for some “Mod Impact Mapping”?? We're yelling about AI and maybe you're gonna want to yell at us in the comments? Books We Mention This Golden Fleece: A Journey Through Britain's Knitted History by Esther Rutter (https://bookshop.org/a/117437/9781783...) The Mirror and the Light by Hilary Mantel (https://bookshop.org/a/117437/9781250...) Further Reading Here’s more on Rogers’ Diffusion of Innovation Theory, from Canadian Journal of Nursing Informatics, the hottest name in nursing informatics: (https://cjni.net/journal/?p=1444) How will AI change the world of knitting? - Laine: (https://lainepublishing.com/en-us/blo...) Humans still appreciate humanity, even in the age of Spotify! College Radio Keeps Its Cool - New York Times gift link: (https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/20/st...) Knitting Things Mentioned The Tin Can Knits app (https://tincanknits.com/app) is innovating knitting by letting you choose the size you are knitting and just showing you the instructions for that size For our knit-along, we are knitting the Lumme sweater by Sari Nordlund (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr.... Anjali is knitting with Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Sweatshirt and Harrisville Designs WATERshed in Aquifer (https://harrisville.com/collections/h.... Alison is still experimenting with yarns. Shout out Ruth for the title cards!
S1 · E7
Dec 12, 2025 · 31 min
Bonus Episode! What if state fairs were art museums?
Come along with us and discover the craft (or is it art?) of state fairs! We visited the State Fairs: Growing American Craft exhibit at the Smithsonian American Art Museum earlier this year and are sharing (and showing) our favorite pieces, our big takeaways, and how it relates to our knitting. You'll see hooked rugs healing trauma, Victorian hair wreaths, a portrait of Prince in seeds, and more! #TWYAK Bonus Notes Visit the exhibit at the Renwick Gallery of the Smithsonian American Art Museum through September 7, 2026. Books We Mention Knitting with Dog Hair: Better a Sweater from a Dog You Know and Love Than from a Sheep You'll Never Meet by Kendall Crolius Further Reading Seed by Seed: Crop Art of the Minnesota State Fair — more on the Seed Queen! More on canning sensation Rod Zeitler More about the quilt created by the Battered Offenders Self Help group in Kentucky Some detail shots of the hooked rug from Kaye D. Miller, in a blog post by one of the judges. You can see the green onion!
S1 · E6
Nov 26, 2025 · 58 min
Why Is Knitting "Women's Work"?
In this episode, we talk about the history behind why knitting became "women's work" (spoiler: because you could no longer earn a livable wage doing it) and how we see that legacy playing out in articles about Gen Z taking up "grandma hobbies," the SciShow controversy, and more. #TWYAK06 Notes Books We Mention Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years by Elizabeth Wayland Barber North Woods by Daniel Mason Further Listening & Reading Elizabeth Wayland Barber on the Haptic & Hue podcast Probably Sarah Cook Arnold Knitting — National Gallery of Art More on knitting socks during WWI from Piecework Magazine More on why ready-to-wear sweaters are terrible now, from The Atlantic and Nylon @id.knit.that — fiber artist Kendall Ross Anjali's new fireplace color: Essex Green by Benjamin Moore Patterns & Yarns We Mention Weekender Crew by Andrea Mowry Felix Pullover by Amy Christoffers in Mountain Mohair by Green Mountain Spinnery Hibernal Socks in Mondim by Retrosaria Rosa Pomar
S1 · E5
Nov 15, 2025 · 50 min
What Makes a Knitting Pattern Size Inclusive?
Knitting has the potential to create garments that fit any sort of body, no matter what that body's traits are. Yet, if you look at the most popular knitting designers and knitting patterns, most often they are thin women designing garments for their own bodies, typically modeled by thin (white, cis, able-bodied) women. Today the question we are exploring is: why is that? We are examining the gap between the potential for knitting to embrace body liberation and the reality of Ravelry's top patterns. #TWYAK05 Notes Books We Mention Fearing the Black Body by Sabrina Strings Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves by Sophie Gilbert Little Red in the City by Ysolda Teague Amy Herzog's Ultimate Sweater Book and Knit to Flatter Knitting Things We Mention Size Inclusivity in Knitting Patterns: Designer's Perspective — Susanna Winter A short and non-exhaustive list of some knitting designers who are vocal about size inclusivity: Jaq Cieslak, Jessie Mae Martinson, James N Watts, Rebecca Clow Definitely check out the Size Inclusive Repository and follow Size Inclusive Collective on Instagram Some Thoughts on Size Inclusivity in Knitting — Karie Westermann Sille Slipover by PetiteKnit in Peer Gynt in Natural Tweed Schemer Slipover by Apella.Knits in Kelbourne Woolens Lucky Tweed Esther Vest by PetiteKnit in Kelbourne Woolens Erin Other Things We Mention Smithsonian American Art Museum's State Fairs: Growing American Craft exhibit Sadly Well+Good seems to be no longer, so you can't read Anjali's article about early nutrition science and eugenics! Creative Youth sewing classes Moon Raccoon Baking Co, a delicious new bakery in Anjali's neighborhood
S1 · E4
Oct 29, 2025 · 56 min
How We Started Knitting & Became Friends
Welcome to Two Women Yelling About Knitting, a show that is not about what we are buying or what we are making, but instead asks questions like: What is your knitting story? How did you learn, and what does knitting mean to you now? And side note: how exactly do Anjali and Alison know each other?? This is a space where we look up from our works in progress and acquisitions and talk about what we see in the wider world of knitting -- it's political, social, and historical context. But don't worry. It'll be fun! #TWYAK04 Notes Books We Mention Stitch 'n Bitch: The Knitter's Handbook by Debbie Stoller Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years by Elizabeth Wayland Barber Knitting-Related Things We Mention Project Knitwell — the nonprofit that Alison works with, which helps people facing challenges by providing knitting instruction and shared community opportunities that promote wellness and resilience Knitty is the internet's longest-running free knitting magazine (since 2002!) Make Good podcast — RIP!!! Why I Knit podcast lou.dangit on Instagram Anjali buys her Japanese stationery and pens from Jet Pens. The organizer she uses for her knitting notes is the KOKUYO Novite Alpha Expandable Clear Book - A4 with Midori MD A4 Grid Paper Pad and a blue or black Uni Jetstream Ballpoint Pen - 0.5 mm. A delightful writing experience! The Sophie Shawl by PetiteKnit, if you need a link to the pattern Baby Aosta Cardigan by The Knit Purl Girl Other Things We Mention Nature Theater of Oklahoma — Alison's previous theater company! JET Programme — the national Japanese program that Anjali worked for, teaching English at a high school in central Japan Las Culturistas podcast
S1 · E3
Oct 15, 2025 · 46 min
Why is EVERYONE talking about Rhinebeck?
Hello and welcome to Two Women Yelling About Knitting, a show that is not about what we are buying or what we are making, but instead asks questions like: What is Rhinbeck, and should you care? This is a space where we look up from our works in progress and acquisitions and talk about what we see in the wider world of knitting -- it's political, social, and historical context. But don't worry. It'll be fun! #TWYAK03 Show Notes Books We Recommend Unraveling: What I Learned About Life While Shearing Sheep, Dyeing Wool, and Making the World's Ugliest Sweater by Peggy Orenstein The Rhinebeck Sweater e-book by Ysolda Teague Victorian Housecats to Knit by Sara Elizabeth Kellner Fiber Festivals We Mention New York Sheep and Wool (a.k.a. Rhinebeck) Frederick Fiber Fest in Frederick, MD Maryland Sheep and Wool Flock Fiber Festival in Seattle, WA Estes Park Wool Market in Estes Park, CO Vermont Sheep and Wool Festival Patterns We Mention Ooey Gooey Sweater from Drea Renee Knits Florence Sweater by Elenor Mortensen Moby Sweater by PetiteKnit Zipper Sweater by PetiteKnit Emotional Support Chicken by Annette Corsino Young Knitters Discover a Decades-Old Wool Festival — New York Times (gift link) @kristyglass has a Tell Me About Your Rhinebeck Sweater series @aspeninthemoment covered the disastrous 2023 Wool and Folk Festival Ramble campground near Mesa Verde National Park
S1 · E2
Oct 4, 2025 · 48 min
How much do knitting pattern designers really make?
Hello and welcome to Two Women Yelling About Knitting, a show that is not about what we are buying or what we are making, but instead asks questions like: Should you monetize your hobby? This is a space where we look up from our works in progress and acquisitions, and talk about what we see in the wider world of knitting – its political, social, and historical context. But don't worry. It'll be fun! We're Anjali and Alison, friends who share a love of knitting as well as an interest in a lot of sticky topics that relate to knitting – things like traditional gender roles, consumerism, body liberation, and more. We're recording a six-episode season, with a new episode – and a new topic – every two weeks. If you want to join us on this journey, hit the "Subscribe" button to follow along. #TWYAK02 Notes Books We Recommend Women's Work: The First 20,000 Years by Elizabeth Wayland Barber Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman More on the Women's Exchange Movement, which were commercial operations run by and for women with the goal, at least originally, of offering fair compensation for workers, the ability to work at home using traditional female skills, and, just as importantly, the chance for women of a certain class to earn money without having to admit it. What are Knitting Pattern Designers Actually Earning? — Kristen Jancuk / Mediaperuana Knits, which links to a spreadsheet of Ravelry designers' earnings @yarn_over_everything on Instagram, including her Reel about what she makes in a month from knitting Ali Makes Everything's episode What YouTube Paid Me: First Year Channel Stats & Earnings Audrey Borrego's designs on Ravelry Field Day Cardigan by Ozetta in Retrosaria Rosa Pomar Mungo in 08 - Porto, with mussel shell buttons from La Mercerie Bitty Brioche Kerchief by Iris Eichenlaub on Ravelry Little Skein Yarn and Anne Vally's lovely Substack, Knit Together Shout out to Reny's in Maine! You can find Comfort Colors, a.k.a. The Best Shirts, there. Golden Earth Designs, maker of Alison's lovely mug and other fiber-arts-related designs
S1 · E1
Sep 17, 2025 · 1 hr 6 min
What does your yarn choice say about you?
Hello and welcome to Two Women Yelling About Knitting, a show that is not about what we are buying or what we are making, but instead asks questions like: Is it possible to hate knitting with acrylic yarn without hating on people who knit with acrylic yarn? This is a space where we look up from our works in progress and acquisitions, and talk about what we see in the wider world of knitting – its political, social, and historical context. But don't worry. It'll be fun! We're Anjali and Alison, friends who share a love of knitting as well as an interest in a lot of sticky topics that relate to knitting – things like traditional gender roles, consumerism, body liberation, and more. We're recording a six-episode season, with a new episode – and a new topic – every two weeks. If you want to join us on this journey, hit the "Subscribe" button to follow along. #TWYAK01 Show Notes Spinrite Yarns recently closed its manufacturing plant and retail store in Listowel, Ontario (story here). The company is co-owned by two American private equity firms, and the closure ends what's been called a century of yarn and woolen goods manufacturing in the town (more here). The True Cost of Wool by Anna Hunter — a 2025 book that takes a deep dive into Canada's wool industry. America's Knitting website, which documented the stats around LYS's, is no longer online as of this writing. So that doesn't seem promising. The Size of the Yarn Market: Yarn Consumer Survey Results 2024 — Craft Industry Alliance Yarn Design Characteristics which Influence Crafters to Consume Either Artisan Brand Yarns or Commercial Yarns — Casey Stannard & Kathy Mullet, Journal of Textile Design Research and Practice (2015) Yarns We Just Love Retrosaria Rosa Pomar Mungo, shown in 08 Porto (blue) for the Field Day Cardigan and 12 (orange) for the Oversized Seasons Cardigan, both by Ozetta Jill Draper Makes Stuff 100% Rambouillet yarn Yarnitecture: A Knitter's Guide to Spinning by Jillian Moreno Cozy Books and Knits' Complete Guide to Sock Knitting Episode was very inspiring for the sock-curious knitter!

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