Many thanks this week to contributing writer, Elizabeth Green Musselman, and to my guest, writer and hand knit designer, Annie (Rae) Modesitt.
I talked about these things:
Stephanie Pearl Mcphee’s One Row Scarf
Fetching
Twilley’s Freedom Spirit
FloraLeather soles for clogs
Sock Wars in the Wall Street Journal
Amy Weber’s Scribblecast
Rent “Norma Rae“! It’s a good film.
I played KniTunes from these artists:
-
- The Mamas and the Papas – Winter’s Day
- Anna Laube – The Most Beautiful Thing I’ve Ever Seen
- Roddy Frame – Hymn to Grace
So glad to see there’s another episode up. I get mine thru iTunes, and cannot download your latest. Message from iTunes says that Cast On does not seem to be a valid URL. I tried unsubscribing, and resubscribing, but nothing changed. I’m guessing iTunes will straighten this out eventually, but thought you might want to know.
Yes, darn it, I’m having the same problem as Marlene. I’m anxious to hear the latest!
I guess that you probably don’t need a third person on here saying the same thing but Oh No! I am having the same problem and Marlene and AuntieAnn! What ever shall I do?
Here’s another person …. If I don’t have knitting podcasts to listen to at work…what will I do??? Oh yeah work. You’re my favorite.
I was able to use “right-click, save as” to download the file for both episodes 59 and 60, which didn’t come over automatically in iTunes. Then in iTunes I used “Import” and both files were loaded, but the episode 60 file was tagged as an hour long piece of folk music. I copy/pasted the information from the website into the mp3 tags, and copied it to my iPod, but oddly enough, it still thinks it’s “music” instead of a “podcast.”
No worries. Playlists and my clever work arounds will come to the rescue. Hope that helps other users/listeners!
I started out listening to this episode out of sheer vanity. (My goddesses, could you have picked a better song to follow my essay?!) And then I listened to your interview with Annie Modesitt and all my political goosebumps went up.
And then I listened to your closing remarks about the future of the podcast. The agony of reaching the decision you’ve made was palpable, but it seems like you have devised a way to continue what you love while not selling your soul to do it. You have great integrity, and I know I’m not the only one who deeply appreciates that.
I am downloading mine now by the ‘right-click’ method. I can’t wait to listen to it tomorrow during my knitting time. I have made Stephanie’s One Row Scarf out of my first handspun and it turned out great. I am interested to hear what you have to say about it. I saw it mentioned in the show notes.
Oh ya, I almost forgot. Annie Modesitt interview! I think knitting time will be first thing in the morning!
Sorry about the problems with the feed! It was very late when I finished the final mix and, by the time I uploaded everything, I was so bleary-eyed I couldn’t see straight. So I managed to make every podcasting mistake that it was possible to make. Well done, me.
I’ve uploaded a new podcast file (with correct ID3 tags) rewritten the rss feed, and uploaded that too. It appears that iTunes has now updated, but you may have to unsubscribe and resubscribe in order to see it. For some reason I’m having trouble with iTunes today too, and not just my own feed. It may be an iTunes problem.
Sorry for the hassle. Next time, I’ll just go to bed, and upload first thing the following morning.
Just for anyone else like me who thinks the episode hasn’t downloaded, when it really has. Try looking part way down the list. It’s date is tagged as 26/01/2007. I’m gald I’m not the only one who has this problem when It’s a new year.
Thanks, Pinkphish! I did have the date wrong in the XML doc. However, that’s not why the episode still isn’t available in iTunes. The XML doc is fine, it’s the feedburner feed that’s the culprit. Unfortunately, iTunes uses the feedburner feed, not the original feed, so that’s why the file won’t download in iTunes. I’m working to resolve the problem, and I will post an update as soon as I’ve got it sorted.
As always, you can right click the link above, where it says “Download Epsiode 60”, and save the file to your desktop.
download is working fine at 4:50 am Pacific Std Time (who, me? just a bout of asthma. the inhaler works fast, but I’m still sitting up a while so L can sleep.) Looking forward to listening in the true morning.
Thanks for fixing the problem Brenda. I too am having trouble with other podcasts and iTunes lately. My theory — is that their latest big update has a couple of new bugs in it. Anyway — my iPod is updated and I’ll be “tuned” in as soon as I get home from work today.
Brenda, thanks again for a fabulous podcast! I for one am glad that you are taking your own advice and are “Starting as you (personally) mean to go on.” While I’ll miss the frequency of your podcast, I will be happy to know that you are doing what is right for you. And as they say, absence makes the heart grow fonder.
Your title Little Ripples and discussion about the school children reminds me of a favorite quote by Frederick Buechner – “The life I touch for good or ill will touch another life, and that in turn another, until who knows where the trmbling stops or in what far place my touch will be felt.” We live in such a small global community that all our actions and words can be felt and heard by so many others. It’s a wonderful thing that you are using your voice in such a positive way for so many people. Keep up the great work!!
There come a point, a point that feels like a razor’s edge, when we must speak our soul. You’ve reached it.
“Only” six rich and wonderful podcasts? I’ve always thought about the last episode long after the “newest” was available.
You’ll slip in a couple more, that’s my prediction, because the things you have to say should be said.
Oh Brenda,
it was so nice to here from you again and one per month or so is better than none at all! I was full of goosebumps and close to tears almost thru this whole podcast because I was afraid you were saying goodbye! Thank you for staying with us a little while longer and I am glad that you are starting to realize how much your podcast touches the lives of others. I for one am more than delighted when you send us a podcast! I am still listen to old episodes not that I haven’t finished them but I just like to listen again and every time that I do I find something new that I missed. So again Thank You for all the things you have taught me thru essays, songs, others websites, blogs and just everything you mention. I have grown so much since I found your podcast in Nov 07 that I am wondering if I would still be recognized by old friends I haven’t seen in a while!! Hehehe!
Oh yea I wanted to tell you about what I have on my needles right now it an Illusion Scarf that I designed after finally figuring it out from talking to others on Ravelry. It all started from a pattern in Stitch ‘n Bitch that I liked and wanted to learn how to make.
My oldest son( 18) just moved away the first week of Jan. and I find I want to knit alot for him now… so I am also making the Jeckell and Hide hat from Knitty.com. The day he left he saw the pattern and wanted to know if I could make it for him before he left…it was 10 am and he was leaving at 2pm…well I will say I am not that fast of a knitter but it was nice of him to think I was! I did start it that night and finished it in a few days and now have the second one almost complete and ready to mail to him and his girlfriend in Newfoundland! It was fun and I am learning to understand what you mean by knitting has a memory. Well I have turned this into a book about me …sorry!
Chat again soon,
from one knitsib to another,
Thanks again for all you do for us!!!
As Tanya says…..OK. And thanks.
I was gifted an iPod for Christmas and so thrilled to have found your Podcast. While I am late to your “dance”, thank you for the “music”. Just amazing. I have much to catch up on Brenda.
This episode was so full of emotion for me. Annie Modesitt’s interview was superb, and your monologue about the knitting industry and your decision to write more and podcast less often must have been a hard one. I shall look forward to the knitting scouts book, to reading more og your blog posts, and I will try hard to fimnd a podcast to fill in the weeks when you aren’t there. It will be all the more precious when you are.
Hi again from MN, Brenda! I was thinking overnight ~ during the period of sleeplessness ~ about the Interweave site & their patterns for sale. In fact, just last week, I found a pattern on there & pd for it & downloaded it onto my computer. Is it likely then, that the designer of this pattern gets zero of my $ for the purchase of this pattern? Indeed, perhaps changes in the industry are in order.
So glad to have found your pod…
Onward,
wen
I feel fortunate to have found your podcasts, my first experience of them, at Midwinter. You gave quite a powerful gift, that of acceptance and celebration of self and the knitting and living processes. With your new choice, I thank you for continuing to give what you can to podcasts. If I’m very lucky, perhaps I’ll continue to share your journey into writing. You WILL keep us posted on your progress there, I hope?
Thank you for smiles and belly laughs, wishes and hopes, and the feeling of a smaller world connected by knitted threads, cast on by us all.
Namaste
Brenda–
Thank you for this episode–wonderful from start to finish. I loved Elizabeth’s piece and hearing Annie’s actual voice. I love listening to your podcast because of your clear, independent voice, your willingness to reveal what is on your mind and in your heart, your humor combined with integrity.
Kathleen
Brenda, Thank you for the most beautiful episode. Annie’s interview certainly struck a chord within me. I am a faithful reader of her blog – and a fan of her knitting brilliance – but to hear her words were so powerful.
When you began to talk about money and the knitting community, however, I could not stop the tears that began to flow from my eyes. Greed certainly is an ugly thing – and to have that in the fiber industry is so painful. So, we can pay more to be a good steward of this earth? How does that make any sense???
I applaud your integrity – yet, with your announcement of only one podcast a month – my tears flowed even more. I am saddened beyond words, yet your decision is a statement that, hopefully, will sound a bell of warning in the knitting community and voices will raise up to change where this bus is going.
I raise my glass to you….
Brenda, thank you so much again for a wonderful wonderful episode. You don’t realize how much you have touched me with this particular episode.
Yes, your words ripple outwards. You inspire many many people. It is like paying it forward.
If you are ever in doubt again, or contemplate the meaning of this all, please know that you have done so much for me and many many others.
The meaning of “it” all, the meaning why we, you, me, all of us create, is because there is no other way. Artists, creative people, designers, musicians, painters, poets, writers have to create, have to perform, because there is no other way.
Brenda, thank you so much from the bottom of my heart. When you find grace in the work that you do, it graces this listener. And with that touch of grace, I am able to pass it on to others. Like a never ending ripple…
Brenda, decisions like yours are so difficult and while I will miss you so much during the in-between weeks, I also completely understand your decision. I first introduced myself in an email and told you I had recently been laid off and was doing a lot of soul-searching. The work I’ve been doing is not particularly creative and yet, I am a creative and spiritual person and long to do something creative that contributes to the “greater good.” I told you that I would love it if that creative endeavor could somehow be connected to the knitting community. But alas, I also need an income, and I just didn’t see it happening.
Your “Start as you mean to go on” episode inspired me enormously, though. I am still looking for a full-time position–something that I can live with, that will pay the bills and will cover benefits. But I am exploring starting my own side business–something that would use my knitting for the benefit of others. You’ll be happy to know that when I eventually do this, I really want to have a tie in with the Fair Trade Federation (http://www.fairtradefederation.org/). Once I have something more formal to announce, you can bet that I’ll be sending an announcement to Cast-On!
Thank you for inspiring me and giving me the courage to start as I mean to go on.
Hi, Brenda
Your latest episode was highly anticipated and enjoyable as usual. I don’t blame you for spreading out your broadcasts…I can’t imagine doing a weekly show and still having a life.
I notice you didn’t mention the fabulous artist whose guitar music you featured during the Annie Modesitt portion. Just in case you didn’t know, it was Billy McLaughlin, a Minnesota recording artist. (I’m also from Minnesota, and own several of his albums.) I believe the song was “Fingerdance”
Thanks for consistently putting together an amazing podcast!
Kathy
Brenda,
I must say I was SO sad to hear that you will be coming to us less often.
However, I am a new addict (yes addict but what a healthy addiction it is) to your podcast and tell at least one
if not two or more EVERY DAY about how AMAZINGLY inspiring your words and stories are
and how moving your music choices are to me each and every week!
So… you’ve begun my new year with much hope and many plans to “start as I mean to go on”
and I look forward to hearing from you soon again.
THANK YOU for not leaving us altogether and GOOD LUCK with your new endeavors!
Brenda, Of all the meaningful and timely podcasts you have put out, this is one of the most meaningful and timely yet. Thank you so much for having Annie Modesitt on the podcast and for discussing your own feelings and thoughts on the state of the knitting industry. This is a topic that has weighed on me recently, and I hope to blog about it myself soon, although I am not sure that I can add much more than yourself, Annie Modesitt, Miriam Felton and Jenna Wilson have already written and said. I just sent in a donation as a token of my appreciation for the podcast. It feels long overdue (the donation, not the podcast!) It is my little way of saying that I value your work, and also that I value my own. Whatever you do this year, I feel quite certain that you have truly started as you mean to go on (another great podcast) and will continue to do wonderful, meaningful, artistic things that bring joy to our lives. Thank you.
I can totally understand why you wouldn’t want the podcast to be your full-time job, although not necessarily for the same reasons. Wherever there is a lot of money to be made, businesses arise with no other interest than to get as much of it as possible, and knitting is on exception. What struck me about that part of the cast was that it called to mind my feelings about not having become a musician when I grew up. For a long time after I graduated from school, I felt like a failure for not having achieved what I set out to do in terms of my professional life. Then it dawned on me, as I went through a period of disliking my job and hating to go there in the morning – if I had succeeded in becoming a professional musician, there would have been days when I felt like THIS about THAT. And that would have been so sad. I’m better off now earning my living from something that I have no deep emotional connection to, and being able to just love the things I love for their own sake.
Is there an alternate download location? The link in this post, and the version in iTunes both are only 3 seconds long.
Lovely, as always, and bittersweet to hear of your decision, but I truly respect it, and you, and I will continue to look forward to your podcasts on the new schedule. Thanks so much for the great job you do.
iTunes recognizes the new file, so I replaced my first imported MP3 with Brenda’s updated (auto iTunes) file. 🙂 Happy happy!
One podcast per month!!! How will I manage? I’ve nearly caught up with the back issues and now I will have to manage with only one a month. Who will come on the dog walks, Brenda, if you don’t?
Brenda,
It’s gonna kill me, but I totally understand you reasoning, good luck with the other stuff, the end of the month is going to be a real treat!
Sarah
Hi Brenda- I am sad that you will not be weekly because I am selfish and well love the show. But I love that you are staying true to yourself. I couldn’t sell out either. And were you hinting at writing a book?!? I can’t wait! You are true inspiration. good luck with your farm house too.
peace
HI Brenda, Todays show is the first time I’ve listened to your podcast and I must say it was wonderful. Such thoughtful and inspiring things were brought up. I live in a rural area and have not found anyone to knit with yet, and I have only just found the podcast world. I plan to get caught up with everything you’ve done and hopefully that will help me as it seems to have helped so many others. Your decision I am sure was not an easy one. I wish you great luck in your endeavors. I’ll keep listening.
Thank you for a beautiful episode. I am heartbroken by both Annie’s story of the troubles with the knitting industry and your decision to pursue a slightly different path. Then to end with the melancholy sounds of Roddy Frame, whom I have loved since Aztec Camera, made the tears well up in my eyes. I will miss you in those inbetween times but look forward to your next podcast with even more yearning than ever. Please let your listeners know if there’s anything we can do to help you.
While I will miss your more frequent offerings, I will look forward to hearing from you monthly. I fully understand having to set aside something you love in order to make a living. I wish you well on your book endeavor, and will continue to check in for new episodes of the podcast. Many thanks for the wonderful word pictures you have painted over these 60 episodes!
Hi Brenda,
I was so moved by this latest podcast. I’m glad I didn’t hoard it like I have your other episodes and I listened to it the same week it came out. Your style, your sensibility, and your moral compass speak to so many of us. For each comment you get, I’m sure there are a thousand listeners who feel the same but don’t respond. The decreased frequency of your podcasts has only increased their value. I will look forward each new episode with much anticipation. Thank you.
Hi Brenda and fellow knitsibs–I just came across something interesting on Ravelry that reminded me of all of you. I decided to make my mom a pair of felted clogs for Mother’s Day. (No worries–although she’s a knitter, she doesn’t read blogs.) I’ve had my eye on that pattern forever, but it’s always been shifted down in my queue. My mom’s feet are always cold and I could see that being a year-round slipper for her, particularly since she doesn’t have much carpeting in her house.
Anyway, I was concerned about them possibly being slippery on the bottom (again, mostly hardwood and tile floors in Mom’s and Dad’s house). I didn’t want to give her a gift and worry that she might slip in them on her slippery floors so I searched Ravelry for non-skid soles for felted clogs. And I found the following from “runningstitch” on Ravelry.
“Hot glued pajama feet non-skid material to the bottoms of all my felted clogs. Easier, and if it wears down, I can just hot glue another one on. Plus, it doesn’t pick up any dust and chunks from the floor like puff paint or silicon caulking.”
Runningstitch, if you happen to be a Cast-on listener, thanks for the great suggestion. The leather soles that are sold are lovely, but they are potentially slippery, as well. For anyone else who is interested in non-skid soles, another Raveler painted lines of caulk on the bottoms of her clogs. Knitters truly are a creative bunch!
Brenda,
Thanks so much for all you hard work and wonderful pod casts!! As I will miss you, I am so Happy that you will not be leaving us altogether. Thank you for inspiring me and giving me the courage to start as I mean to go on. I have started school again after years of putting it aside for my family. I am persuing my dreams!!
Can’t wait to read the BOOK!!
Peace,
Tres
Brenda,
Your podcast this week was very touching and inspiring. I love your podcast and really appreciate the time and effort you take to produce it. It was very interesting this week hearing Annie Modiset talking about her end of the knitwear equation. It’s great that she’s talking about it with us because otherwise we would probably never know the problems. It’s very sad that magazines and publishers don’t want to pay knitwear designer’s a proper value for all their hard work. I hope they can all stand together to make their side of the business more profitable. It would be great if there was a knitwear designer’s union. Anyway, thanks again.
Sharolene
Marcia (comment #40), another good thing to do is use fabric paint on the bottom of your slippers. It’s cheap, you can be creative, and it’s very non-slip.
(Not to ignore you, B, but you know what I think of the podcasts and your decisions and that I totally support you.)
Hi,
Thank you for opening up about your existential struggles. I have gone through a very similar crisis this January where I was faced with the decision to continue my dream of being an Art Director and work on films, or find a full-time, grown up job to help support my beginnings of a new family (I’m a newlywed). I spent a day sobbing on the couch because I never wanted to be that person that gave up their dream, that would grow old and bitter about what might have been.
Finally, I wiped off my tears, did some honest soul searching, and discovered that of all the jobs I’ve had in the past 4 years, the only one I have truly enjoyed was teaching at a technology camp for kids. And the more I thought about it, the more it made sense to become a teacher. So I have started down that path, as I mean to go on.
Sorry for the rambling, but I wanted you to know that you’re not alone in this kind of decision and it takes a lot of courage to welcome this kind of change and the necessary upheaval in your life. I hope your new path is a smooth one.
Also, thank you very much for the Annie Modesitt interview. The issues she discussed are exactly why it is impossible for me to make a living in the film industry, and it made me sad to hear the knitting industry was the same.
Take Care,
Alexis
Brenda,
Please don’t take this as criticism, but only as input. (Much of this was also posted in the Brenda Dayne Fan Club on
Ravelry.)
I think you might not be giving us knitters enough credit. Of course, you have to do what feels right to you, but I think
we can discern the difference between what they want us to buy at what we want to buy – at least, most of the time.
When I go to my local bookstore, I know they will have displays of pens and bookmarks and cards and refridgerator
magnets near the register – they will also have thousands of books I don’t want to buy – but I sure am glad I have the
option of going to that store to buy the book I DO want. I don’t feel taken advantage of because they want me to buy
more than I end up buying.
Same way at my LYS, as well as Internet yarn sellers. Market at me all you want. Yes, I am supporting you, but you are
providing me a service, too — selection and availability for something I want. In fact, I even listen to a podcast that is
blatantly commercial, they list new and sale yarns every week. I’m not forced into buying them, but appreciate
knowing about them.
I totally agree that the fashion right now is to label things “green” whether they are truly good for the earth. But my
personal opinion is that yarn is a very teeny tiny part of the problem, compared to say, people drinking bottled water
(a have a friend who buys his, in glass, from Norway – and goes thru a case every few days!) or shipping food from
continent to continent, or a lot of other things. A bottle of water takes 10 minutes to drink: for the same 16 ounces you
could knit 4 pairs of socks, which would take weeks — or, if it’s me, being Turtleknits, about a year.
Yes, there may be a small proportion of us who don’t take the time to figure out that “green” is a marketing ploy, but I
think most of us will consider that it is what it is, and only buy the yarn if we balance out all the factors. Some of us will
also unravel old sweaters and buy yarn at garage sales – some of us won’t — but maybe will commute by bicycle
instead of by car. We all do what we can, and are constantly making choices.
I will support whatever decision you make – podcast as your primary job, or podcast occasionally, or not podcast. But
if you were to decide to have sponsors for your podcast, you aren’t forcing me or even encouraging me, as a listener,
to make choices that are bad for the environment.
Finally, I just want to say THANK YOU for your wonderful podcast. I have enjoyed it immensely from the beginning.
Vickie / Turtleknits
Hi Brenda,
I just wanted to say that I am new to your podcast and I love it so much! I am sad to hear that I will only be getting you once a month now, but I will be filling up all that free time with back episodes!! Thanks for all your hard work and I look forward to February’s podcast!
Brenda,
I hope this was in your newest blog, if not I apologize. I’ve been listening to old and new bogs as I redesign my website. I adored the visit to your barn. I loved it that you talked as you walked. I was with you seeing it all. Please blog some pix sometime. Maybe after it becomes yours. I do the same thing and attach myself to places I think I should be living. Good luck with the writing. I hope it is your path. Don’t forget your fans!
Rae
I am so glad you are going to continue. I don’t care how many or few podcasts you put out. All I care about is the inspiration to knit you give me and everyone else that listens to your voice.
Thank you for caring enough to go on. Thank you for starting as you mean to go on. Thank you for inspiring me to continue knitting even when frustration has set in.
Thank you.
Patricia
Your podcasts are so wonderful I am at a loss for words. And I thank you for each one of yours. 🙂
Happy Anniversary to you and Tonia tomorrow! 🙂
Hugs & Love,
Pax
Brenda, I will be sad not to hear you as often, but I so understand the reasoning behind your decision. It is quite clear. Lets say you were sponsored by a major spinner – lets call ’em ‘Rowdar’ or something 😉 – and Rowdar want to big up their new design competition on your show. The winning designer will get £50 and their design included in the new Rowdar magazinie. They tell you to announce this….and you say, ‘um….but £50 for a design that may have taken weeks to do? No way!’ and bang goes your sponsorship. More likely, with sponsorship, is that you just become less *free*….less free to run an interview with someone like Annie M, less free to criticise the pathetic amounts that test-knitters get from the spinners (another topic to investigate, maybe?), less free to speak your mind or allow others to speak theirs.
I am a freelancer, not a designer but a writer, and I have to work very hard to insist on a fair day’s pay for a fair day’s work. I am also regularly asked to do work that is wrong, or against my personal ethics, and I say no to it. I am freer that way.
(The following is a link to a very funny and true rant from a writer, but it could equally well apply to a designer…who needs to eat, FFS!!!)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE
Heather
Like many others, I regret I won’t be hearing you as often, but I surely understand and support your decision to find the right path. I really liked Annie Modesitt’s approach to artists / professional knitwear designers charging for their work. Of course it’s important professionals are paid a living wage!
Good luck in seeking your future path, and I look forward to hearing more about your adventures.
Susan Prince
Alta, Northern CA
Brenda,
Everyone has already said what I am thinking: THANKS for all you do to continue to create a community via the internet. I was hoping you weren’t leaving podcast-land, too. So I am very happy you will be paring down your podcasts to make it work for you. And I’ll be looking forward to your ‘last-Friday-of-the-month-podcasts like a new book being released. With gratitude, Diane, Bloomington, Indiana
Talk about ripples . . . As I scanned these comments, I could see how many lives you have touched. How wonderful! This particular episode inspired me in so many ways. I’ll not bother you with details (it’s all in my blog now). I’ve just entered the last 6 months of my 40’s, so “Start as you mean to go on” has a particularly poignant meaning for me. I’ve changed so many things about the way I do things and the order in which I do them. I am grateful for so many things, and hearing this episode at the exact moment that I needed to hear it was, for me, Grace stepping in, through your words and in your voice. Thanks for the nudge!
B-
What you said about the way the system is in the knitting publishing world really upsets me. A friend of mine got her first pattern published in VK and I hate to think about the lack of proper compensation she got, thankfully she is success with selling her patterns on her website and in LYS. When you discussed the lack of pay for designers when patterns are purchased for a price or free from the websites of these magazine it made me think of the current writers strike we are having in the states with the entertainment industry. It’s a bummer no new tv shows and movies are being written, but I support the real working people who bring us the magic of entertainment and have patience because I know it will come to an end. I would support knit designers if they were to do the same and think some type of guild or union would be great! Maybe we need a new magazine out there, By Knitters For Knitters?
I just signed up for the Sea Socks cruise and can’t wait to meet you then.
It’s groundhog day… happy anniversary to you and Tonya, Brenda..!
I remember how hard I cracked up when you explained what groundhog day was. How you would skewer the groundhog over an open fire and sprinkle it with lemon zest…
Brenda,
The Ripples episode was so wonderful! I’m so glad that you will continue to bless us with your wonderful writing and soothing voice. Your interview with Annie Modiset and her efforts to open up dialogue on fair wages were inspiring.
I’m very glad to hear you voice concerns about sustainability within the knitting/yarn industry. I have long thought that the drive to sell and buy more and more yarn is anti-thetical to some of ecologically friendly practices which some knitters espouse. Of course, selling and buying is what sustains the businesses that produce the yarn. But, I think that the drive to acquire more yarn should be tempered with an understanding and consideration of the environmental costs required to produce it and get it in your hot little hands. I would like to hear more on your podcast about some of these processes, e.g. chemicals used to make wool superwash, dyes, the real cost of acrylic (hint: it’s not $2.50 per skein).
Again, thank you so much. I love Cast On!
Thank you, Brenda, for all the thinking and work you put in each and every episode of your podcast and for starting as you mean to go on! I’m really glad to hear that there will be new episodes in the future and I have to admit, I like the concept of having only one each month. Don’t get me wrong – I LOVE your podcast, but there are so many others out there I also like to listen to. If every podcaster would post an episode each week, there is no way I could keep up with them and would (and sometimes am) probably listen to them on a hurry. I think in these days there is a lack of longing, because most of our (material) wishes can be fulfilled pretty quickly. I really like the concept of eagerly awaiting something and I will anticipate both your monthly episodes and the knitting scouts book!
Oh, and happy belated anniversary to you and Tonia!
Mate,
awesome episode! I’m getting into this dialogue on putting a value on your work (I had another convo with a masseur friend who has just put up her prices for the first time in two years- and ps one of her clients- an accountant- complained!!!!! she is still well below going rate for top masseurs)
if you are writing a book of “challenges” for knitters, I am keen as mustard. Good luck! I’ll be buying that one:)
I’m so glad that you have reached a podcasting/knitting level of comfort. I’m sad to know that you’ll only be out there once a month, but I’m so happy for you to enjoy what you’re doing. The episode was great and I can’t wait for all the future episodes.
Thank you, Brenda, for that thoughtful episode. I think you’re doing everything right. Really looking forward to your scouting manual 🙂
But, oh dear! How did I miss Groundhog Day?
kind of like the “today’s sweater” stash, i squandered my “cast-on” stash! i hurried up to get through them all so i could listen to the new ones as they came out. i just finished number 60 and there won’t be another til the 25th! waaaaah!
now that that’s off my chest, let me join the chorus of yay-sayers! you have made the decision you felt was best and while us spoiled brats will not like not getting our fix as often, we’ll get over it and support you whole-heartedly! also, thanks for the ‘ripple effect’ idea. i just started a ripple blanket for a baby and have a great idea for a card to go with it now! seeing as how i have reached the maximum number of exclamation points allowed in one comment i must leave you now. . .
yeah. what they said.
I’m sorry you’re cutting back, but I’m relieved you’re not leaving us. I appreciate your integrity and philosophies, in life and in knitting. You are an amazing woman, and I’m glad to have you in my life, as surreal and unreal as it is to “know” someone through a thing like a podcast.
Looking forward to a book… and hoping you will be as frank and honest and lovely there as you are in your podcast.
Thanks for your wonderful podcasts. I’ve been a loyal listener, and I feel like I’ve known you for years. I really appreciate your decision not to advertise, and I also enjoyed listening to the discussion about artists earning a living wage. This has always been a problem! I would love to see your podcasting efforts better supported through donations (maybe a fund drive is in order?) and I for one am pushing the button right now to donate $2/podcast for this upcoming series.
Brenda, you are amazing. Simply amazing. I will now publicly admit to ‘hoarding’ your podcasts…I hang onto them like the finest chocolate for moments when I really need them. Today I really needed them and this last one I think has healed whatever was ailing me today. I so admire your voice (the actual voice and the ‘writerly’ voice) and your strength of purpose. Thank you.
I just want to say Thank you for your time and effort! I will wait patiently for your next podcast.
best wishes
Thank you Brenda for your podcasts. I am truly inspired by your honesty, information and creativity. I am considering starting a knitting related business and found your thoughts in this episode to be very helpful. Thanks again for sharing your decision making process and for continuing to make podcasts! Cindy
BRENDA, YOUR EPISODE 60, “LITTLE RIPPLES” WAS EXQUISITE. IT IS NOT OFTEN THAT I READ A BOOK, OR HEAR A PIECE OF MUSIC, OR SEE A PIECE OF ART AND AM TAKEN ABACK IN SUCH A WAY THAT ALL I COULD SAY WAS “WOW”! “RIPPLES” IS AN AWARD-WINNING PODCAST FILLED WITH SOUL-STIRRING EMOTION AND RIPPLES OF INSPIRATION. MY WISH IS THAT IT COULD HAVE BEEN AIRED IN A MUCH LARGER PUBLIC FORUM AND ACCESSIBLE TO THE ENTIRE ARTISAN COMMUNITY. BE BLESSED, BRENDA!
I finally got a chance to listen to this episode today, and I was just floored. I had read Annie’s posts on her blog about the need for a union, but your interview brought out so much more, and it was so much more interesting. Couple that with your comments on your life path and views on the knitting industry, and it was seriously awesome.
I think it’s time for a designers’ union, but I think knitting teachers should be included, too. I rambled more about it on my blog today, but I really think that the needs of the two groups are linked. Teachers aren’t getting paid all that much, either, and standards are an issue. Teachers dabble in design, designers dabble in teaching (or more, actually), and we all need to band together to figure out how to get our needs met better.
And sustainability, now there’s an interesting issue. I live in Michigan, and our economy’s in the toilet. How do you sell yarn to people who are having trouble keeping their houses or paying for food? It’s an interesting question. Thanks for bending my brain a bit today and making me face my own biases. 🙂
Brenda,
I just recently discovered your podcasts about six months ago and boy have I have been enjoying them. I can’t believe the amount of work you must put in these podcasts and they are so professional. I work as a tax accountant, an attorney, and do the books for my subdivision so I basically work three jobs in addition to my house work and my family. I can certainly understand the need to make a living and the desire to do something that is more in line with your beliefs. I will take whatever you can do and enjoy that because this basically free with the exception of me buying some yarn from your sponser, Chris at Briar Rose Fibers every so often.
I know it was probably a hard decision and I can hear it in your voice, but remember god nudges us in the right path, somethimes a little slight nudge and others its a hard push. God must have some other plans for you.
So enjoy what ever podcasts you can get done and also enjoy your new project. And thanks again for the many fie memories and the enjoyment I have had over these past six months listening to the music, the essays, the patterns, stories about your families, and everything else.
From a newer listener and a knit sib.
I am so glad that you have found a way to keep yourself happy with what you are doing. I enjoy knitting, but that is not really why I listen. I love the way you entertain me and at the same time, inspire me to keep working towards what I believe. I know I will miss you, but I understand that you need to stick with your ideals and that is what keeps me listening. Thank you so much for what you do.
I’m sorry Brenda, I don’t agree with your podcast this time.
Placing magazines at a checkout is no more of an evil then placing Briar Rose ads on your website. If I really didn’t want to see that season’s new offerings and be tempted to buy, I wouldn’t walk into a yarn store at all. How are designers going to get paid a better wage if no new magazines or books are sold? It’s fine to be against out of control consumerism and marketing that is obviously sleazy. The examples you give seem like normal, up and up business practices.
I’m also very sad that it *sounds* like since your podcast cannot equal income, you almost called it quits. I can understand the many personal reasons people podfade. However, it really sounds like you almost did it *just* because you discovered that it wasn’t lucrative. As a long time listener, that bums me out. It’s great to get paid for your hobby if you can, but almost ditching us because it didn’t work out? Well, good luck, I hope you can make a living on your book deal.
You will NEVER lose your Mojo, because even if you think you have, we will listen to whatever you put out there! You’ve given us something and now we need it. To take it away would be to many of us, such a great loss. I’m not saying I don’t understand, but my fellow knitters who have started to read blogs but haven’t gotten ‘into’ podcasts yet – are told by me – there are only 2 TRULY worth listening to. Yours is number 1 on my list. I give out your podcast name regularly and I think that time will tell …there are still so many knitters out there who haven’t even ventured into listening for various reasons. Is it possible that over time this podcast could develop into something more lucrative? I don’t know how it all works – but your talent and background speak for themselves. I will be the first in line to buy your book at my bookstore. Ok, maybe not the first, but… know that we are all out here ready to support you – so you can keep on keeping on!
Brenda,
I am sorry you will not be podcasting as often, but I can understand where you are coming from.
I discovered your podcast shortly after my daughter was born. I was looking for something to do to keep me awake while nursing my daughter, I was very short on sleep. I had listened to a couple of podcasts once or twice, but did not know much about what was out there. I started poking around and suddenly realized “hey, there’s a podcast about knitting, cool!” My first find was knitcast, and cast-on was my second, and I went on from there. Now that my little one is an active toddler, I don’t have as much time to listen. I tend to listen in spurts and therefore don’t often comment. It seems silly to comment on an episode that is months old. This week I caught up on your show again, so I thought I’d leave a quick note to let you know how much I enjoy your show, however often you manage to put it out. I also look forward to checking out whatever writing you do!
On hearing that you were reducng the number of podcasts, my first thought was why do you not charge. The quality of your podcasts far exceeds many magazines and is much more personal. I for one would willingly subscribe.
However I am sure you must have talked about this in past episodes. Sorry!
OK, now I get it. I like listening to you because the same stuff bothers you as bothers me. The stuff Corporate World thinks is important seems to have less and less to do with helping people lead better (cleaner, healthier, happier) lives and more to do with “How much do you think we can get from them and how can I spend my millions in the most wasteful way?” Apparently we think too much.
I’ll miss your weekly (well, semi-weekly) podcasts but I am glad that you will still let us visit once a month or so (BTW I see my real sib, you know, same Mom and all, once or twice a year. Does that make us closer related?)and hope you can find a way to make a living doing what you love.
Love,
Your Knitsib
I had to laugh when you mentioned your father’s green and yellow scarf in your last podcast. My first thought was “cool, Brenda’s people are Duck fans!” rapidly followed by “don’t be silly, how many people are rabid Duck fans–they’re probably Packers fans” and then it turned out my first thought was correct so I was giggling at myself on the elliptical trainer like a dork. My folks are also rabid Duck football fans, and it’s a lot of work keeping them in green and yellow knitwear in just the right shades!
I do hope you keep up the podcasting–I enjoy listening!
Mic
Hi Brenda…so many people have said valid important things here that I have little left to add. Here’s the one additional thing: When I submitted an essay on green knitting to IK, the response the editor offered me was “cool, this is a great idea, but I have to check with the advertisers to see if I could run this.” Then the editor changed, and then and then…when my essay was published, it didn’t include some of my more pushy points. Like, be an activist at your local store when you can’t find the eco-friendly options that you want. Oddly, no one reviewed the changes with me, and I felt very disappointed when it came out. So, yes, I made some points IN a knitting magazine about making green choices for knitting…but I had to be satisfied with just some of the choices. Some is better than none, I guess.
Listening to your podcast today (late, I know) made me say, “Amen, sister!” I was so pleased to see you gave Annie a platform to say things we think need to be said, and even more, I knew just how you felt about this industry, and in making the hard decisions that allow the podcast to be BOTH positive and critical. It’s ok to be both. We need more of that. Thank you.
I guess I’m a big lurker, but I also have bad habit of letting episodes pile up until there are 30 or 40 episodes that I haven’t heard, then I put all of them onto my mp3 player. 🙂
Anyway, I was a little confused—if my LYS can sell more magazines by putting them next to the cash register–good for them! They’re a business! If my LYS can sell more yarn by highlighting green products—good for them! They’re a business!
It makes me a little upset when I think that people treat yarn stores and yarn store owners like public services. They are a business, not a privilige, and I frankly get tired when people have fits when they think that….Good God….maybe…possibly….my LYS owner….is trying…to…make…a…profit…and they might…even…be…studying…consumer…habits…to….learn…how…to….do…this!
I have listened to your podcast for more than a year or so and have learned a lot of things from it, made some interesting connections and I daresay purchases based on things that were touted here. Is it ‘wrong’ to sell this year’s color to the unsuspecting consumer? I like red. Sell me some fucking red! and then Caveat emptor. From our first purchases as children of worthless dollar trinkets that break in minutes, to our current Retail Therapy of the big fancy wooden skein winder we don’t need but can afford, democracies function on the rights of the seller to sell and the purchaser to buy. The open market. The force of that money is what drives markets and has put so much into the hands of knitters these last few years, things that my friend and LYSO says she would never have dreamed possible the first 20 years she ran her quiet dusty very non-remunerative business. She did not go into a yarn store business to make money. She does OK now, but it’s the first time ever she has actually made a profit. She refers to the change as ‘the Scarf years.’ The Eros craze. I have another friend who did go into the yarn business to make money, and she is a business woman with a business plan with a better location and long long long hours of availability- totally different approach than the first friend. She is doing quite well, but still has issues with health insurance and benefits, paying teachers, etc. etc. There are always quagmires in life, no?
Your approach to your podcast was more like the first friend, having things to say and wanting to share them, with some idea of what could be done to support it but not sure how to achieve it.
I believe more and more as I age, that you must do what you love. The money will follow. Most of us who move from hobby to professional do it through a side door, testing out our little offerings and then gauging the response before coming to realize it has a worth and sometimes a very significant worth. You’ve done this part, and been successful. Why then are you backing away just because you’re ahead of the curve on this one. I have played your podcast for a lot of my knitting friends and had to show them how to down load it. The whole MP3, podcast thing blows them away till you show them ‘push the arrow and it plays’. OHhhhhhhhh……so that’s how that works…….
The other thing I have learned in my 51 years is that there is a lot of success in just showing up. Often in that way, the servant becomes the master. Second guessing yourself, cursing the culture of retail is getting in your way and weighing you down. I’d really hate to see this end, but I think in your current frame of mind, that’s exactly what’s happening. You are talking yourself out of it.
I’m a huge fan of Annie Modesett, and Norah Gaughn and various other familiar knitwear designers. They function as designers on a very different level than say Ralph Lauren or John Galleono. If you want to hand knit for Fred Siegel or any upscale boutique, I can tell you first hand that they take great interest in original designs constructed well, first rate items that celebs and the wealthy pay big big bucks for, and that’s frankly where the money is. It’s a choice in which market you want to appeal to and work with. I will warn you tho, when you make it in blue and spend a long time doing it, somebody is going to ask for it in grey. You lose the autonomy of the art, and become the purveyor of a service. If somebody wants grey, and is willing to pay for it, they get grey. There are a lot more sharks in the water here, however. Change is essential as people who want to be on the cutting edge and willing to pay to be original will look for ‘different’ every time. Coming up with ‘different’ that is still original and quality is a huge challenge and very few designers hang in that arena over long periods of time. I think rather than cursing the compromises we all make to eat regularly, the wise woman accepts the challenge, embraces it AS a challenge and smiles while sitting up all night reknitting in grey wool. Smiles all the way to the bank, as it were. If you choose purity of art over pleasing a customer, then be prepared to be dignified, righteous and broke.
So why not go interview some hoi paloi boutique buyers in London and talk about knitting as an art, and a fashion? There are a lot of very interesting things out there going on that I for one would be very interested to hear about from that side of the pond. Who knows, you show them the numbers of your listeners and they may even pay for an advert to boot.
Hi Brenda,
This is Linda calling from Snowy PA with feet in two different times and seasons. Before I start summer and the camp series I feel compelled to let you know how much I have enjoyed your podcasts. I started listening with episode 59. I am fairly new to both knitting and podcasts. I was instantly hooked and very pleased with the thought that I could download all your previous podcasts so have plenty on hand, listening to one a week would hold me for quite some time I thought. Here it is only a few months later and only 9 podcasts have not been heard, enough to last me out the weekend, maybe. However, I am comforted to know there will be more ahead, ones that I will be in sync with time wise so can actually participate in the events you mention. Also I can and certainly will re listen. There is so much content in each of your podcasts – the care, time, attention and talent you put in is so obvious. What a great mix of shared knitting, thought provoking ideas, humor, music, life. Each one is a treasure, easily appreciated again and again. Thank you so much
Brenda,
I wrote you when you first started about the clapotis and where to find it. I thought I’d add my two-cents to the current thread, and tell you about what happened to that pattern with me. I discovered that I didn’t like the pattern. I got it about 1/3 worked, in a silk (I just don’t buy silk) thread, and there it has been sitting for over 2 years. I look at it occasionally. I decided this January to take it out and rip it out. I’ll use the silk for something else, I’m just not sure what yet.
Anyway, on the current thread regarding this podcast, I’d like to add that I’m glad you’re staying true to yourself. One commentor made the observation that we can’t control the retail industry, but we can and do, by purchasing what we wish to own, give or use with care and thought. I agree that when I want red, I want red. I don’t care to wear orange – like black and white, it makes me look sick. But my grandson looks great in orange. So I might purchase a little orange as well. By the same token, I won’t purchase anything with wool in it if it’s to go to my mother – she’s very allergic to wool. She breaks out in hives. That has to be painful.
So, my respectful request, if you have time with the book and all, is if you can locate some information on these “green” fibers. I know, for example, that bamboo is a fun fiber to play with and that it blends well with other fibers. But just how green is it? It is an incredible plant in that it grows fantastically fast. But how about the energy to process it and create the fiber the way they do? It seems almost as wasteful as acrylic at that point, which by the way, I’m not knocking either. Acrylic yarn is made out the waste products of the gasoline industry. Some acrylic is better than others, and certainly has it’s place in the knitting world. Where would we be if we didn’t have that tiny bit of nylon in our sock yarn? Or that certain amount of foxglove glitz to create the sparkle in our shawls?
I do agree that designers – any and all – should get paid fairly. And we as a general rule do not pay them enough. I just also wish that every sock that someone designs shouldn’t be labeled as “original” when all that has been done is that the stitch has been changed. That’s it, no difference in stitches, no difference in gusset, no difference in heel or toe. Just the stitch has been changed. By the way, I am a fan of Elizabeth Zimmerman’s simply because she makes sense to my brain. My mother has been saying the same things for years, and it seems to me that EZ is simply my grandmother (if she knit) saying the same things. Consequently, I tend NOT to purchase patterns unless there is an element I really wish to examine and experience. I tend to create my own designs, which is rather useful since (as in the case of socks) I wear a size that is not routinely written or designed for. I even had to redesign Cat Bordhi’s coriolis socks for myself! But I would still give Cat Bordhi the FULL price of the book she wrote.
So rather than write a book, I will end this by simply asking: Can you do some investigating on the so-called green fibers? How green are they actually? Wool seems to be the only truly green fiber at the moment, can you find me some others? And I’ve already explained that wool sometimes has a problem in my house.
Take care of yourself and Tanya. Be well and love the life you live. I do, thanks to my partner-in-life.
Brenda,
I admire you for shedding light on the behind the scene sometimes “Dirt” of the textile industry. I am a designer of textiles working in the carpet industry at the moment and I fully agree whith what both you and Anne M. said. Too often the majority of creative people ARE taken advantage of because they love what they do and are passionate about it. I have found it to be mainly a man’s industry but the creative driving force is usually women. I believe these issues must be brought to the forefront with the up and coming generation of crafters to be aware of. I also found your reference to “Norma Rae” brilliant, the textile industry in the US may be historically known for not paying a living wage but what does it say about us that we have gone from that to shutting down our own mills just to outsource textile goods (and others) from other countries who pay even less!
So, I support your decision to follow your morals and not go with the sponsors that you just don’t feel right about! Of course we can all make up our minds what to buy or not buy from advertisers but that’s really not your point is it? And one last thank you for bringing up the issue of marketing “Green and Sustainable” as “Luxury” just to charge more and just because it’s the buzz word of the moment. It’s so much more than a buzz word and I’m glad you shed some light on it. Best to you in your future endavors towards making, hopefully, more than a living wage! I’ll be listening to whatever you post, whenever…
Cheers~
I just discovered your podcast with this episode. Enjoyed every minute, until the part where I thought this was your last one. Very relieved to hear you will be continuing. I will put the time between new podcasts to good use catching up on the ones I missed.
I’m actually not to comment on the “controversy.” I think what needed to be said was said by you, Brenda, here and on the latest podcast, and by Annie Modesitt.
What struck me was Elizabeth Musselman’s story of her son’s sweater. The comparison between steeking and a c-section was inspired. Despite my best-laid plans for natural birth and later for a VBAC, I had 2 c-sections. Part of me is still very sad about that, but Elizabeth’s comments helped me to heal just a little bit more. I still haven’t steeked anything yet, mostly because I rarely work in 100% wool fibers, but hey, if I can survive 2 c-sections, surely I can steek a sweater.
Thanks Brenda, for all you do.
I love your show, Brenda! I’m glad to hear you finding a way to do what you love, even if it does not match your original vision of the podcast.
Brenda, I adore you and wish you success on your path. Your words are inspirational and since I found you, in January, I have listened and loved every podcast. My six year old son often listens with me and he adores you too. Mostly I think he enjoys the Addi-Turbo sound effect. I believe in artistic integrity and value your decision…but there is a selfish side of me that really wants a weekly (weekly, no less!) podcast, and urges me to beg shamelessly for you to devote everything you have to Cast-On, and to beg listeners to send you large sums of money to allow you to earn a living wage from podcasting. (Sorry I tried to rein in the selfish side, but it didn’t work.)
Peace and joy.
Um, when the placenta ruptures?! Does this woman know anything about her body? Seriously, screen these better. Other than that though, lovely show as usual. 🙂 Thanks.
Thank you so much for you and for what you do. The last two podcasts have really touched my heart and helped me gain a persepective on life that I needed. I am so lucky to have a job that I absolutely love–and with knitting to boot–what more can I ask in life? What joy you bring to your listeners.