Sponsor: Taproot Magazine, is a quarterly print magazine full of delightful stories and photos written by and for people living fuller and digging deeper. Each issue is created around a subtle theme, featuring amazing recipes, crafts, and tales, all with the intention of inspiring people who are interested in deepening their connections to their families, communities, and themselves as they strive to live locally and closer to the ground. The content in each issue consistently blows me away. It is fulfilling and inspiring. I was thrilled to find that the most recent issue Shelter had a yurt on the cover, being that we just finished building our own yurt. This morning I laid in bed after having spent our first night in the yurt, reading this issue and soaking up all it’s goodness…for the head, heart and hands. You can visit Taproot Magazine online at Taprootmag.com and on Instagram @taprootmag.
Fiber folk: Like many of you, I’m a lover and supporter of Quince and Co yarns and all that goes into bringing this amazing brand to our fingertips. But many of you might not know the man behind the scenes. Ryan Fitzgerald is an integral part of what Quince and Co is today, working alongside his mother Pam and their incredible team to provide some of the most compelling pattern and yarn collections. His journey is a unique one, from environmental and political studies to architecture and then finding himself increasingly invested in Quince and Co. You can find Ryan at quinceandco.com
Sponsor: I want to thank Taproot Magazine again for sponsoring this week’s episode. Right now Taproot has a special holiday pop up shop featuring goods from some of our favorite makers. From wooden bowls and planters to screen printed and paper goods. I highly recommend taking a look at taprootmag.com and helping support all these amazing makers and Taproot who has brought them all together.
Woolful Knit-a-long: And if you’ve seen the latest issue of Taproot, Shelter, then you know of the most recent pattern from Carrie Bostick Hoge, the Portland Pullover, designed in Brooklyn Tweed’s Shelter yarn. I’m in love with the elegant yoke of this design, and it’s neckline. So much so that starting January 1st I’ll be hosting the next Woolful knit along featuring the Portland Pullover. I’ve ordered my yarn today and I hope you’ll join me in the New Year, rewarding yourself with some selfish knitting after the holidays. I’ll share more on the blog in the coming week. And if you don’t already subscribe to Taproot, visit taprootmag.com to subscribe or grab the latest issue Shelter which is where you can find this pattern.
52 Weeks of Wool: I have an exciting new project starting in January, 52 weeks of wool. Each week I’ll be hand spinning a new wool breed from a fiber flock from here in the US or abroad, and sharing my experience through photos, on the podcast and in a blog post. My goal for this project is to handle as many different types of wool as possible, and share a bit about each farm and flock that the wool comes from, helping bring light to many sheep breeds and producers. If you have a flock, fiber farm or know someone who does, I hope you’ll consider joining me on this project by sending me a small tuft of fleece to spin. If you’re interested, shoot me an email at hello@woolful.com.
Update: And for those of you who listened to last week’s episode, you know that we are in the process of insulating our yurt with wool insulation from Montana Green Insulation, which happens to be last week’s guest. The 500 + lbs just arrived and we’re gearing up to spend some long days under the yurt insulating the flooring. We’ll eventually also add a second layer of insulation to the walls, but for now insulating the flooring will help us the most. Stay tuned as we share more of our process and the results.
Giveaway: The winner of last week’s giveaway is, Lissa Zambo. You’ve won the most recent issue of Taproot magazine and two gorgeous skeins of handspun Polwarth, mohair and silk yarn and the Groh shawl pattern from Boho Chic Fiber Co. Congratulations!
This week’s giveaway is sponsored by Taproot Magazine and they’re giving away a two year subscription to Taproot. To enter this giveaway, leave a comment on today’s episode’s blog post.
Music by Jónsi.
106 Comments
Happy holidays, Ashley! This episode will keep me company as I slowly make my way out of DC tonight. Thanks for a wonderful year of content, and here’s to the next!
What a beautiful sweater! I just ordered an issue of taproot. It looks like a great magazine!
That would be a very nice subscription to win. Good luck everyone
Just stumbled across your blog and podcast – it’s lovely – a feast for the eyes and the heart.
Oo, Taproot….How cool.
Happy holidays, everyone!
Oh man, I love Taproot! Would love to win!
Love Quince and Co. and Taproot. Hope everyone has a safe and happy holiday.
Taproot is so lovely, thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
I’m so glad I’ve discovered your podcast. Your thoughtful interviews with interesting folks from the fiber industry is exactly what I enjoy in a knitting podcast. Thank you for your efforts.
A two year subscription? Like I could say no to that!!
I’m loving that sweater pattern too! Thanks for sharing another wonderful interview.
Happy Holidays! As a fan of Quince and Co., I really enjoyed your conversation with Ryan Fitzgerald (and with Pam Allen, for that matter)! Thank you for delivering such a wonderful podcast!
Trying to cut back on my book and magazine purchases in 2016, so the subscription to Taproot would be appreciated, especially as I’ve yet to get my hands on a Taproot issue!
So excited to learn more about Quince. And very generous of Taproot!
Thanks for another great podcast, I’m listening while making fudge as a last-minute Christmas gift. Good luck with the insulation.
Thank you for your wonderful podcast. Looking forward to your adventures.
Would love to win! I so enjoy listening to these podcasts.
Your podcast has been a lovely gift this year. Time to take a breath, learn more about this wonderful industry, and to build on my interest in US yarns. I have just purchased my first, all-US yarn (Heirloom Romney) and am just in love with it. I thought such yarn was just “scratchy” but that only shows my ignorance and fear. But no more, it is a dream to work with and I am so looking for the resulting sweater. Quince has also been on my list and there are so many beautiful patterns that would highlight the yarn.
Please include me in the Taproot giveaway. This is another resource that I have learned more about through your podcast and would love to read.
Merry Christmas.
It was fun to hear Ryan’s side of the Quince & Co story. Thanks as always for a great podcast.
Love this. Thank you so much. 🙂
I really enjoyed hearing a story of a man who doesn’t knit. I was waiting to hear how he finally casted on but nope lol. Thanks for the opportunity to win a subscription to taproot. Happy holidays and happy new year!
I love your podcast and all that you are doing. The opportunity to win a subscription to Taproot is such a lovely gift. Wishing you and yours very happy holidays and a new year filled with many blessings.
Thank you for this episode! I love Quince and Co, plus they are based out of my home state of Maine. 🙂
Merry Christmas!
Love your podcast! I enjoy hearing of your yurt adventures and can’t wait to hear more! Merry Christmas ❄️✨ thank you Taproot Magazine for the awesome giveaway and all you do absolutely love your publication!!! Can’t wait to see what this new year brings with you both! Thank you!
Absolutely love Taproot. Loving what you do and learning about all your adventures.
What a wonderful prize! I have been a subscriber to Taproot for 3 years now and don’t see my life complete without it!
Me, too! I adore Taproot! And your yurt is amazing, it must feel quite thrilling for you all to be on this path of life. Congratulations for all you have done and all the best for the new year!
Joanne
Another lovely episode. Thanks so much, it’s always so inspiring. I hope you have had a lovely Christmas.
Woolful is a wonderful podcast and Taproot is exactly what I want to be reading right now.
Happy holidays to you and all your people, dear Ashley!
Thank you for your lovely and informative interviews and posts.
Can’t wait for your report on the insulation.
Love and peace!
Another great episode! So many of these podcasts make me proud to be a Mainer.
Creative minded people… love the magazine and resources it provides! Thanks!
Great episode and LOVE taproot!
I was just getting ready to sit down with my issue of Taproot and decided to check in with you first. Another excellent podcast! But what I loved most was the peak at the inside of you yurt! Yay you and yours for making dreams come true. regards,
So interesting to hear from Ryan’s perspective about the business. I was also thinking about what it’s like to move into your new home right before Christmas. That’s what we did on the 23rd, twenty years ago, with one small child. Such memories we have of our first tree here surrounded by boxes and so many projects. Makes me smile.
Ohhh, I’d so love to get a subscription to Taproot. As for Quince & Co., I hope they don’t change! I’m currently knitting myself a Hitofude out of their Finch yarn.
This was a really good episode! For some reason I just love it when you feature men in the fiber business, I think it’s a nice departure from an almost exclusively female community. It’s nice to hear how diverse the fiber community can be. I also think Taproot is a very thoughtful and genuine publication, a rarity these days. Good Work!
I would love a chance to work with them. They have an amazing company. Thank you for providing more interesting interviews. Another great one.
I love that knitting and what it entails really is a generational love; something that become part of the fiber of your being. It was so interesting to hear how that manifested itself at Quince.
Wonderful giveaway; yes, please!
Great episode and very generous giveaway!
Merry Christmas!
Juliaknit on Ravelry
Thank you for another great interview! And what a wonderful giveaway! I love Taproot!
Several months ago I tried to find a copy of Taproot magazine, but there were only 2 places in Chicago that were listed as having them, and neither were nearby. Chicago is a very large city after all. I’ve heard great things about the magazine. It’s a shame it’s so hard to find. Thanks for another great podcast.
I’m really enjoying this podcasts! Taproot is a wonderful mag…thanks for the chance to win.
Great episode, I keep saying…
Great episode! I love Taproot.
Greetings Woolful – I learned of your podcast at a craft show a few weeks ago while purchasing Lopi fiber from #greenbowfarm. Am really enjoying your archive episodes!
I have had this episode waiting for me and the web page open ready to read along as I listened since it dropped a few days ago.
Every time I have opened my web browser I would catch a glimpse of that sweater and it’s simple beauty would stop me just for a moment before I continued on.
I’ve been hemming and hawing over buying the tap root magazine since the exchange is killing this Canadian girl. But I can’t resist now, I’ve already ordered my issue and I can’t wait to cast on.
A lovely gift, beautiful magazine!
I really enjoyed this episode and hearing a bit about you! Love taproot and that portland yoke! thanks for the great podcast.
Lovely as always to get to hear from the fiber folk you bring us. Thanks always for what you do. Taproot is not known to me but sounds like a fabulous resource.
My favorite gift this holiday is discovering Woolful. Thanks for another insightful podcast. ..fascinating background on Quince and Co. , (just got their knitting pattern book!). Also reminded me of the good people at Finger Lakes Woolen Mill, our local fiber mill. Off to get a copy of Taproot so I can prepare for the KAL!
I can’t wait to listen! I received this issue of Taproot for Christmas and I am very in love!
I had never heard of Taproot before your podcast. Would love to get to see every issue for two years though!
Your episode kept me company while I finished my holiday sewing. The projects are done, and will make it to everyone by New Years for sure. I’m looking forward to checking out Taproot. Good luck with the insulation project. It’s been fun to watch your progress.
Love Taproot- and my subscription just ended!
What a beautiful episode – and what a wonderful magazine. This is like a whole load of treats in one wonderful package! Thanks for the opportunity….
Loved the podcast as usual :). Good luck with the insulation!
Thanks for another great episode. I do so enjoy learning about all the fiber folk. Taproot has been in our home since the beginning and I am due to renew soon. It would be lovely to win another two years! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
Have so much fun stuffing your floors! I’m so excited for you to have wool beneath your feet!
Taproot is such an amazing publication, I’ve been subscribing for two years and loved every single issue and articles so far <3
Just picked up the recent Taproot a couple weeks ago, and the Portland Pullover is at the top of my queue! Can’t wait for the KAL, that’s perfect timing. 🙂
Ryan made the best choice in occupations!
Thank you for presenting Taproot! I didn’t know it existed but now I want to know more.
Happy New Year to you all.
asteride on Ravelry
Wow! Taproot seems like an amazing yarn. Can’t wait to try it!
really enjoyed listening after the bustle of the holidays- thanks and looking forward to more wooly goodness in the new year!
Hi Ashley! Thank you so much for sharing your passion and inspiring listeners like myself to follow their dreams of fiber farming! I am so happy and grateful that I have these wonderful podcast interviews to reference and learn from as I begin planning my future. You’re a treasure!
Would love a subscription, what a lovely giveaway – and of course, another wonderful podcast episode! Cheers, Kristin
This was the first podcast I’ve listened to from your site, as I’ve just discovered you! Taproot magazine looks wonderful, I would definitely love a subscription. If I don’t win I may need to add it to my Christmas wishlist for next year
Love to hear the fiber story you’ve picked for us this time.
I’m always pleased with the timing and connection of these posts – I’m just about to cast on for Agnes by Melissa LaBarre, which recommends using Q&Co Puffin. Unfortunately, I couldn’t find it locally (WAH!) so I had to make a kind of poor sub. I am pretty jazzed to learn more about Q&Co! Taproot, with the exchange, is a lot, but something I’ve been wanting for a while now. It may just have to be next year’s Christmas present.
I always love to hear more about Quince, they’re the best! Thank you as always for a great listen!
I am hopeful my comment makes it into the running to win a subscription to Taproot; but if not, I am happy to just tell you how much I am loving your podcasts. I recently discovered your podcasts and am looking forward to “catching up” on all the episodes. Keep up the great work!
Looking forward to some quiet time during these busy days to listen to this episode. Thank you for such a wonderful podcast.
I would LOVE a subscription to Taproot! As a small business owner that features only handmade goods and encourages crafting of all sorts, I’m SO excited to find out about Taproot. Thank you!
Natalie
@maidensouth
@oystersandpearls
Ravelry: oystersandpurls
What beautiful colours of Quince and Co. in these photos!
Happy belated holidays!
I can’t wait to listen to this episode. 🙂 And I love Taproot magazine!
Taproot looks fascinating, I have not had the pleasure yet. I love your blog and am looking forward to more podcasts.
I love Quince & Co. so I really enjoyed listening to this episode of the podcast. Taproot looks like a very interesting magazine. Happy New Year!
This podcast always teaches me something about my favorite passion. I love it so much.
What a fascinating podcast! I can’t wait to go back into the archives to hear more!
Great podcast! Thank you for sharing with the world
Love Love Love your podcast – it is my joyous bit of serenity on the drive home after teaching teenagers all day. And I’m so excited that we’ll get to read more about your ranch/life/learning this year! It is inspiring – of creative pursuits, of deeper thoughts on my own life, of wonder, of smiles – to follow your journey. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.
Also love Taproot magazine – so fingers crossed! 🙂
I really enjoy every episode. I have not heard of Taproot before, I will have to check it out!Thank you for all of the work that you put into each episode. I have learned so much and shared what I have learned with others (and they aren’t fiber friendly folks!) I chat about my knitting, my American fiber and tell people about the resurgence of American fiber and mills, jobs and AMerican fiber means American sheep which leads to American pastures and protected green spaces. So happy I found you!
Thanks for another Episode!
Just listened to the podcast. Loved hearing about Quince and Co and the changes happening there.. Would love to read Taproot Magazine. Thank you.
Thanks for this interesting episode. The comments about working with a family member resonate.
I loved hearing about Ryan’s journey and how he finally made it to Quince. What a lucky break for Pam Allen, having her son being closeby and doing such marvelous work for her and her company. But yes, having been raised in a family business family, I do recognize the ‘tensions’.
Thanks for another great episode.
I loved listening to both Pam and Ryan’s interviews back to back. What a wonderful match-and the result is wonderful yarn and thoughtful, beautiful patterns. I just bought Taproot for a friend of mine and wanted to keep it myself! Thanks for the opportunity!
I just discovered your podcasts recently and I have really enjoyed. I greatly appreciate your interview style. It has been fun to learn more about the fiber industry through the podcast format. I can knit and listen at the same time. Happy New Year!
Thank you for another wonderful episode! I hope your many layers of wool keep you well insulated. Happy New Year!
I’m so enjoying your podcast and this episode was no exception. I have some Quince & Co yarn that I have yet to knit up. That’s on my 2016 list to do. I love following along with your adventure. The yurt looks lovely!
I was just introduced to Taproot and it’s lovely! I am pretty sure I need to subscribe:)
Is it too late? I would love to spend some time being inspired by Taproot. Happy New Year.
Happy New year! Can’t believe that I’ve missed this episode over x-mas break! But totally love it! Definitely the best pullover is Portland!
I love learning more about my favorite yarns and the people behind them. Taproot mag is one of my favorites!
Lovely!! Thank you for giving us the chance to win this!!
Today is my first day back at work after the holiday break…and I have to say I was looking forward to it simply because I listen to this podcast while working. I saved this episode and didn’t listen while at home, just to have something to look forward to.
Lovely podcast! I was wearing my first knitting project while listening, a scarf made from Quince & Co yarn!
Can’t wait to listen to this one. I really enjoyed KnitFM and so looking forward to learning more about another part of Quince.
❤️ Quince and Company! Thanks for another magical podcast! xx
I really enjoyed this episode. I love knitting with Quince yarn, and now I want to move to Portland!
Happy New Year 2016! I have found your blog and been listening to your podcasts since last year but been a bit shy to enter any giveaway as I don’t live in the States. But would Taproot perhaps ship their magazine to Scotland? 😉
Have a great year ahead!
Oom from @HandDrawnYarn
Best wishes for 2016! I discovered your blog pretty recently through Tif Fussell and have enjoyed listening to many podcasts since. They are so interesting and inspiring! I also loved hearing more about Quince & Co. I have been working on a pattern of theirs with the Sparrow linen yarn and can’t wait to (one day) finish it. Also as a long-time reader of Soulemama, a subscription to Taproot would be the bees knees (if they’ll ship to the Netherlands that is)!! Thanks so much for sharing and inspiring!
Love listening to your podcasts. It was neat to hear about all the ways people get involved with wool, be it the fiber or the number crunching 🙂 I am also happy to hear that you are in your yurt and in the process of putting more wool insulation in! I loved the podcast about that insulation as well. Taproot magazine sounds so interesting.