Sponsor: I wanted to thank one of our sponsors for this week’s episode, Fiber in the Boro, Middle Tennessee’s largest Fall fiber festival. This one day festival is taking place on Saturday October 24th, with free admission and parking at the Rutherford County Agri-Park right off I-24. This is a wonderful opportunity to discover a wide array of special yarns, fibers, and spinning, knitting and weaving tools from fiber folks both local and all over the Eastern United States. Between the food trucks, yarn bus, classes on saori weaving, spinning, needle felting, natural dyeing, and twining, it’s an event that should not be missed. You can find more info at fiberintheboro.com or follow the festival on Facebook, Ravelry and Instagram @fiberintheboro.
Fiber folk: You can’t help but be mesmerized by the work of Allison Volek Shelton, founder of Shutters and Shuttles in Nashville, TN. The intricacies of the designs, the curated colors of the fiber she both dyes and weaves with…it’s a bit unbelievable. What’s even more intriguiging is hearing her journey of how she went from pursuing a life as a glass blower to herpetology to cupcakes and finally landing in the most serendipitous of callings…a textile weaver. You can find Allison at www.shuttersandshuttles.com and on Instagram @shuttersandshuttles.
Sponsor: I wanted to thank our other sponsor for this week’s episode Yarn, a sweet shop for yarn addicts, created by Sunni Scrivner in Eureka, California. Sunni’s love of color is reflected in her warm and shelfful shop. Her in-shop pattern line called, Sweet Shop Patterns is available in the store and on their website at yarn-fun.com, where you can also find information about classes and other special events, including their “Becoming a Better Knitter” series, with topics from Finishing, Reading Patterns, Seaming and Fixing Mistakes. Make sure to visit Yarn when in Humboldt county and follow along on Instagram @yarnfun418.
Man on the Street: For this week’s “Man on the Street” I asked the question, “What are you most looking forward to knitting, crocheting, weaving, spinning this fall?”. We had some great answers from Amy @urban_farm_wife, Hope @hopehawley, Colleen @seniorknitizen, Sonja @atreebytheriver, Christy @Kristi_sweetkm, and Nikki @woolenviolet.
Giveaway: The winners of last week’s giveaway, are Sherie Dodson, Jennifer Edwards and kimbuktu7. You’ve each won a Brookfield Shawl pattern kit from Sincere Sheep and designer Annie Rowden. Congratulations!
We have two giveaways this week sponsored by Fiber in the Boro and Shutters and Shuttles. We’re giving away 8oz of mixed BFL fiber in the Squash Blossom color way, from Fiber in the Boro. We’re also giving away two skeins of raw silk noil yarn in the color of your choice from Shutters and Shuttles. To enter this giveaway and be one of the three winners, leave a comment on this post.
Woolful KAL: Beginning October 1st we’ll be starting the Fall Woolful Knitalong which will be co-hosted by Knitterly. This time we’ll be knitting a pattern from Cecelia’s book, Sequence Knitting and the best part is that you get to pick the pattern! So make sure to pick up a copy of her book, which you can find in person or online at knitterly.net. As for what yarn to use? We’ll be putting together a list of suggested yarns, but this could also be a great opportunity to use some of the yarn from your stash or explore using a new yarn like this week’s guest Allison from Shutters and Shuttles raw silk noil yarn. So take a look and start dreaming of the perfect Fall project. We’ll share more details on the blog and podcast this next week. And for all those who have been so patient during this past month as we completed our move, I’ll be announcing the winner’s of last quarter’s Home and Away KAL this week.
Music by Jónsi.
96 Comments
Another great episode! Thank you for these podcasts! I am in France and Just started weaving And knitting. I am loving to listen to these inspiring fiber artists. There is a need in France for more information like you are offering. I am so lucky to speak english
I am all caught up on your podcasts now! Loved them all! Hope to win this weeks giveaway! ( loved Allison’s journey) at 58 I’ve had a lot of phases, I am grateful to have had the opportunity to dabble in fiber in many aspects! I always come back to knitting! Thank you again for all you do for us fiberistas!
please sign me up for the giveaway. The yarn is yummy!
Beautiful colors! That toffee just looks so warm and cozy.
That was so exciting! I am from Nashville and it was nice to hear a local topic on the podcast. I can’t wait for Fiber in The Boro in October! And I like the way you pronounced Boro, it’s way different than the locals.
Loved this episode and what a great giveaway! How lucky for whoever wins!
Lovely as always, thanks for the chance to win. 🙂
Thanks for another great episode. I usually forget about entering until the next episode comes out, so this will be my first time. Thanks for the opportunity.
That yarn and those colors look gorgeous. Thank you for another wonderful listen.
I always love learning about creative pursuits besides knitting, so thank you so much for this episode.
Delightful, as always. Wouldn’t mind running away to a week (or more) of intense weaving myself…
Loved the Nashville Spectacular between Shutters and Shuttles and Fiber in the Boro! I’d love to win some of the natural silk yarn, it looks so beautiful on Allison’s website. PS – Fiber in the Boro is great! I’ve been and will be going back this year!
What a wonderful and inspiring episode-as always!
Thank you for all the episodes you produce. I always look forward to listening to new episodes each week!!
I’m from Nashville so this episode was such a treat! Didn’t know about Fiber in the Boro until now though! 🙂
There have been so many times that I have doubted myself and though “maybe it is unrealistic to want to love what I do for a living, I should just be practical,” and I want to commend Allison for having the confidence and drive to keep seeking.
Thanks so much for featuring a weaver! It would also be great to learn about how papermaking fits in with some of the other fiber arts. Also, it’s great to find out about the great fiber resource and festival coming up near me this weekend. I will definitely try to visit.
Ps: if ever internationals are welcome i world love to be entered got the giveaway ! Thank you
I loved listening to this interview, and her textiles are beautiful!
Another fantastic episode! Thanks 🙂 🙂
Wow, such gorgeous work Allison does. She truly found her (for the moment, at least) calling! I just had to click over and see them while listening.
Oooh I love this podcast. Every week I hear of new yarns and designers!!
Definitely inspired to learn how to weave!
Oh, to get my hands on that fiber!
Thanks, again, for another wonderful episode!!
I just got into knitting and now I’m convinced more than ever to try my hand at weaving. The giveaway looks wonderful! Thanks for another awesome episode.
Love listening to your podcasts! They are so peaceful and inspiring. Thank you for the giveaway!
Really interesting to hear the background of the silk noil yarn! Thank you for another great podcast!
Wonderful and inspiring as always! Thank you for the giveaway!
agh- silk noil! Maybe the best texture on the planet. <3
Wow, giving up lizards for weaving? What was she thinking? JK! 😉
I love weaving! I am lucky enough that my local yarn shop, Bad Woman Yarn, does weaving classes! is Shutters and Shuttles where Karen Templer had her yarn dyed for her Fringe and friends kal 2015 vest?
Wow, that fiber is gorgeous, and Allison’s colorways are amazing! Soft colors yet still rich.
Each week I look forward to the new episode of Woolful as a great source of inspiration and encouragement. Thank you for sharing Allison’s story. I would love to get my hands on some of her silk yarn! The texture and color palette are gorgeous!
Loved listening to Allison’s story!
I was drooling over all her colors, trying to pick out only two for a Rockefeller Shawl.
Maybe if I win two skeins I can sneak in purchase of another two for a dream project!
I enjoyed yesterday’s podcast so much! I’m really interested in dyeing, and loved hearing Allison’s perspective on that side of the business. I don’t know anything about weaving, but her work is gorgeous and I loved hearing about her crazy way to coming into fiber from glass-blowing. Thanks, as always, for sharing!
Best,
Natalie
@oystersandpearls
Those dye colours are superb, I love the toffee especially
Always a favorite! Thank you, Ashely!!
Allison’s work is stunning!
I loved this episode!
Oh my, now that I’ve seen that silk noil yarn I will never be the same. I want to pet it and love it and give it a lovely home in a new weaving!!!
OH THANK YOU, THANK YOU!! How exciting to have won one of last week’s giveaways! I am so excited…this is my first time ever winning a yarn giveaway! Thank you so very much!
Great episode and very inspirational, however, Lots of credits to Allison’s parents who were able to support her in the journey 🙂
Great episode! I don’t know anything about weaving, though I’m thinking about asking for a tiny lap loom for Christmas so I can do a bit of experimenting. It was interesting to hear Allison’s story.
Such lovely fibers this month! Great podcast as always!
What would I do without Woolful every week?? Yet another amazing story, thanks Ashley!
I loved listening to this podcast- it’s so refreshing to hear that I’m not the only one that has tried her hand at more than a few careers! I have admired Allison’s work for some time- she is an amazing artist!
Fascinating interview – and I just love the colors of the yarn. I especially admire the persistence to find a source for the beautiful silk.
This interview was again inspiring, listening to a crafter who made her passion into her job/business.
Loved hearing a weaver’s interview. Thanks for all your hard work on the podcast!
I liked this week’s (wo)”Man on the Street” perhaps best of all, as it spurred my imagination on to more and more knitting. . .
I am so in awe of Allison’s work and have been a big fan of her for a while. So happy that she was featured on the podcast! Excellent interview, as always!
as always, I love listening to your newest podcast. I always learn so much – thank you!
This episode has really inspired me to start using my loom again. As soon as my remodel is finished, I’m getting my loom out of storage and re-learning how to warp it (it’s been many years). Thanks, Ashley, for another inspiring and informative podcast.
What a great giveaway! Your podcast always inspires me to do more knitting 🙂
Another great episode! I love the Sequence Knitting book. Can’t wait to get my copy!
In love with Allison’s work and excited to know she supplies designer Elizbeth Suzann! So beautiful and so inspiring.
Allison’s work is such an inspiration. Great to hear the story behind the beauty.
Such beautiful fabric! And another great episode.
Another wonderful episode and give-away!
Great episode. I look forward to listening every Tuesday on my way home from work. Thank you!
Another lovely episode. The yarn that Shutters and Shuttles make looks so lovely I’d love to win this giveaway!
This podcast, a recent discovery for me, is so great. I’m working my way through back episodes. I guess I can’t win those giveaways but maybe I can win one of these. Thanks so much!
Love your interviews! I learn something new every week and love being introduced to so many gorgeous yarns .
Another very interesting podcast- a weaver, after my own heart! Thanks for the chance to win a great giveaway too.
Do you notice a theme? We love your podcast!!! Thank you & keep them coming. I took weaving in college & felt a kindred spirit with Allison. Her yarn would be fun to play with ☺️
I love your Instagram too – for those who haven’t found you it is so fun!
Yours in yarn & stitches,
Sandra
Another interesting and inspiring episode!! Thank you for the podcast and for the chance to win!
Ashley, you are a wonder to this community! Thank you for introducing me to a whole new world!!!
I LOVED this Episode of Woolful! I listen to your show regularly because I learn so much and really enjoy hearing the ‘Stories’ of other fiber enthusiasts. I am a beginner spinner and dyer but weaving is my passion so when I saw you were interviewing Allison I was over-the-top excited to listen!!! Not only do I live just outside of Nasville but I also belong to the Nashville Handweavers Guild and have met Allison!!! I am SO proud of her and look forward to following her progress in the Fiber World!!!! Ann Marie Mullen
What a delightful episode! From glassblowing to weaving……..who knew? Love all your podcasts. <3
Loved the episode loved hearing another free spirited artist journey especially one who came to create in my home state!
Always love seeing Alison’s pics on Instagram. Her work is beautiful and now I know more about her. Thanks for the giveaway and the great podcast!
I just love the idea of handwoven textile being reintroduced to handmade and small batch designed clothing!
Another great episode. I enjoy your podcast very much and I get lots of inspiration from hearing all of the stories, not only from your guests, but from your “Man on the Street” segments as well. I soon have to try my hand at podcasting (with a completely different subject) but yours will be one I look to. Thanks!
Thanks to Allison for sharing her story and her inspiration to find what we love and do it, and to Ashley for interviewing Allison for this episode. These podcasts are full of surprises and are wonderful listening.
Really enjoyed the podcast! It was so interesting to hear Allison’s story. Thank you!
Great podcast. You really rock! Silk yarn? Yummy.
Thank you so much for making my Sunday outdoor knitting time a joy. Your podcast encouraged me to be more mindful about my knitting, to enjoy the act of crafting fabric from something as simple and beautiful as string. Textiles and fashion have been such an important part of my life for so long and thanks to amazing podcast like Wooful, I see that I am not alone.
Once again, you’ve delivered my weekly dose of fiber-y inspiration! I look forward to listening so much.
I love hearing how people find their way into fibre and I can’t wait to hear more! Thank you Allison for sharing your story.
I’ve been following Allison’s adventures on Instagram for some time. Her passion and dedication are inspiring. I just love her work.
Catching up on all the old episodes of this podcast has filled the knitting void for me I just don’t know what I’ll do when I’m all caught up!
I love to listen to the podcast each time and this episode was great! I inherited a loom this month and would love to learn how to weave.
Another interesting podcast about the journey to finding meaningful work. Thanks so much!
Ugh, listening to this podcast makes me teary eyed with homesickness… :’) Would be awesome to win a bit of Nashville!
Oh the colors in that fiber are almost exactly what I think of when I think of Autumn. Gorgeous!
Another great episode and such gorgeous work Allison does. So glad I clicked over to see her work while listening.
I am always so excited to listen to every new episode! And thank you for the great giveaways!
love, love, love!
Only recently discovered the podcast and am finding it very educational. Thanks for all your hard work.
Listened today, and Allison’s work is gorgeous! Thanks for sharing your story!
I have thoroughly enjoyed every podcast so far. Keep ’em coming! 🙂 The give-away’s are also great! Thank you!
Wow, I cannot imagine the amount of work put into weaving these fabrics! Amazing inspiring job..
The yarn is so lovely as well. I’m crossing my fingers I win!! 😀
I love listening to your guest’s journeys. It just reinforces my belief that the journey never ends. Hope to get to hold some of that glorious fiber in today’s giveaway.
I am almost caught up. I can finally begin to participate for your giveaways.
I think I have a major girl/fiber crush on Allison…. I can’t stop looking at her beautiful work. Definitely going to invest in something. Just need to decide what…. those blankets are all kinds of gorgeous though!
Love listening as always Ashley. Keep doing your thing. You’re doing so much for the fiber community and it’s awesome.
xo
Isn’t it wonderful how global knitting is, like a universal language. Thanks for another great episode!