Welcome to Farm & Fiber Knits—the Magazine!

Telling the Stories

Across continents and cultures, humans make yarn from fiber and transform it into functional and decorative textiles. Over centuries, styles of knitting and motifs have arisen in many parts of the world. The Farm & Fiber Knits team envisioned a lush print magazine that takes readers on a journey to explore some of the traditions that thrive today. We wanted the magazine to be visual, of course, full of photos that make you feel like you are there—or inspire you to plan your next knitting trip. We wanted to delve into the stories behind the fiber production and knitting traditions of these places, discover what makes each one unique, and offer patterns inspired by these stories.

How did we choose what to include? It wasn’t easy! When we were planning this special edition of Farm & Fiber Knits, we noticed that many knitting traditions have developed on islands. Legendary designer Alice Starmore shares how the landscape and knitting culture of her island home in the Outer Hebrides inspire the fantastical yarn tales she and her daughter, Jade, tell. We visit the island nation of Iceland, long a favorite knitting destination, to learn what makes Icelandic wool so unique and the lopapeysa so iconic. Designer and Shetland native Gudrun Johnston takes us on a woolly stroll through her landscape and heritage. And in the United States, we venture to Maine to visit the hardy, solitary sheep of Nash Island.

Off-island, longtime friend Meg Swansen takes us to Austria to learn about the origins of twisted-stitch knitting—and provides a chance to try it out. The richly cabled Aran-inspired pullover on the cover accompanies a yarn about Donegal tweeds and heathers.

On the Farm . . . or Off

Modern fiber farmers share some of the realities, challenges, and rewards of fiber production and sustainable agriculture as we visit a working farm. And finally, the Farm & Fiber Essentials collection offers six practical and enduring styles to knit for your own life on the farm—or wherever you find yourself.

We hope you enjoy the journey!

—Karin

Subscribe today to receive the inaugural print issue! Check out the patterns from the issue in the Library.