The SweetGeorgia Show

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia sits down with Charlotte Lee, who has been part of the SweetGeorgia family for more than 10 years. From dyeing our yarns and helping keep the studio running smoothly to carefully checking every skein that leaves our doors, Charlotte is an essential part of our team. She is also the designer of the beautiful Hebe Sunset Scarf, the pattern so many of us are knitting together this summer in our Summer Spectra Knit-Along. In this conversation, Charlotte explains that knitting is never just about the finished object. It is about gathering with friends to crochet, share a cup of tea, and create together. It is about building community and making everyone who walks into the studio feel welcome. Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e12-charlotte-lee/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia has a conversation with Kim Werker about books for makers, how things are made, and why that matters today. Kim returns to the show to share her journey of building Nine Ten Publications, an independent Canadian publishing house, from the ground up, devoted entirely to creativity. With a funding model that challenges traditional publishing, she is deeply committed to supporting Canadian voices and making books the right way, even when it is the harder path. She is also one of Felicia’s longest friends, which makes this conversation all the more special. Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e11-nine-ten-publications/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia sits down with Mary W. Martin, a Toronto-based designer who has developed three truly original knitting techniques. These approaches offer entirely new ways of constructing fabric with yarn and needles. She is the creator of Fusion and Fission knitting, which produces two completely distinct and beautiful sides of knitted fabric, and she is also developing a third technique called woven knitting. In this podcast, they discuss these techniques and have a thoughtful, engaging conversation about her work. Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e10-mary-martin/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia sits down with Tracie and Jodi, the sisters behind Grocery Girls, to talk about their journey from casual kitchen table chats in Edmonton to building a vibrant global knitting community. They share how it all began, what has shaped their path, and why connection remains at the heart of everything they do. Together, they celebrate the people and relationships that make this craft so meaningful. Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e9-the-grocery-girls/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia speaks with Daryl Lancaster. Together, they discuss what it means to use handwoven fabric in garments, share their knowledge and connect with the community. Their love of exploring creative curiosities is inspiring! Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e8-daryl-lancaster/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia speaks with Melissa Goulet, most commonly known in the fibre arts as Melly. Together, they speak about their love of raw fibre, sheep breeds, spinning, and exploring blends through fibre preparation. Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e7-melissa-goulet-melly-knits/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo speaks with our School of SweetGeorgia moderator, Robyn Gibbons. Together, they discuss Robyn's journey in the fibre arts from knitting and crocheting to weaving and spinning. Robyn also shares her philosophy on how we can't create time for making; we need to schedule it! Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e6-robyn-gibbons/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo speaks with Kymona Tracey about her multicraftual life. They explore everything from paper crafts and woodworking to weaving and punch needle. Kymona shares how she manages her tools, stash, and most importantly, her time. Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e5-kymona-tracey/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia speaks with hand-weaver and author Angie Parker. They discuss their love for unapologetic colour, handwoven items for the home, and the release of Angie's book, Krokbragd: Contemporary Weaving with Colour. Angie started weaving in the 1990's and started her business in 2014, focusing on wall art, rugs, and home furnishings. She specializes in weaving techniques, such as Krokbragd, using vibrant colours from reclaimed wool. Angie has won countless awards for her handwoven pieces and has recently published her first book! Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e4-angie-parker/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo speaks with School of SweetGeorgia Education Program Manager and friend, Greta Cornejo. Together, they talk about spinning, fibre preparation, community, and all things fibre arts. Greta Cornejo started with the School of SweetGeorgia in 2021 and has been a model for SweetGeorgia photography for many years prior. Although she leans towards her spinning and fibre prep as her obsession, she is extremely multicraftual and can be found knitting, weaving, crocheting, and more. She is a regular contributor to the SweetGeorgia blog and to PLY Magazine. Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e3-greta-cornejo/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo sits down with Barb Barone of Yarniversity, a passionate knitting machine instructor. Together, they share their love for this versatile tool and how it beautifully complements hand-knitting while expanding what is possible in their making. Barb explains how she discovered machine knitting and the many ways she continues to explore what can be created on her LK 150. With a sense of curiosity and play, she approaches her work without limits, always experimenting and learning. Barb generously shares her knowledge and enthusiasm with others, inviting more makers into this rewarding craft. Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e2-barb-barone/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia show, we kick off the new season with David Giles from Daedalus Spinning Wheels. David shares the story of how Daedalus Spinning Wheels began and how a blend of engineering, curiosity, and care for makers led to a fresh approach to spinning technology. He also shares about the newest addition to their flock, the Dove e-Spinner. A Bit About David: Daedalus Spinning Wheels is owned and operated by Dave and Rebecca Giles. Founded in 2018, the business grew out of their dye studio, Spotted Ewe Fibers, when Rebecca began spinning her own yarn. Dave soon found himself drawn to the mechanics behind handspinning and brought his engineering background into the studio, designing e-Spinners that feel light, responsive, and intuitive to use. What started with the Blackbird e-Spinner quickly grew into a full lineup of electric wheels and tools, all shaped by their connections with the spinning community. Dave and Rebecca continue to listen, refine, and imagine what will come next! Find Show Notes, Links & More: https://sweetgeorgiayarns.com/the-sweetgeorgia-show-s6-e1-daedalus-spinning-wheels/

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo speaks with Heavenly Bresser, an accomplished fibre artist known for her expertise in spinning, knitting, and teaching. They discuss Heavenly's creative journey, the importance of community in fibre arts, and her passion for restoring spinning wheels. Heavenly shares her experiences in teaching and the joy of experimentation in crafting, as well as her strategies for balancing her artistic pursuits with family life. The conversation highlights the vibrant world of fibre arts and the connections that inspire creativity. Takeaways: Heavenly explains the origin of her business name, Heavenly Knitchet. Heavenly shares her honest initial struggles with a drop spindle, including wrist pain and compacted fibre. A turning point in Heavenly's journey was finding a local guild. She details her process of restoring antique wheels, which involves everything from replacing leather treadle straps to using a wood lathe to recreate missing parts. Heavenly reveals she is currently building her own Charkha. She offers unique one-on-one clinics to help students overcome specific hurdles, whether they want to learn to spin bulky yarn or master a long draw. To juggle raising a family, teaching, and restoring wheels, Heavenly uses a "patchwork" approach. Throughout the episode, Heavenly embodies a growth mindset: "I don't know how to do this yet , but I can learn."

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The SweetGeorgia Show, host Felicia welcomes Grayson Erlbacher, the general manager of Erlbacher Knitting Machines. They discuss the vibrant community surrounding circular sock knitting, the importance of events like the crank-in, and the history and evolution of knitting machines. Grayson shares insights into the company's journey, the significance of fostering a supportive environment for knitters, and the future of machine knitting. The conversation highlights the blend of craftsmanship and community in the fibre arts world. Takeaways The crank-in experience fosters community and connection among knitters. Erlbacher Knitting Machines emphasizes a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere at events. Understanding the manufacturing process enhances appreciation for knitting machines. Community feedback is crucial for improving events and experiences. The history of knitting machines is rich and tied to significant historical events. Grayson transitioned from nursing to managing a family business in knitting machines. The company has seen a rise in younger knitters interested in machine knitting. Crafting has become a lucrative market compared to traditional industries. Erlbacher Knitting Machines focuses on customer satisfaction and support.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The SweetGeorgia Show, host Felicia Lo interviews Andrew Bryson, a passionate weaver and teacher, who shares his journey into the world of inkle and tablet weaving. Andrew discusses his background in fibre arts, the intricacies of different weaving techniques, and the importance of overcoming the fear of starting a new craft. They discuss the freedom that comes from pursuing creative passions without the pressure of commercial success, the cultural significance of weaving across different societies, and the need for a shift towards sustainable practices in fashion. Takeaways : Andrew Bryson has been weaving for about five years and has a deep respect for historical weaving techniques. He emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge within the fibre arts community. Inkle weaving is a form of band weaving that is warp-faced and often involves hand manipulation for patterning. Tablet weaving is more complex and allows for a variety of techniques and patterns. Both inkle and tablet weaving can be as intricate as multi-shaft loom weaving. The loom is just a tool; the creativity comes from the weaver's choices. Starting with weaving can be daunting, but it's important to overcome the fear of making mistakes. The value of the process and learning in fibre arts is often overlooked. Materials should not be treated as too precious; the experience of creating is what matters. Balancing a full-time job with a passion for weaving requires intentional time management. Pressure on creativity can stifle artistic expression. Creative freedom allows for exploration without constraints. Weaving is a universal cultural practice; these techniques are vital for cultural preservation. Historical techniques connect us to our past. Learning traditional crafts cannot be replaced by technology. The fast fashion culture lacks sustainability. Repairing items is a growing movement. Engaging in fibre arts fosters community and creativity.

Send us Fan Mail Join Felicia Lo from SweetGeorgia Yarns as she reflects on the company's upcoming anniversary! September 2025 marks 20 years since its humble beginnings, starting with hand-dyed yarns made right at her dining room table. Felicia shares her amazement at how quickly time has flown by since starting SweetGeorgia Yarns and talks about how and why they founded the School of SweetGeorgia and now the new SweetGeorgia Community.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo speaks with Fiona McLean and Amanda Milne of Knit Social about the evolution of Knit City over the past decade, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and the exciting expansion of their events to new locations. They discuss the importance of community in the fibre arts, the introduction of new shows in Montréal, Calgary, and Toronto, and the unique retreats they offer. The conversation highlights the resilience and adaptability of the knitting community, as well as the innovative approaches they are taking to engage with new audiences and continue to grow their events. Takeaways It has been 10 years since we last spoke together on the SweetGeorgia Show. We were just about to launch our first Knit City Montréal when March 2020 pandemic shutdowns took place. We have four shows across Canada now: Vancouver, Calgary, Toronto, and Montréal, two shows happening each year. We have a really great group of makers participating in our events and volunteers helping to make them possible. We love bringing people to, and showing them, how beautiful BC is with our local retreats. Tours have also expanded to Europe. The Knit City Emerging Makers program was first launched in Calgary, and it will be for the first time in Vancouver in 2025. We might just have to get a little bit creative with the venue for Knit City Vancouver. It's exciting to see how the show is going to evolve. There are always new people coming in who are super interested in fibre arts. We love seeing the different demographics come in, including more men and younger people.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo speaks with Britt Garber, a designer and advocate in the crochet community. They discuss Britt's journey into crochet, her design philosophy, the importance of community, and her initiatives like the Makers of Color Collective. Britt shares her experiences with Tunisian crochet, the challenges of designing patterns, and her commitment to inclusivity in the craft. The conversation highlights the significance of representation and support within the crafting community, as well as Britt's future plans for teaching and expanding her reach. Takeaways Britt started crocheting in 2015 and founded the Makers of Color Collective in 2019. She is self-taught and initially struggled with crochet before finding her passion. Britt emphasizes the importance of designing patterns that she enjoys making. Tunisian crochet is gaining popularity and offers a unique blend of knitting and crocheting techniques. Britt created a Discord community to foster support and connection among crocheters. The Makers of Color Collective aims to uplift and support makers of colour in the crafting industry. Britt believes in providing opportunities for others and sharing resources within the community. She values authenticity and encourages others to embrace their identities in crafting. Britt is focused on teaching and expanding her reach in the crochet community. She plans to continue creating patterns and supporting other designers.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The SweetGeorgia Show, Felicia Lo speaks with Evie Schwartz, a multifaceted fibre artist whose path has taken her from accidental yarn making to intentional spinning and weaving. They talk about Evie’s creative evolution, her love for historical textiles, and the role of community in the fibre arts. The conversation also explores time management, the importance of preserving textile history, and how to inspire the next generation to engage with craft. Evie shares updates on her current projects, including her participation in the Tour de Fleece, and reflects on the value of approaching textile work with intention. Takeaways Evie's journey in fibre arts began with crochet at age six. She transitioned from teaching to focusing on spinning and weaving. Evie's YouTube channel showcases her passion for historical textiles. Community engagement is vital for learning and sharing in fibre arts. Time management is crucial for balancing multiple crafting projects. Textile history is an important narrative that needs to be shared. Evie encourages teaching kids about the origins of their clothing. Tour de Fleece fosters community and creativity among spinners. Intentionality in choosing materials affects the final fabric outcome. Evie believes in the importance of diverse storytelling in fibre arts.

Send us Fan Mail In this episode of The SweetGeorgia Show, host Felicia Lo speaks with Star Athena, a multicraftual creative and founder of the Tour de Fleece. They explore Star’s journey through the fibre arts, her experiences across different crafts, and how the Tour de Fleece grew from a small idea into a global community. Star reflects on her creative path, the impact of her autism diagnosis, and the healing nature of making. Their conversation highlights the value of community, personal growth, and the joy that comes from crafting. Takeaways Star Athena's journey in fibre arts began at a young age. She has a diverse background in various crafts, including knitting, spinning, and crochet. The Tour de Fleece was inspired by her love for cycling and spinning. The event started small but grew into a global community of spinners. Star emphasizes the importance of creativity without strict rules or guidelines. She has experienced burnout in her crafting journey but continues to explore new avenues. Star's diagnosis of autism at 45 has changed her perspective on creativity. Creative pursuits are seen as a form of meditation and healing for Star. The impact of the Tour de Fleece on the crafting community is profound and lasting. Star values her identity beyond the Tour de Fleece, focusing on personal growth and creativity.