Greetings and salutations, Fellow Fiber Fiends!!!
Where Have I Been?
Long time, no chat. As a matter of fact, it’s been several months since my last work with Yknit but I haven’t been resting on my laurels. Things have been a little hectic with researching, planning and testing a NEW podcast/vodcast (not to mention a Men's Fall Knitting Retreat)! The nouveau venture is called Fiber Beat and I plan to be your intrepid reporter and tireless editor, bringing back news from all aspects of fiber crafting and fiber arts. I hope you enjoy the ride.
Why a New podcast/vodcast?
So, why a new podcast? I touched on this in Yknit Episode 19, Fistful of Fibers (featuring the Yarn Harlot), but, in a nutshell, my interests had grown beyond just knitting and I wanted to be able to explore all the various expressions of fiberphilia: knitting, spinning, crocheting, weaving, felting, herding (you get the picture). And speaking of pictures, I’ve been hankering to dip my toe into the pool of moving pictures: digital video. All your friends are doing it and with all the fantastic new cameras, it seemed silly not to at least give it a shot (sorry, I couldn’t resist).
What Can you Expect?
Here’s what I aspire to publish on a consistent basis:
1. Podcast (audio) – I am an NPR/News show junkie and I love a good story (c.f. “This American Life” and “Radiolab”). I’m fortunate to have lots of crafty icons popping through the Bay Area, so I hope to not be starved for content. Show frequency will be determined by who I can interview and the ability to edit and publish in a timely manner. If the planets align (and the interwebs stay up), I’ll publish an audio show every 3 weeks.
2. Vidcast (video) – I’ve been dreaming of this for while now. Inspired by the work of Schoolhouse Press (Elizabeth Zimmerman/Meg Swansen), Tradewind Knitwear Design (Lucy Neatby) and Insubordiknit (Jacey Boggs), I believe I can contribute to the vodcast world. I will publish small segments from time to time (i.e. not necessarily with each podcast) that are adjunct pieces to the podcast which will showcase a particular fiber, technique or finished object to its full glory. It’s the missing piece that I always wish I had with many podcasts, especially the crafty ones. The vodcast, if produced, will follow a week or so after the accompanying podcast.
How Can you Contribute?
I’d love to know your thoughts on the new work. If you have a brainstorm for the new format OR if you’d like to be a cub reporter on the Fiber Beat, zap me an email. I’ve also started a forum on Ravelry. Please join up and give us your feedback.
What Else?
Well, as this is new venture for me, I’m bound to experience bumps in the road, but, cross fingers, touch wood, they will at least be entertaining, if not eye opening. Thanks for joining us on the Fiber Beat and if you see me out and about with microphone and video camera in hand, don’t be shy.
There are a million crafters in the Fiber City and we’ve all got a yarn to spin.
