“I feel like every fiber has its own kind of energy—it blooms in a certain way because of the nature of the fiber itself and how that sheep made it. It’s so cool.”
– Anne Hanson
Hello there fellow knitter!
This is The Yarnist. The daily newsletter that makes you love knitting the same way little kids love the Ice Cream Truck.
Disclaimer: This newsletter may contain sponsored ads and affiliate links.
When you buy using them, you support our work here at The Yarnist, as we get a small commission.
Knitspiration
🧶 3 Lessons from Chatting with Anne Hanson
Anne Hanson has spent decades exploring every angle of knitting—from designing patterns to creating her own yarn brand, Bare Naked Wools. In a recent conversation, she shared experiences and ideas that any knitter can apply to their own craft.
Here are three standout lessons.
1. Know Your Fiber—It Changes Everything
Anne is fascinated by the unique “energy” of each wool. With over 1,400 sheep breeds worldwide, every fiber behaves differently—some bloom and expand, others drape and flow.
Her takeaway: choosing the right yarn isn’t just about color or softness; it’s about how the fiber’s natural properties will influence the finished fabric.
She encourages knitters to explore breed-specific, minimally processed yarns. These reveal the fiber’s true personality and can teach you how structure, crimp, and even natural color impact stitch definition and durability. By working with a variety of fibers—especially ones outside your usual choices—you’ll develop a deeper understanding of how to match yarn to project.
2. Swatching Is Your Superpower
Over the years, Anne has learned that even the most beautiful yarn or stitch pattern can disappoint if the fiber and fabric don’t work together. The only way to know for sure is to swatch—thoughtfully.
For her, swatching isn’t just about hitting gauge. It’s about testing how the yarn behaves: does a cable lose its definition? Does a textured stitch vanish into the fiber? Does the fabric drape the way you expect?
Her takeaway: treat swatching as your project’s rehearsal. Use it to answer questions before you commit—especially when substituting yarn. A few extra rows now can save you hours (or days) of disappointment later.
3. Lace Can Be Easier Than It Looks
Many knitters are intimidated by lace, but Anne insists it can be surprisingly accessible. With just a few techniques—basic decreases and yarn overs—you can create designs that look intricate but are easy to memorize and work.
She sees lace as “drawing with yarn,” where motifs tell a visual story. Once you grasp the rhythm of a pattern, lace becomes both meditative and creatively satisfying.
Her takeaway: don’t write off lace as too complex. Start with a simple lace project to build confidence, then explore motifs with personal or cultural meaning. You may find it’s less about perfection and more about enjoying the rhythm and narrative of the stitches.
Conclusion
Anne’s work is a reminder that knitting is about more than just making stitches—it’s about understanding the materials, honoring the process, and embracing techniques that enrich your experience.
This conversation only scratches the surface of her stories and insights. In the full interview, Anne dives deeper into her design process, shares more about sourcing rare wools, and reflects on the unexpected turns in her career.
🎥 Watch or listen to the complete conversation here to hear it all in her own words—and don’t forget to join us at the Fearless Knitter Summit (Aug 21–24, free to attend) where Anne will be teaching sessions on lace knitting and understanding yarn characteristics.
Get your FREE ticket using the link below...
Announcements
FREE 4-DAY VIRTUAL EVENT
Fearless Knitter Summit • August 21-24
Next week we're hosting our biggest event of the year!
Whether you're leveling up your lace, finally tackling brioche, or just want to stop frogging and start finishing—you’ll find your people (and your next favorite technique) here.
Are you ready to knit without fear?
Daily Stitch
Dropping Elm Stitch
Anne calls lace drawing with yarn, and this design is no exception.
The falling leaves in this motif look and feel delicate.
Deal of the Day
Top-Down Sweater Edited by Ann Budd
(27% Off)
While Anne Hanson hasn't traditionally published any books, she has been featured in some.
This classic tome includes one of Anne's designs, along with many other talented designers.
If you are curious about top down sweaters, this is the book for you.
Knits & Giggles
Thanks for reading!
Before you go...below you'll find a few ways we can work together, and other bits & bobs:
Here's some ways to take our relationship to the next level:
-
📢 Help Promote The Fearless Knitter Summit
We're looking for people who want to spread the word about our upcoming even (and earn some money in the process)
Click here to apply to be anaffiliate!
- ☕️ Buy us a coffee (Now accepting PayPal!)
Each of our emails is the culmination of many hours of research and lots of cups of coffee. If you want a simple way to show your appreciation you can buy us a coffee here.
- 🎓 Take a Yarnist Academy class
There are more than 50 classes to explore with topics like 2-Color Brioche, Mosaic colorwork, Entrelac. New classes are added every month! Explore our classes
Your Email Preferences:
You're receiving this email because you signed up for the Yarnist, a daily digital newsletter for Fearless Knitters.
If you don't remember doing that, you might have had a little too much wine that night...or it could be Gremlins. Can't stand those guys. Always causing mischief.
Your email address is Reader and your first name is Reader. To update your info click here.
Daily emails too much? Get our Sunday Weekly Update Only.
Still want out? No problem! Unsubscribe here.
Look at you reading all the way to the end!
Here's a bonus video with this incredible arial footage of sheep being herded. 🤯
Made with 💙🖤🤍 in Tallinn, Estonia
Narva Mnt 15, Tallinn, 10120