Uploaded August 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
🎉 Join Anne Hanson at the Fearless Knitter Summit – FREE 4-day online event, Aug 21–24!
Learn from her and 13+ other expert teachers. Sign up here ➡️ yarnist.co/fearless
In this interview, knitwear designer and yarn company founder Anne Hanson shares the stories and lessons behind her work—from exploring rare, undyed fibers to designing patterns that knitters love, and why lace might be easier than you think.
We talk about her career journey, the energy and variety of wool, the importance of swatching, and the joy of making wearable, meaningful handknits. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, you’ll come away inspired (and maybe ready to try lace!).
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – The energy of different fibers & unique wool qualities
02:54 – Anne’s career journey from fashion & publishing to knitwear design
05:45 – Designing wearable knits that fit and feel good
09:50 – The story of Anne’s first knitting project (and WWII yarn)
12:35 – How a surprise hit pattern (“Box Top”) took off
13:58 – Founding Bare Naked Wools & working with rare fibers
16:10 – Appreciating the variety in over 1,400 sheep breeds
17:25 – Searching for off-the-beaten-path yarns
18:55 – How sourcing & milling aligns with sustainable values
21:10 – Why understanding yarn characteristics matters
21:55 – Lace knitting: gorgeous results from simple skills
23:05 – The narrative quality of lace motifs
24:05 – Colorwork challenges & ambitions
25:15 – The importance of swatching when substituting yarn
26:50 – What Anne hopes her legacy will be
28:15 – Why events like the Fearless Knitter Summit matter
29:50 – Where to find Anne’s patterns, yarns, and community
📌 Links & Resources
🔗 Register for the Fearless Knitter Summit: yarnist.co/fearless
🔗 Anne Hanson’s Website – Bare Naked Wools: barenakedwools.com
🔗 Follow Anne on Instagram: instagram.com/knitspot
🎉 Join Anne Hanson at the Fearless Knitter Summit – FREE 4-day online event, Aug 21–24!
Learn from her and 13+ other expert teachers. Sign up here ➡️ yarnist.co/fearless
In this interview, knitwear designer and yarn company founder Anne Hanson shares the stories and lessons behind her work—from exploring rare, undyed fibers to designing patterns that knitters love, and why lace might be easier than you think.
We talk about her career journey, the energy and variety of wool, the importance of swatching, and the joy of making wearable, meaningful handknits. Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just starting out, you’ll come away inspired (and maybe ready to try lace!).
⏱ Chapters
00:00 – The energy of different fibers & unique wool qualities
02:54 – Anne’s career journey from fashion & publishing to knitwear design
05:45 – Designing wearable knits that fit and feel good
09:50 – The story of Anne’s first knitting project (and WWII yarn)
12:35 – How a surprise hit pattern (“Box Top”) took off
13:58 – Founding Bare Naked Wools & working with rare fibers
16:10 – Appreciating the variety in over 1,400 sheep breeds
17:25 – Searching for off-the-beaten-path yarns
18:55 – How sourcing & milling aligns with sustainable values
21:10 – Why understanding yarn characteristics matters
21:55 – Lace knitting: gorgeous results from simple skills
23:05 – The narrative quality of lace motifs
24:05 – Colorwork challenges & ambitions
25:15 – The importance of swatching when substituting yarn
26:50 – What Anne hopes her legacy will be
28:15 – Why events like the Fearless Knitter Summit matter
29:50 – Where to find Anne’s patterns, yarns, and community
📌 Links & Resources
🔗 Register for the Fearless Knitter Summit: yarnist.co/fearless
🔗 Anne Hanson’s Website – Bare Naked Wools: barenakedwools.com
🔗 Follow Anne on Instagram: instagram.com/knitspot
