Historical Yarns

Historical Yarns will debut in seasons. Check the show page for season information!

Have you ever looked at a piece of knitting and wondered, “How did they figure out how to DO that with just two needles and string?” Whether you’re a picker or a thrower, those techniques had to come from somewhere, and their origins may surprise you. Rachel Roden and Heather Boyd look at knitting techniques with the eyes of designers, through the lens of archaeology: each episode travels the world to dig up and discuss a different technique, and then applies it to a clever pattern designed by Rachel.LinksTo get your copy of the pattern, and knit-a-long head over to Rachel’s pattern store on Ravelry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-roden)To get the yarn Rachel recommends, head over to Jimmy Beans Wool (https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/BichesetBuches/LePetitLambswool.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=91487)ContactRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteHeatherInstagramRavelry

Part 2!!Have you ever looked at a piece of knitting and wondered, “How did they figure out how to DO that with just two needles and string?” Whether you’re a picker or a thrower, those techniques had to come from somewhere, and their origins may surprise you. Rachel Roden and Heather Boyd look at knitting techniques with the eyes of designers, through the lens of archaeology: each episode travels the world to dig up and discuss a different technique, and then applies it to a clever pattern designed by Rachel.LinksTo get your copy of the pattern, and knit-a-long head over to Rachel’s pattern store on Ravelry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-roden)To get the yarn Rachel recommends, head over to Jimmy Beans Wool (https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/BichesetBuches/LePetitLambswool.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=91487)ContactRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteHeatherInstagramRavelry

Welcome to the first episode of this new podcast from the Archaeology Podcast Network! This is the first of six episodes in the first season. Today, Rachel and Heather talk about the history of Shetland Lace. In the second half they talk about starting the shawl pattern that's the focus of this season. What kind of yarn should you use? What about needles? You'll find out everything you need to know to start this project.LinksTo get your copy of the pattern, and knit-a-long head over to Rachel’s pattern store on Ravelry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-roden)To get the yarn Rachel recommends, head over to Jimmy Beans Wool (https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/BichesetBuches/LePetitLambswool.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=91487)ContactRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteHeatherInstagramRavelry

In the first half of this episode we delve into the specific construction methods and stitches used in tradition Shetland Lace knitting. Then, we’ll discuss casting on and knitting the first section of the Zetland shawl!LinksTo get your copy of the pattern, and knit-a-long head over to Rachel’s pattern store on Ravelry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-roden)To get the yarn Rachel recommends, head over to Jimmy Beans Wool (https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/BichesetBuches/LePetitLambswool.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=91487)ContactRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteHeatherInstagramRavelry

In the first half of this episode we delve into the rich and interesting history of Estonian Lace knitting. Then, we’ll discuss the next couple sections of the Zetland shawl, including the wings where you’ll do most of the knitting!LinksCocoknits foam stitch stoppersThe art of Shetland lace by Sarah Don (out of print)To get your copy of the pattern, and knit-a-long head over to Rachel’s pattern store on Ravelry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-roden)To get the yarn Rachel recommends, head over to Jimmy Beans Wool (https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/BichesetBuches/LePetitLambswool.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=91487)ContactRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteHeatherInstagramRavelryAffiliatesWildnoteDigital MarketingTimeular

In the first half of this episode we delve into the specific construction methods and stitches used in traditional Estonian Lace knitting. Then, we’ll discuss how to finish the wings of the Zetland shawl!LinksKnitted Lace of Estonia by Nancy BushTo get your copy of the pattern, and knit-a-long head over to Rachel’s pattern store on Ravelry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-roden)To get the yarn Rachel recommends, head over to Jimmy Beans Wool (https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/BichesetBuches/LePetitLambswool.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=91487)ContactRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteHeatherInstagramRavelryAffiliatesWildnoteDigital Marketing CourseTeePublicTimeular

In the first half of this episode we discuss the history of Orenburg Lace knitting. Then, we’ll discuss finishing the Zetland shawl!LinksTo get your copy of the pattern, and knit-a-long head over to Rachel’s pattern store on Ravelry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-roden)To get the yarn Rachel recommends, head over to Jimmy Beans Wool (https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/BichesetBuches/LePetitLambswool.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=91487)ContactRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteHeatherInstagramRavelryAffiliatesWildnoteDigital Marketing CourseTeePublicTimeular

In the first half of this episode we delve into the history, construction methods, and traditional stitches used in Faroese Lace knitting. Then, we’ll discuss finishing up the Zetland shawl!LinksTo get your copy of the pattern, and knit-a-long head over to Rachel’s pattern store on Ravelry (https://www.ravelry.com/designers/rachel-roden)To get the yarn Rachel recommends, head over to Jimmy Beans Wool (https://www.jimmybeanswool.com/knitting/yarn/BichesetBuches/LePetitLambswool.asp?showLarge=true&specPCVID=91487)ContactRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteHeatherInstagramRavelryAffiliatesWildnoteDigital Marketing CourseTeePublicTimeular

This is a crossover episode with Chris Webster and The Archaeology Show!Recently, evidence of twisted cord was discovered on a Neanderthal archaeological site. While the exact use of this cord is unknown, we discuss our theories for how Neanderthals could have applied this technology to everyday life. Most importantly, this discovery contributes to breaking down the myth that Neanderthals were technologically inferior to their human contemporaries.LinksDirect evidence of Neanderthal fibre technology and its cognitive and behavioral implicationsNeanderthal Cord WeaverContactChris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.comRachelRavelryInstagramTwitterFacebookWebsiteAffiliatesWildnoteTeePublicTimeularFind this show on the educational podcast app, Lyceum.fm!

Recently, new evidence for Neolithic fabric was found impressed on a sherd in the Orkney Islands. In an area where the environment is not conducive to preservation of textile, archaeologists must look for evidence in unconventional ways. Recently, a team from The University of the Highlands and the Islands in Scotland used Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI) to identify the impression of woven fabric on a sherd. Chris and Rachel discuss the fabric impression, how it could have been made, and what the broader implication are of this discovery.Links“Rare evidence for Neolithic Textiles identified on Orkney”, Science Notes, Current Archaeology, July 17, 2020Textiles and Animal Skins from ScARFFlint Howe, Luce SandsContactChris Websterchris@archaeologypodcastnetwork.comAffiliatesWildnoteTeePublicTimeularFind this show on the educational podcast app, Lyceum.fm!