Since my last review of knitting podcasts I’ve abandoned some, continued listening to others, tried some new ones and worked my way through the ‘backlist’ on those I liked. So here’s an update:
Cast-On by Brenda Danyne is still my favourite. It’s a great combination of professionalism and a relaxed personable feel.
Knitcast is back! I downloaded her new podcast last night, but haven’t listened to it yet. Very happy Marie is podcasting again.
Knittingnewscast, It’s a Purl Man & Pointy Sticks. I gave these the four episode text and found that while they improved, they just weren’t ‘must hear’ podcasts for me.
Knitcentric, by Shannon. I like this one, and I’ve now listened to all 15 episodes. Shannon is taking a break now, but when she gets back to podcasting I’ll probably keep listening.
Since then I’ve tried:
Knit2BTied – despite my “four episodes before judgement” policy, I didn’t get past the first episode. In fact, I didn’t get through the first episode. Sometimes you know straight away that something isn’t for you. Not that it wouldn’t suit other podcast listeners. Don’t let me put you off!
KnitWit – again, only one episode. I grabbed a later episode and found that all it contained was a personal story. I’m not against personal stories in knitting podcasts, but I do want substantial knitting related content in my podcast, so this one ain’t for me.
Aussie Knit – I tried three episodes, one later in the series, and found it didn’t keep my attention.
Pixie Purls – I tried four episodes and while it was an okay podcast, I wasn’t hanging out to listen to another episode. Again, not for me; might work for you.
Insubordiknit – this one got under my skin and I was really disappointed when she stopped podcasting.
Math4Knitters – I’m still a bit undecided on this one. It made it past the four episode test and I think I’ll keep going. But it’s not one of my favourites.
The Mosh Knit – one episode so far. Was okay. Will keep going.
Knitty D and the City – tried only one episode so far – the first one. After Knit2BTied I was a bit dubious about the podcasting duo idea, but with these two it might work. Or it might not. I’ve only listened to the first episode, and I can see there’s potential there once they get a handle on things.
Knitting Psychos – one episode from later in the series. I found myself liking this podcaster straight away. She has a wicked little laugh. I listened to the knitalong episode and found myself laughing along with her at her knitalong habit.
Lime & Violet – one episode later in the series. Another duo. Manic and madcap, they’re funny and despite endless digressions still manage to enthuse a lot about knitting.
Missing or not-a-podcast podcasts:
Musings of a Peaceful Knitter – I didn’t get a chance to listen to this one. When I went to the site it said it was closed, and there didn’t appear to be a link to archived episodes.
Time2Knit – First impressions… I don’t think this is actually a knitcast, but someone reading one of those “Anne of Green Gables” books. Or is it?
Overall the podcasts are quite varied. I have to admit, I was relieved to find Knitting Psychos and Lime & Violet yesterday, because I hadn’t found any that grabbed me like Cast-On, KnitCast and Knitcentric do for months. I also tried one small non-knitting podcast – Dr Karl’s Great Moments in Science – for filling in gaps (when your podcast is finished, but you’ve still got 5 mins to wait at the docs, or until the tv show you’re waiting for starts). I wouldn’t mind more of that sort of podcast on my ipod. And maybe some talking books.
Cast-on still gets my vote as No.1. I couldn’t listen to K2bTied after the first 5 mins. An acquired taste, me thinks.
I put Pride & Prejudice on my ipod, but the reader had such a speech impediment I couldn’t listen without giggling.
Just so you know Knitwit has knitting content this week. http://autumnbreezedesigns.com Carry does make it clear in her first podcast that it she will have knitting and spinning content from time to time. It is a place for her to primarily share her stories. She categorizes her podcast as entertainment and not craft. Your critique is fair though.
Ah… okay, then if she has some sort of write-up on what each episode contains, I can just download the knitting related ones. The one I listened to was short, so if the rest are the same then they might work as filler podcasts like the Dr Karl ones do.
Then my ‘filler’ podcasts can be knitting related too. Yay!
Cast on is my nottobe missed and if theres a new one on my ipod thats always the first thing I listen to. I agree a lot with the ones you’ve cast off (heh) although I still listen to some if that’s all I have left in the week. I’m gonna try the two new ones you list cause I hadn’t heard about them. I didn’t know insubordiknit had stopped, what a shame.
Insubordiknit will be back; Jacey is still recovering from a health scare. I’m checking her website almost obsessively.
Secret Pal
ooh- i could a) go and check her wbesite or b) be lazy and ask you – what happened? I know she was pregnant?
chocolatetrudi,
My podcast really should not be listed as a ‘Knitting’ podcast. It is a story telling podcast with knitting elements. I am an avid knitter so knitting, spinning, and my fiber animals do play a big part of my life and thus my stories. When I have knitting content, that is the title of the cast. I am dyslexic so I do not do a big write-up. All the podcasts are short less than 20 minutes. I am trying to cover a knitting topic every month. So far I have done 4: my first sweater (a discussion of gauge), On Ease, Needles and Yarn, and the latest Needles and Yarn II. Let me re-iterate, I am a storyteller. So if want to hear a story come by. If you want only knitting content, my podcast is not for you.
I think this may be one of the perils of just subscribing to a podcast through iTunes without really checking through the podcasters website first. Silly me!
Mind you – the story I did listen to was nicely told, so I will check out the knitting related ones.
chocolatetrudi,
thank you for the review!! 🙂 i’m glad you enjoyed the knitalong episode. i’m working on the next one this week, and hope to have it up by Friday. 🙂 Cast-On is my all time favorite, followed by Lime & Violet. I can’t get enough of those crazy girls!! 😀 Take care!