Heather Zoppetti and her new book, Unexpected Cables, was the topic of today’s episode of Yarn Thing. She spoke with us about Stitch Sprouts before…. but before we get into that:
Heather began knitting in college with her room mate, from books without a 
Yarn Store’s support, but it became an obsession. Naturally. She continued while pursuing her profession, changing the patterns while completing her projects, she realized she could create a whole sweater design of her own, and REALIZED she was thinking about knitting at work, spending so much time knitting outside of work that really she didn’t want to be anywhere else. She and her husband discussed it and she quit to begin designing full-time.
Heather began Stitch Sprouts as a way to help herself and others get designs into shops. She’s added yarn also, and finds that although she’s spending a lot of time on it, it’s not really work anymore.
Yellowstone was her first yarn line, which is a 80% wool, 20% silk blend sport weight available in 9 colors. Heather says she wanted a autumn color palette that really looked good together. Crater Lake was the second yarn line added, is 100% Superwash merino wool in a bulky weight, the colors are a more winter theme.
As if she wasn’t busy enough, Heather Zoppetti has written a book, Unexpected Cables, which is published through Interweave. Although she admits lace is is preferred knitting technique, she finds cables are MAGIC! She enjoys that simply rearranging stitches makes a wonderful new texture. With planning and forethought, she begins her designs with an initial shape, then considers how the cable panel fits and flows in the piece.
We spent time with a lot of the patterns, today, the Leola Scarf (links to view in Ravelry) a sideways-knit shawlette (created in her Stitch Sprouts Yellowstone, show in Reese Creek colorway, which is a pretty light blue) has a wonderful but subtle texture with short rows ruffles. Warwick Tam, is tiny cables over reverse stockinette which is so delicate and would be a graceful crown to any proud wearer. Rheems Pullover Heather admits is her favorite in the book, with open neckline that should be worn over a cami with delicate texturing again that’s not obviously cable. Lorna’s Laces really makes it a comfortable sweater with the fiber content of Sportmate. Penryn Pullover (in Ravelry, this is the MOST favorited, btw) is completely seamless, Heather wanted to create an exploding cable for the focus. That would be so fun! Holtwood Vest should satisfy lovers of the asymmetrical designs. Talmage Pullover, with the pretty cabled lace all over pattern, the turned stockinette stitch goes from daytime to evening easily. Stevens Vest is reminiscent of Heather’s earlier popular design Dahlia Cardigan with the added reversible cables to make it wearable! Rapho Socks, knee sock with twisted stitches, cables and lace, with calf gusset are delicious works of art. Conoy Tunic is made with two rectangles, minus shaping so that it can be worn dressed up with a skirt or down with jeans, or as a beach cover-up! Names she picked from her local area around Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
There is also a DVD or Video Download to go with this from Interweave titled Knit Unexpected Cables. In it Heather helps with all kinds of cables and techniques that should help with all the loveliness we’ve discussed today.
Heather Zoppetti can be followed in various places, of course her websites: Stitch Sprouts mentioned before, and Heather Zoppetti Designs. In Ravelry, she has a designer page, and HZ group, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Pinterest.
If you wish to hear the previous visit Heather Zoppetti made to Yarn Thing, follow this link. This was March of last year, so about a year and a half ago or so, probably about the time she did Everyday Lace. If you missed getting to hear today’s episode live, it can be found at this link as an archived episode: https://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2015/11/17/heather-zoppetti-and-her-new-book-unexpected-cables or in iTunes.
The unexpected design elements are what make garments or accessories knitted art!
Thank you Marly and Heather for today’s show!
“Unexpected Cables” looks like a really great book. The patterns are interesting and unique–a great addition to anyone’s library. Thank you for a great podcast.
I love the unexpected way Heather uses the cables in the book! Thanks for another great podcast (in spite of Pedro’s snoring)!
Unexpected Cables looks like a keeper! I took a quick glance before scooting out to school and saw a number of things I wish I could just sit and cast on. I always love your interviews Marly and Pedro’s snoring is just fine. It’s good to know he’s content and comfortable. Thanks again for all you do to promote the industry. I look forward to all your shows.
Well, it’s really not unexpected that Heather would come out with such a great book! Wonderful show, can’t wait to knit cables and lace together.
I love the look of cables and the ones here are no exception. What was unexpected for me this episode was my phone going crazy and not playing the podcast properly!
How happy I would be to win an unexpected prize today! The patterns in the book look amazing. Once again I enjoyed the podcast.
I love the projects in “Unexpected Cables,” especially the Stevens Vest! I’m a big fan of cables and these patterns use them in such creative ways. Thanks for another great podcast!
Another great podcast! I always learn so much unexpected information. Now I will check out the book “Unexpected Cables”
It’s so hard to choose which pattern I like the most in Heather’s Unexpected Cables book, but think the Safe Harbors cowl is calling my name! Great podcast Marly and Heather!!
It was unexpected to for me to even consider cables. I knit socks…just socks. Otherwise I crochet. But, that being said I will now consider cables. You ladies made them seem doable. Maybe on a sock? And Heather did say she has socks with cables! LOL
Unexpectedly, I hope to win Heathers Unexpected Cables book!! Happy Thanksgiving to all!
I’m looking forward to getting my hands on Unexpected Cables. I love cables, and the interview with Heather.
It would be so unexpected to win this giveaway! Ive only dabbled in cables and love to see such beautiful designs that are inspiring! Great podcast!
Unexpected Cables looks like an awesome book! There are some amazing pieces. I’ve done some cabling, just moving the order of the stitches, lol. I want to make the Stevens first. Hoping to win!
Loved listening. How great and unexpected that a cable books also has lace. Thanks for sharing.
As always, I enjoyed this podcast, Marly. All of Heather’s designs in “Unexpected Cables” are unique and awesome!
There were many project in the “Unexpected Cable” book that I would love to knit. Thank you, Marly, for introducing us to new to me designers.
I really enjoyed this podcast, and would LOVE to get the booe “Unexpected Cables”. That would be an unexpected surprised that I would treasure!!
Thanks for another great show. I think that Heather really hit the nail on the head with the title of her new book. The cables are unexpected in how they really make the sweaters beautiful. Thanks again!
Thanks for another interesting interview. I had unexpected time today to listen and now I think I know what three of my Christmas gifts to my knitting buddies will be. Thank you for making it easy.
Took a peek at the Unexpected Cables book and am looking forward to owning a copy. Thanks for the show…
Would love to learn how to do “Unexpected Cables”!
I listened to a live Podcast today, but as usually I am catching up on previous podcast. Thus, it is not unexpected that I would be posting this so late to the party, but really enjoyed the interview with Heather!
I love the concept of “Unexpected Cables,” great title.
Knitting cables is not my favorite, so it was very unexpected for me to be interested in this book! Thanks to another great podcast, I am definitely going to check this out!
I love everything about cables, the appearance, texture, everything! And unexpected cables are even better! I can’t wait to buy (or win!) a copy of Heather’s book!
The thing that was unexpected was seeing the name of the town where I grew up and a bunch of other old hangouts amongst the design names!