Today on the Yarn Thing Podcast: Andrea from KnitCrate!
As a new feature of the shownotes, a player will be embedded at the beginning of each post that will play that specific episode. All you have to do is hit play!
After the player, the shownotes will be as usual. So here we go!
Join us as Marly talks with Andrea about how she and her husband started KnitCrate, the types of crates, what you get in the crates, and how you can get started with your own subscription.
Andrea and her husband, Joe, started the KnitCrate subscription service after Hurricane Sandy last year when he found her knitting at the table and several delayed subscription boxes arrived. When he discovered that, while some of them were fiber related, none of them were knitting specific. His MBA wheals started turning and the next day he showed her a mock up site for the KnitCrate and they went gangbusters from there. Now, almost a year later, they offer both month and bi-monthly subscriptions of several types of crates as well as store that both subscribers and non-subscribers can buy from.
As an example, this month’s Intermediate/Advanced KnitCrate has Marly’s own Dual Cable Boot Topper pattern, 2 skeins of Bijou Basin Ranch Bijou Bliss yarn, Pico Bracelet kit by Mary Beth Temple, Cosmos Creations Salted Caramel, and several promo codes.
Every KnitCrate includes a premium yarn, a pattern that can be made from that yarn, a sweet or soothing extra and a fun extra. Subscribers also get benefits and loyalty rewards. Check it all out on the KnitCrate website, to get your subscription started today!
You can find KnitCrate on Ravelry and Twitter as well.
We never forget the Giveaway! Leave a comment on the shownotes here and include the keyword from Andrea for your chance to win the October KnitCrate!
Let’s give some love to our sponsors!
XRX Books, Knitter’s Magazine, STITCHES Expos
Indian Lake Artisans
Fiesta Yarns
Drew Emborsky
Love of Knitting and Love of Crochet
Bijou Basin Ranch
Ivorwen Lindorie says
October 31, 2013 at 9:02 pmBumblebee oh my! I loved listening to this. This was the first time I have heard your podcast but you can bet your socks I’ll be listening into more!!!
Tanya Binette says
October 31, 2013 at 9:41 pmI really enjoyed hearing about the origins of KnitCrate! I just subscribed for November’s Indie crate after months of “hemming and hawing” and I am so excited to be a subscriber! Hearing hints about the months to come makes me feel even better about signing up – pretty sure I’m hooked. I love your business model and I admire you guys for making the lifestyle choice you did – and to start such a successful business doing something that you love and believe in. I’m also glad to have found this podcast and the patterns on your website Marlybird! I have to go and get my daughter out of her bumblebee costume and into bed after a great night of trick or treating – I’ll be back both to KnitCrate and to the podcast!
Betsey says
October 31, 2013 at 9:52 pmGreat show ladies and now I’ve got a bumblebee in my bonnet…can’t stop thinking about how I would love to get my hands on a KnitCrate!
Ann Peake says
October 31, 2013 at 9:57 pmI loved listening to Andrea talking about KnitCrate this morning.I admire KnitCrate very much and look forward to every Bi-Monthly box I receive,one of my favorite little extras is my Bumblebee tape measure that was included in a box earlier this year.
Anastey Lovely says
October 31, 2013 at 10:40 pmNow that the holidays are approaching I’m a busy little bumblebee and knitting like crazy!
Melanie Hayes says
October 31, 2013 at 11:35 pmLoved the show and discovered a wonderful way to get a kit. It is getting cold here in the North East USA and I have not seen any bumblebees lately. Thanks Marly for another fun show!
Jennifer R. says
November 1, 2013 at 12:05 amMy youngest granddaughter was a bumblebee for Trick-or-Treating last night…ironic!!! I have wanted to try KnitCrate for quite some time, but I have not had the opportunity to do so yet. It would be even more thrilling to win this particular KnitCrate because of the Bijou Basin Bliss…it is one of my favorites 🙂
Thank you for a wonderful podcast!
Julie Katz says
November 1, 2013 at 12:20 amLoved the podcast. As a current subscriber, I found it very interesting to hear about how the company was started. I am looking forward to knitting the bumblebee pattern. I will definitely tune in again.
Deborah Biancotti says
November 1, 2013 at 12:43 amBumblebee! I just know I’ll win something some day! All I gotta do is keep saying, “BUMBLEBEE!” ;p
Thanks for the cheerful podcasting. I am *almost* convinced to try the Sock crate (still intimidated by socks, though…).
SandraR says
November 1, 2013 at 1:06 amThis sounds like a great idea, as long as there are no bumblebees in the crate!
Colleen Clarke says
November 1, 2013 at 1:47 amEvery month I look forward to that shiny red package in my mail, this month especially since my Beekeeper’s kit (which I insist should be Bumblebee Kit) will be included. I’m pleased that your venture is turning out to be such a success and I hope to be a part of it for some time.
prymnumber says
November 1, 2013 at 2:41 amI don’t mind bumblebees but my mother-in-law is so scared of them! Yet even if the yellow and black is involved, I’d still want to try KnitCrates! It’s kinda like a CSA subscription for our needles!
Mary Ellen Perry says
November 1, 2013 at 4:39 amKeyword is Bumblebee. Great Podcast interview with Andrea from Knitcrate.com. What a great way to try new and special knitting related items and ideas. Today, I am on my way to Vogue Knitting in Chicago…what fun! Maybe see both you and Andrea at the next Vogue Knitting or Stitches Midwest.
MiriamR says
November 1, 2013 at 5:53 amMy new year’s resolution is to avoid bumblebees and sign up for KnitCrate. I did a trial and liked it but couldn’t decide on what option I liked best!
annie rerardon says
November 1, 2013 at 7:27 amMy first knitting podcast! I was at my office so nary a bumblebee was seen! I am also new to knitcrate. Loved my first one- September- in the bright red shiny envelope…looking forward to November’s….and maybe….. October’s? Great show!!! I’ll be back!
annie reardon says
November 1, 2013 at 7:29 amI spelled my own name wrong! It’s REARDON
Shaunna says
November 1, 2013 at 8:17 amGreat show!! Got a bumblebee buzzing in my ear about the add on from Knit Crate. Love getting that shiny red package every month!
Anne says
November 1, 2013 at 8:47 amAgreed , only like bumblebees in nature!
Audrey says
November 1, 2013 at 8:57 amBuzzin’ Bumblebee! Crates with goodies sweet as honey!
Lisa Valdez says
November 1, 2013 at 9:34 amI have been busy as a bumblebee working on all my knitcrate projects! I would have loved to have been able to tell Andrea how much I love this service on the phone, but there were so many callers!
Sue Fisher says
November 1, 2013 at 9:55 amLoved this show! I am a new listener. I am a crochet only girl. But, seeing that “bumble bee” quilt is making me consider learning to knit. I would love to see a crochet box or “crochet crate” as an option. Thanks again for a wonderful podcast.
Debra domby says
November 1, 2013 at 10:07 amI enjoyed the podcast…it amazes me how much there is out there at our fingertips…I learned to knit from my father over 50 years ago….he had been a boxer…yes, he was always good with his hands…my name means bee….I am allergic to them but I am not allergic to fiber….or podcasts….I joined knitcrate and I love it …..and I have enjoyed being introduced to many new yarns…..patterns…and people like you,marly bird…..with all this going on it looks like I am going to be busy as a knitting bumblebee…..love,deb
Sharmeen says
November 1, 2013 at 10:57 amI can’t stop drooling over the Beekeeper’s Quilt … bumblebees scare me, though. I am deathly allergic … but that quilt is as sweet as honey! 🙂
Heather Bucci says
November 1, 2013 at 11:08 amA little bumblebee buzzed in my ear that I should try the Beekeeper’s Quilt and do some sweet honeycomb knitting!
VickyC says
November 1, 2013 at 11:15 amBumblebee
What a fun podcast, just found you. I’m very excited about KnitCrate and hope I win.
Kate M says
November 1, 2013 at 1:30 pmWhat a great idea! I have never heard of knit crate before this call and now I am excited to see what they have to offer. This is such a great idea. I am expanding my knitting abilities and this is great that everything comes together for you, all that is required is the kitting! Thanks for another great show! I will keep buzzing away at my projects like a busy bumblebee!
Lenore Hopkins says
November 1, 2013 at 2:59 pmI love podcast! This was my first of yours, Marly, but it won’t be the last. I think KnitCrate is a great idea and I’m sure that it will be a huge hit the world over. I am in need of the bumblebee’s dedication to work to complete all of my gifts this winter. Sure could use some yarn!
Andrea aka SpringSplndr says
November 1, 2013 at 6:07 pmI tried listening to the podcast while I was at work, but my brother (the boss) just kept interrupting. He’s the bumblebee in my bonnet! Well, I did get hexapuff knitcrate a few months ago and absolutely love it! I wish I could afford to subscribe regularly, maybe when I win the lottery. Thanks for the podcast and hosting this giveaway!
Linda says
November 1, 2013 at 6:28 pmWow, KnitCrate sound like such a cool idea. Imagine getting something in the mail that brightens your day so much. I’d be buzzing around like a bumblebee if I had the chance to get one delivered to my door.
Jennifer Hill says
November 1, 2013 at 6:39 pmThe KnitCrate interview was soooo interesting. Such a creative business idea. Th beekeepers quilt is really great – makes me want to be a bumblebee!
Glenna Gentzyel says
November 1, 2013 at 7:08 pmI listened today while fixing some lunch (I love my bumblebee tuna) I enjoyed the show and hearing how KNITCRATE began.
hotknitter says
November 1, 2013 at 8:46 pmLoved learning about the genesis of KnitCrate. Its concept will keep us all buzzing like a bumblebee.
hotknitter on rav
Teresa E says
November 2, 2013 at 12:53 amThis podcast was especially interesting to me, since I’ve recently signed up for your mittens and gloves class on craftsy and have ordered the anniversary knit crate. I tried the anniversary knit crate to see how I like it. Since I’m a newer knitter I like the idea of being exposed to new to me yarns.I’ve made a point of trying new yarns regularly and have found some I love this way. I always worry that I’ll wind up with a yarn that I will hate, and so far I’ve been lucky and haven’t found any that remind me of a sting of a bumblebee.
Janice Boulukos says
November 2, 2013 at 3:58 amLove the concept of KnitCrate. I really enjoyed listening to the podcast. I’m gonna send a bumblebee over to my kids with this gift idea for me for the holiday.
Suzanne says
November 2, 2013 at 6:06 amThis was a great episode. I didn’t know about knitcrate and knew only a little about subscription services. I think the yarn community will buzz like a swarm of bumblebees as word of this company becomes more widespread.
Ann says
November 2, 2013 at 6:12 amYou always sound like you are having soo much fun!!! iv just subscribed to the bi monthly sock package and have visions of it being transported by a team of bumble bees, the package being suspended below them by yummy yarn!!! have a great day!
A~X~
knittinghawk says
November 2, 2013 at 8:16 amI loved seeing the bumblebees harvesting from my flower garden these last days of fall. If I win this great offer, I’ll be just as excited as those sweet bees! I can’t imagine anything better to get me into the winter and holiday knitting season
, than a gift from KnitCrate, AND the Marly Bird pattern I’ve been eyeing most lately!
Jennifer Gaddes says
November 2, 2013 at 12:59 pmLoved the podcast! Knitcrate seems like so much fun, like presents every month. Speaking of which,I need to shop for my son’s birthday present,an action figure of his favorite Transformer, Bumblebee! That is something I won’t try to knit 🙂
JoAnne Hewatt says
November 2, 2013 at 8:50 pmSo this is what the buzz is about, KnitCrate! What a great idea! Great podcast. I’m as happy as a bumblebee!
JudyAnn says
November 3, 2013 at 7:43 amGreat podcast! I would love a KnitCrate to help keep me warm. It’s too cold for a bumblebee here!
Gayle Torrey says
November 3, 2013 at 2:21 pmWe had an abundance of bumblebees this summer, not too many honeybees though which is worrisome.
Joanne Olson says
November 3, 2013 at 5:04 pmCongrats Marly on the boot toppers! Great show. And the previous one was great with Kristin. Wish Andrea sucess with KnitCrates. Do bumblebees sting like honeybees?
Amy from Los Angeles says
November 3, 2013 at 7:45 pmHave you ever tried to crochet while listening to Flight of the Bumblebee? I haven’t, but I imagine that it might encourage the crocheter get a lot done while doing so! I enjoyed the podcast; it was interesting to hear about this new-to-me company.
Deila Hiebert says
November 3, 2013 at 11:18 pmWould love to win. Whenever I hear the word bumblebee I think of a dear friend named Bea. She collected bumblebees. She passed away almost 2 years ago and I still miss her creativity and joyfullness.
Vicki Lynch says
November 4, 2013 at 4:32 amYou must be busy as bumblebees the first week of each month! Your crates sound like a big hit with all the options.
liz fox says
November 4, 2013 at 7:40 amKnitcrate is such an awesome idea. You should put some bumblebee honey in one of the crates!!
Shawna Tierney says
November 4, 2013 at 7:48 amA crate full of yarn and knitting goodies? Why that sounds like the perfect way to keep oneself as busy as a bumblebee all year long! Thanks for the chance for the give-away!
Shelly says
November 4, 2013 at 7:58 amI am all a buzz just like a
Shelly says
November 4, 2013 at 8:00 amMy above comment didn’t really take. I said: I am all a buzz just like bumblebee
Kattepus says
November 4, 2013 at 8:20 amI’m knitting like busy bumblebee, and would love to win a knitcrate 🙂
Pam says
November 4, 2013 at 11:11 ambuzzing around here like abumble bee would love to see a crate in my mail box
Julie says
November 4, 2013 at 2:18 pmAs a very happy KnitCrate subscriber, I’m busy as a bumblebee working on multiple projects!
Rachel says
November 4, 2013 at 2:24 pmI’m busy as a bumblebee getting Christmas gifts all knit up so I would live to have a Knitcrate waiting for me when I can get back to selfish knitting 🙂
yarning4asmile says
November 4, 2013 at 3:05 pmI was a blogger that participated in the 4th Annual Blog week. At the Beginning we had to choose a “house” and I fell into the house of the busy little bumblebees. I am much like a little Bee flying around from knit to crochet making all that I can in the little time I can. I love the idea of the knitcrate! I love how the yarn and pattern comes to you. There’s no extra trips to the yarn store for something a little special that month. I love the sure simplicity of having it all right there and now the weather is growing colder it makes it even better. Just imagine if one was to come down with the winter cold and BAM there in your mail was the KnitCrate ready to warm your heart and light a fire in your creativeness…. such a lovely wonderful idea!
Chaitanya says
November 4, 2013 at 6:54 pmLoved hearing about the wonderful series of coincidences that led to the creation of KnitCrate. Now I have a bumblebee in my bonnet about trying a yarn subscription service!
Sally Hendricks-Bauer says
November 5, 2013 at 7:55 amWhat a great podcast and a great subject. The packages sound wonderful. Maybe the next pot will look like bumblebees.
SallyFromIdaho on ravelry.
Anita Dodds says
November 5, 2013 at 10:43 amThe concept of Knitcrates is great. It would be so exciting to get a wonderful yarny goodness pkg every month. As soon as I get further along in my stash diet I will check it out. I need to work like a bumblebee so I can treat myself. Great podcast once again.. Thanks Marly!
carold23 says
November 5, 2013 at 11:12 amWhat a Terrific Podcast. The Bumblebees in my garden will be buzzing lots
about this Fabulous Knitting Subscription Opportunity.
Mary Kay Smith says
November 5, 2013 at 8:17 pmI really live this knit crate idea and was quick as a bumblebee to sign up for a subscription! I wish I’d had this service when I lived in China, as it was difficult to get good knitting supplies.
Terri says
November 6, 2013 at 10:04 amKnit Crates sound great! I like the idea of the miniskein subscription. I’ve already started a Beekeeper’s Quilt with fingering leftovers. I need to embroider a bumblebee on one!
Malinda Pelham says
November 6, 2013 at 11:43 amMy favorite bumblebee is my grandson, he is very busy. Will be checking out Knit Crates.
Knitterchow on Ravelry says
November 6, 2013 at 1:11 pmIt sounds like Andrea and Joe of Knitcrate are as busy as a Bumblebees keeping fiber artists apply with their monthly kits. Thank you Marly for the wonderful interview!
Diane says
November 6, 2013 at 2:56 pmI love the idea of KnitCrate (more than I love bumblebees)! I enjoyed the podcast, it was interesting to hear your story.
Amberly says
November 6, 2013 at 6:52 pmKnit crate is a wondeful idea. The minis crate is a great idea if you want to make a beekeeper quilt for some bublebees to snuggle in.
Pat says
November 6, 2013 at 10:50 pmThanks for another great interview! I hadn’t heard of KnitCrate and found the concept fascinating. Sounds like Andrea is as busy as a bumblebee making the whole operation so successful!
Cheryl clemons says
November 7, 2013 at 6:58 amI loved listening to how KnitCrate got started. I will be putting this on my wish list for Christmas. Everyone is busy as bumblebees to get projects done for Christmas.
Lori Lynn @ Playing House says
November 7, 2013 at 12:09 pmBumblebees are so adorable 🙂 KnitCrate is such a neat idea! I so want to try it out 🙂
Alchemy=rav says
November 9, 2013 at 7:14 pmPassword=Bumblebee. Enjoyed the podcast. Putting KnitCrate on a wishlist is a great idea!
Catherine Trouth says
November 10, 2013 at 12:20 pmThere are so many great options with KnitCrate it is hard to choose just one–good thing they have add-ons. The October KnitCrate is awesome! Knitting all the yarn would keep me busy as a bumblebee until the next box came.
MaryPat says
November 11, 2013 at 11:45 amI do like bumblebees but I Love honey bees . Just subscribed to Knitecrate! Thanks again for another fantastic podcast.
colleen says
November 11, 2013 at 5:05 pmLove your podcast marly bird. Although the bumblebees are hibernating here in Chicago, I am a busy bee knitting sweaters and crocheting hats for the first time. I’m a crochet convert thanks to your guests and excitement.
Cynthia says
November 20, 2013 at 12:13 pmI am listening to this episode a bit late, but it is wonderful. Bumblebees and hummingbirds are gone for the winter
here. I am going to check out the Knit Crate site asap. What a SUPER idea.
Amy LaDu says
November 23, 2013 at 3:29 amI am intrigued by the KnitCrate concept. I love the sock box and the minis – lots of little bumblebee skeins waiting to join the beekeepers quilt!
Andie Murray says
November 25, 2013 at 9:33 amI signed up for knit crate right after hearing this podcast! Fantastic concept; I’m really excited about buzzing through my Christmas knitting/crocheting like a bumblebee!