Ask a Yarn Shop Owner: Knitting Q&A with Lisa from This Is Knit

01/07/25 • 45 min

In this special episode of A Yarn Story, Carmen sits down with Lisa, co-owner of Dublin’s beloved yarn shop, This is Knit. From her earliest days of knitting as a schoolgirl in Ireland to co-founding a thriving family-run business, Lisa shares her passion for natural fibres, community building and the magic of making.

Together, they delve into Lisa’s journey, from backpacking in New Zealand (and rediscovering her love for knitting) to building This is Knit with her mum, sister and a talented team. Plus, discover knitting tips, inspiring stories of creativity and why Lisa thinks everyone should invest in the best yarn they can afford.
This episode is packed with insights for knitters of all levels, a few laughs and a whole lot of yarn love! Stick around for listener Q&A and a sneak peek of Lisa’s exciting projects.

💡 Highlights:

Rediscovering knitting in a New Zealand hostel.
The story behind This is Knit.
Favourite patterns, from baby hats to intricate shawls.
Practical tips for seaming, colorwork, and more!
How to support your local yarn shop (beyond just shopping).

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

This is Knit yarns and patterns
Pacific Knit Company’s doodle motifs
Andrea Mowry’s timeless sweater and shawl patterns

Whether you’re an experienced knitter or just casting on your first project, this episode will leave you inspired. Don’t forget to tune in for Part 2, where Lisa dives deeper into 18 years of running a yarn business!

Chapter Markers:
0:00 – Introduction: Meet Lisa from This is Knit.
1:25 – What We’re Wearing and Knitting: Townhouse Yarns & SoSue Knits.
5:37 – Lisa’s Knitting Journey: From Ireland to New Zealand and back.
15:57 – Building This is Knit: From market stalls to a community hub.
27:45 – Favourite Projects and Patterns: Wedding shawls, doodle cowls, and more.
35:20 – Tips for Supporting Local Yarn Shops.
42:00 – Listener Q&A: Knitting in the round vs. flat, seaming, and more.
44:57 – Wrap-Up: What’s next in Part 2!
Subscribe For Updates
🔔 Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE this episode for more knitting inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories from our fibre-filled world. It really helps the channel grow :).
#knittingpodcast #summerknitting #knittingtips #knittinginspiration #knittingpodcast #knitting #howtoknit #knittingtutorial
-----------------------------------
Ask us anything!
Click here to submit a question for the podcast-----------------------------------
Get In Touch
Social Media: Instagram | TikTok
Website: www.ayarnstory.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Visit us:
A Yarn Story,
128 Walcot Street,
Bath,
BA1 5BG
+44 (0)1225 429239
-----------------------------------
Huddle Podcasting Ltd
This episode was produced by Huddle Podcasting Ltd. Learn how you can harness the power of podcasts to grow your business at www.huddlepodcasting.com

💡 Highlights:

Rediscovering knitting in a New Zealand hostel.
The story behind This is Knit.
Favourite patterns, from baby hats to intricate shawls.
Practical tips for seaming, colorwork, and more!
How to support your local yarn shop (beyond just shopping).

🔗 Resources Mentioned:

This is Knit yarns and patterns
Pacific Knit Company’s doodle motifs
Andrea Mowry’s timeless sweater and shawl patterns

Previous Episode

Knitting Tips for Beginners, Yarn Weights Explained and Festive Projects You'll Love

Get ready for a delightful blend of knitting inspiration, yarn know-how, and unexpected trivia! In this episode of A Yarn Story, Carmen and Kayleigh dive into their latest projects, from sweaters to cowls and share their favourite yarn picks including Aran, DK and Worsted weights.

You’ll laugh along as they discuss quirky cat antics, reveal the history behind Rhode Island’s "coffee milk," and tackle listener questions like, “What’s with all these yarn weights?” Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just yarn-curious, this episode has something for everyone.

Plus, hear updates on Kayleigh’s PhD journey and festive plans, all while discovering tips for yarn substitutions and ideas for next year’s projects. Perfect for cosying up with your own knitting needles, this chat feels like catching up with your craftiest friends.

✨ Highlights include:

Top knitting tips and project ideas.
How to choose the perfect yarn weight for your next project.
Fun facts about Rhode Island's history and traditions.
Sneak peeks into upcoming collections and collaborations.

Hit play, grab a cup of tea (or coffee milk!), and join the fun.
✨ Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome & What’s on Our Needles
10:15 - Yarn Weights Demystified: DK, Worsted, & More
22:30 - Rhode Island Trivia: Coffee Milk & History
35:00 - Q&A: How to Choose the Perfect Yarn
50:00 - Festive Knitting Plans & PhD Updates

Subscribe For Updates
🔔 Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE this episode for more knitting inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories from our fibre-filled world. It really helps the channel grow :).
#knittingpodcast #summerknitting #knittingtips #knittinginspiration #knittingpodcast #knitting #howtoknit #knittingtutorial
-----------------------------------
Ask us anything!
Click here to submit a question for the podcast-----------------------------------
Get In Touch
Social Media: Instagram | TikTok
Website: www.ayarnstory.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Visit us:
A Yarn Story,
128 Walcot Street,
Bath,
BA1 5BG
+44 (0)1225 429239
-----------------------------------
Huddle Podcasting Ltd

This episode was produced by Huddle Podcasting Ltd. Learn how you can harness the power of podcasts to grow your business at www.huddlepodcasting.com

Next Episode

This Is Knit: 18 Years of Building Dublin’s Knitting Community

In this episode of A Yarn Story Podcast, Carmen chats with Lisa, co-owner of This Is Knit, a beloved yarn shop nestled in Dublin’s Powerscourt Centre. Discover how Lisa turned her love for knitting into an 18-year journey of community building, crafting inspiration, and entrepreneurial success.

Lisa shares her experiences teaching knitting techniques, collaborating with her sister to create stunning hand-dyed yarns, and running a family business that has become a hub for crafters worldwide. From their early days at a market stall to navigating renovations during COVID, Lisa’s story is filled with insights that resonate with knitters and dreamers alike.

Whether you’re looking for knitting tips, a behind-the-scenes glimpse into yarn retail, or just a heartwarming story about how crafting connects people, this episode has it all.
Subscribe For Updates
🔔 Please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE and SHARE this episode for more knitting inspiration and behind-the-scenes stories from our fibre-filled world. It really helps the channel grow :).

Chapters
00:00 – Welcome to A Yarn Story Podcast: Meet Carmen and Lisa
01:04 – Lisa’s Introduction: 18 Years of This Is Knit
02:28 – Running a Family Business: Joys, Challenges & Collaboration
05:41 – From Market Stalls to Dublin’s Powerscourt Centre
11:46 – The Importance of Crafting Community and “Third Spaces”
17:33 – Shop Renovations: Transforming the Space During COVID
22:18 – Facing Financial Challenges: Cash Flow & Profit First
31:19 – Diversifying the Business: Teaching, Yarn Dyeing, and More
37:22 – Saying Goodbye to Woollen: Reflecting on Event Organizing
45:50 – Lisa’s Advice for Aspiring Retailers: Funding, Passion & Perseverance
49:21 – Wrapping Up: Why Yarn Shops Are More Than Just Shops

#KnittingPodcast #ThisIsKnit #YarnShop #KnittingCommunity #CraftingInspiration #HandDyedYarn #IrishYarn #KnittersOfInstagram #FamilyBusiness #KnittersUnite
-----------------------------------
Ask us anything!
Click here to submit a question for the podcast-----------------------------------
Get In Touch
Social Media: Instagram | TikTok
Website: www.ayarnstory.co.uk
Email: [email protected]
Visit us:
A Yarn Story,
128 Walcot Street,
Bath,
BA1 5BG
+44 (0)1225 429239
-----------------------------------
Huddle Podcasting Ltd
This episode was produced by Huddle Podcasting Ltd. Learn how you can harness the power of podcasts to grow your business at www.huddlepodcasting.com

A Yarn Story - Ask a Yarn Shop Owner: Knitting Q&A with Lisa from This Is Knit

Transcript

00:00:00.560

Hi, I'm Carmen. Welcome to a Yarn Story podcast. I'm here today with my friend Lisa, who I will let her introduce herself. Oh, okay. But she's Lisa of This Is Knit here in Dublin, which is where I am at the moment.

00:00:20.699

I will introduce myself. Okay.

00:00:23.920

Carmen knows me very well. How long, how long have we been together in a sort of yarny context?

00:00:31.679

Like 12, 13 years. I was going to