3 New Cast Ons & Test Knit Issues - Ep 148 - Knitting Podcast

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

For some designers, you only have to finish the yoke and one sleeve. Don’t fret.

[@laciechurch211]

Since ur test knit was failed and it's light fingering could u just make it a short sleeve? It is beautiful and I already put so much work in it, I think it would be a beautiful short sleeve, and u wouldn't have a frog it or make it a UFO

[@birchandlily]

I would, but I think with such a dramatic dropped shoulder I may not like where it hits? But totally worth a block and a try on to see I think. Thanks for the idea!

[@luliknits]

I think you should be more lenient with yourself Amanda and not feel upset for not finishing a test knit. You are doing it for free, you may get perks for it but it's a LOT of time invested on something that ultimately you need to like because you are the one who spent so much time on it and you're the one wearing it. It's ok if you don't like the pattern, you can say it, and you are entitled to your opinion. It really saddens me to see so many knitters feeling bad with themselves for not finishing test knits; you are human, life happens and many times designers give very short testing periods which in my opinion is unacceptable. So please, don't beat yourself up!

[@birchandlily]

Thank you. I'm trying! I just truly love testing and don't want to mess up relationships with designers lol

[@joannawebb8683]

I'm so glad I found u again... I love the syncope sweater... I forgot to subscribe ur last video....I am now 😊

[@michelleopdendries2052]

Don’t be so hard on yourself about not finishing you fingering weight sweater. They generally take ages! It took me a year to make my last one because I had to keep taking breaks from it. The progress is slow. But they are worth it in the end. Don’t be so hard on yourself! And I don’t think you need to make excuses either. All of them look great!

[@birchandlily]

Yeahhh progress is definitely slow lol. I agree, I need a break from it. The stitch pattern has just become so monotonous. Definitely not something for me to be testing with a timeline haha.

[@ninamariaknitting]

How long did you have to test knit the Syncope? I've been seeing more and more that designers do not give enough time to testers for sweaters, especially when they're fingering weight. I've tested a lot in the past and I've heavily slowed down because I'm much more selective now. A test knit shouldn't take over all of your knitting time and there should be enough time if something goes wrong and you need to take a break from the project. I wouldn't stress too much about not finishing on time.

[@birchandlily]

Oh gosh I can't remember haha. It definitely was at least 8 weeks. I don't have my notes in front of me! I think the issue is the fingering weight with the combination of lots of positive ease. While I like the finished look the knitting is just to monotonous for me. A learning experience for sure!

First of all, I hope whatever is wrong with your health gets fixed very soon ❤ Second, you ALWAYS look overwhelmed in all of your videos. You apologize a lot and look like you're running around trying to keep at a pace that is slowly killing you. I know the feeling of having to get things done because of bills but also because we're an active person and we like to make/do stuff and don't want to stop. But sometimes it takes a toll on us. I bet you already have considered slowing down at some point, participating in less test knits and knitting a bit more for yourself or just not knitting for a while. Let me add my voice to those who agree you should do it. We will still watch you if you don't post every week or twice a week. We will still like to see your FOs and WIPs if you don't have as many to show and if you show the same over and over again. You have amazing colour combination skills and a good sense of what colours flatter you, and that's why your makes will always be attractive for us to follow. I know it's not only about us but also fighting the algorithm. Even so, don't let this overwhelm you as much. A life that is composed of so many "I'm sorry I didn't do this and that as quick as I wanted" is a hurtful life. Be well! ❤

[@birchandlily]

I promise I'm not too overwhelmed! I just genuinely love test knitting, and I guess want people to know that it's not okay to joing test knits and never finish constantly haha. Designers totally understand when it's occasional, but not constant. It is a commitment! But yeah, don't you worry about me. I think the past few weeks have been weird for me with health issues and weather causing my husband to be home when I record (which makes me feel so weird lol) which might have made me sound a little off. Thank you so much for your concern and kindness though! It doesn't go unnoticed.

[@debbiedennie255]

GM Amanda Your sweaters are always so so lovely Don’t be hard on yourself hon as things crop up on us in life that we don’t expect but you feel you have an obligation but it didn’t happen … just take a deep breath, 🙏, and move on from all that. You are such a beautiful person, bubbly with that big smile , great knitter, very informative and I ♥️your pods 😊 It will come together for you Amanda. 🥰😊

[@birchandlily]

Thank you Debbie! Appreciate your comments every week!

[@p_broom426]

The Rhue sweater is amazing!

[@yasmins1306]

Wow i absolutely love your Rhue Sweater 😍🥰🤩These color choices are stunning. Cant wait for Rebecca to release this pattern. Thank you again for your video. I really enjoy listening to you. I usually dont comment a lot but i just wanted you to know that its ok that you are sad and upset you couldnt finish your test knits. Dont be too harsh on yourself, it sucks when health issues are coming in, but that doesnt define you 🤗 i hope i could express my words correctly 🙈english is not my first language. Sending you hugs and i hope you know you are not alone. We are here to listen and hopefully give you a smile back on your face when you are struggling with things in life.

[@birchandlily]

Thank you so much! And that's very kind of you to say. I definitely need to get better at not being so hard on myself! I love having created this little community where people care and understand how I'm feeling!

[@jla110661]

On your Rhue sweater (beautiful) you mentioned that you finally figured out the folded collar stretchiness... can you share what you do? Also what pattern are you wearing?

[@birchandlily]

Yes! When I stitch it down (by knitting a stitch from the live edge to a stitch I pick up on the inside) I do it with a couple needle sized larger than what I was knitting the ribbing with! I'll make note of mentioning this next episode as well!

[@hebulanebula]

I find weaving in the ends, kind of therapeutic. Take 20 minutes a day, just to do that ! 😊🧶💫 that sweater in teal and grape is gorgeous

[@birchandlily]

Yes, I used to be so good at doing them as I go! Let myself get lazy once and now I created this mess lol

[@wigglymoose]

i cut my color catcher sheets in half and use one in every wash (just in case) because i don’t separate colors! keep us updated on the reusable one though bc i might consider that whenever i use up what i already have

[@birchandlily]

Of course, will def keep updated! Fingers crossed it works well!

[@yorkshirenome]

Sorry to hear you've been unwell, but hopefully you're over it now and feeling better 💕

[@birchandlily]

Getting there! Just hoping it doesn't pop back up again!

[@alyvincent5984]

I love the grey colour of your swatch and also the sweater you are wearing. Did you alternate skeins for it? Or did holding the yarns together balance things out?

[@birchandlily]

I alternated skeins! I always do with hand dyed yarn! Only yarn I don’t usually alternate is commercial dyed. ☺️

[@alyvincent5984]

Thank you! Love your other sweaters too.

[@christenagervais7303]

I really love the Little Crystals sweater. The colours you chose are gorgeous ❤OMG, the Rue sweater is stunning!!

[@FibreBound]

Its been so lovely to catch up with you Amanda! Love your sweater projects, so many beautiful and inspiring garments! I am so impressed with how many projects you have on the go!

[@birchandlily]

Thank you friend!

[@Franciscofiber]

i love the yarn colors you ate using on the Rhu

[@juliao9146]

Love the grey/beige and would def. make a purchase if you decide to put it up in the shop! And the new suri base sounds great. Love your WIPs, as always. The colors in the Ruhe are perfection.

[@birchandlily]

Glad you like it! Thank you!

[@ShariPulford]

I'm glad you are feeling better. It's awful to be sick. I LOVE LOVE LOVE your colorwork!!

[@birchandlily]

Thank you so much!

[@benedicteusa]

Oh your Rhue sweater is turning so nicely! Love the deep wine color. This sweater is definitely on my to knit in 2024 list!

[@birchandlily]

It's sooo pretty! I think you'll love it!