A bit of selfless knitting...and then some yarn for me. 🎁

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hello! I hope y’all are doing well. Today I’m sharing an update on my gift knits as well as the yarn I plan on using for my next Frankensweater! Enjoy. ❤

[@Lovelife10934]

Love your videos!! One question is that blanket knitting? It looks crocheted

[@debbiethayer1975]

@@Lovelife10934it is crochet. It’s a granny stitch, I believe.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

@@Lovelife10934 Thank you so much! And indeed it is crochet. I think I may have said something about "knitting" it, but that was by mistake. It is a really fun granny stripe-like blanket. ❤

[@Lovelife10934]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS oh no! You did not! I just was not sure because sometimes you can make crocheting look like knitting!! But again I seriously love your videos!! God bless!!❤️✝️🙏🏻🙌🏻

[@catherinecunningham7126]

Tayler that “lap blanket” is the perfect size for anyone who is ill. My aunt gave me a tiny quilt when I had my cancer surgery last summer. It was so soft that when I had my radiation I used to put it on my pillow because my forehead was a bit tender from the radiation and other times I used it just as a security blanket type thing. Small blankets are a big blessing! ❤️

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I can absolutely see how this would be a special bit of comfort and I remember when you were going through this surgery Catherine. A small, cozy cuddler goes a long way when you're recovering from illness or injury (or surgery). You said it perfectly, "small blankets are a big blessing". ❤️

[@SewRunKnit]

Favorite expression from today was, “These mitts don’t need to be washed in tears of children.” I think there should be a thread of our favorite Taylerisms. ♥️ You utter the juiciest lines off the cuff and I love them.

[@susanschwerdtfeger7310]

You are such a pleasure to listen to on each of your episodes! You had me laughing out loud; “hand wash in the tears of children”! 😂 It’s so true though that you want to give enough information so the recipient knows how to care for the item without sounding like it’s some precious thing that can’t be used.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Susan! So glad you enjoy listening and that you chuckle along with me. That means a lot to me. ❤️

[@aimeewalters4861]

I'm actually knitting while I listen tonight, instead of dishes or the like. It's a nice little night.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I’m honored to be part of your cozy evening Aimee! Enjoy. ❤

[@Coleena]

LOL! “…the tears of children” had me cracking up 😂

[@rachellejohnson1011]

Those smaller sized blankets are the perfect size for car seats and strollers :)

[@ihesharema]

“With the tears of children” 😂😂😂😂 I love it!

[@comfycozytoo]

I love the combo for your sweater. It's going to be perfection.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

I definitely see the purple in your Frankensweater yarn! It’s lush! Thanks for the reminder that I need to get some mohair or Suri to pair with my lion brand before the MKAL starts ! 🤣 I think it’s so sweet that you’re donating the lab blanket. I liked the idea of someone finishing it, but the idea of a little child enjoying it is just adorable. I was born three months premature and my mom was actually on the board at our local Ronald McDonald house, for a parent perspective, when I was an infant and yeah … close to my heart. Can’t help it…still love a Big Mac on occasion. 😂

[@debraraymer3386]

Thanks for the pattern. I knit these out of Aaron Weight for my husband for walking the dog. I also ordered a lighted hat from Costco. This is going to be the neatest present!

[@zmannranch5637]

Great episode, including the "Storytime" segment 😂

[@deniseengel1451]

Thank you for donating the blanket.

[@thatcrochetchick369]

Thank you for the gift wrapping/labeling ideas. BTW, I'm totally writing "painstakingly handcrafted with only the finest materials, must be washed in the tears of children" on my handmade gifts this year 😂

[@saraw8503]

I ordered handknit gift tags from ETSY. It has a blank for entering yarn fiber content and washing instructions. I also include a travel size packet of Soak handwashing soap.

[@alicemerray]

Some time ago, I bought a pack of blank white card parcel labels to use for labelling up gift knits. I don't do that much gift knitting so I put them somewhere safe...... You can guess the rest. 🙄

[@sybilq2509]

"I wear a lot of this color" is currently wearing that color 😂 I love it on you

[@LadyPatienceK]

I keep larger offcuts and use pinking shears to make the edges pretty. Then use them as wrapping cloths. I close them with yarn, jute string, butchers string or long strips of fabric. My original wrapping cloth stash was made using thrifted/op-shoped doona covers or sheets.

[@katibere1966]

I made that blanket to donate this Christmas season!! I have a started EUN Sweater for myself on hold while I make gifts (crochet baby bunting cocoon for neighbor and knit swoncho for my sister). I also want to make your Fire pit Mitts (and so many other things!!!)

[@erroniousmcleese]

I am thinking those "fire pit mittens" would make excellent Bus Driver mitts, I do NOT like driving gloves, but these look like ther perfect combination of warmth and tactile grip for pushing and pulling the steering wheel!

[@elizabethphilpot-davis2358]

Talking of gift wrapping and coupling with your yarn scrap ideas (love your podcasts!) I use up my small scraps of yarn by crocheting them into a chain and using them as cord to wrap gifts; it looks so pretty and saves wasting those shorter lengths of yarn that are too small to do anything else with! Have a great holiday season! Ellie, New Zealand

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Ellie, this is such a fantastic idea! And how cute would that be with chunky yarn as garlands for little Christmas trees?! So cute. Thank you for this idea and thank you for your kind words. So glad you're enjoying the podcast. ❤️

[@Katepwe]

I let my grand kiddos pick something from my knit item stash, then they pick out gift bags/paper/tags and package it themselves.

[@janetshepherd9062]

Lap blanket is darling!

[@JustWriter]

Hi Missus Earl! You are cracking me up again! "You must only wash with the tears of children." 🤣

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

😂😘

[@alyssehennessey1837]

Yes a little blanket would be welcome by a child going through a health crisis. Great idea! When my son was little, we once stayed at a RMD house in Portland during a very stressful medical issue time. He was gifted a handmade scarf, handmade cards, in a goodie bag and we were treated to a full dinner. It absolutely cheered him up and distracted from the stress! He’s healthy and 21 now and still wears that scarf!!!

[@pinelmj]

Hi Tayler, always a pleasure to watch your new episodes. Did you hear of the "Fake-in-The-Round" Swatch? I just love it and thought it might be something you would like too. Roxanne Richardson has a tutorial on it. It gets rid of the pesky back strands and it is easier to lay flat. Happy Knitting!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Ooooooo! I have not heard of this! Thank you so much for sharing this. I’m looking it up right now. ❤❤❤

[@dianelatham9566]

Hi Tayler, devoted viewer from down under here (Melbourne, Australia). Re your wrapping of gifts. I have found that people love to know about the provenance of the hand made gifts they receive. I write a card that includes the source of the yarn and, if it is a blend, what % there is of each type of fibre. I also tell them the name and designer of the pattern. I completely agree with you about not overdoing it regarding how precious the item is though :) Thank you for your inspiring and info-filled podcasts.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi Diane! I love this and I completely agree. Folks love the little bits of insider info you can give then on a handmade item. It's like going straight to the source (literally) and that's always appreciated. And maybe even a bit of passive inspiration to encourage the recipient to dive down that particular crafty rabbit hole. Great suggestion. Thank you for watching and for your kind words. I hope you're enjoying the beginning of summer! ☀️❤️

[@nokesbob2256]

On your mitts, you could knit a k1, p1 rib on the end of the fingers area and make them longer, and then if you wanted them out of the way, you could fold back the rib part and use them that way. Hope that makes sense? I have a curious question for you. As a yarn dyer, you can pick out and create the most perfect beautiful colors of yarn for any of your projects. I mean, you can even get the yarn in what ever size and type you want. So why do yarn dyers not use their own colors? I am looking forward to seeing your next Frankensweater knit up. I'm not a gray fan, but you combine such interesting things together that it's fun seeing the results. Thank you for sharing.

[@lieslnew8247]

Just got back home after 5 months on the road in our caravan. Have just blocked the Carbeth cardigan I made before we left. Went to a new local wool store to buy buttons for it and had a great knitting chat with the owner. And tomorrow I will be washing the Sundance blanket I made with 5 cakes of Mandala and adding my tassel fringe. I am LOVING being back with my yarn crafts around me. Thx Tayler for continuing to inspire me. 😊❤

[@genier7829]

I knit cashmere hats for all my cousins last year. I made tags with a sketch of a goat and a cartoon style balloon saying I'm cashmere, please handwash and dry flat. Cute and easy. One could use clip art animals instead, even cuter.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Omg I love this so much! ❤❤❤

[@nalansings1346]

this is always my favorite time of year to knit for this reason! gift knitting is so fun. i love collaborating with loved ones and letting them pick patterns, yarn color, etc.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yes! Totally. When you can pull it off, time wise, it’s so fulfilling. ❤

[@carolinedubose5136]

Can't wait to see your new franken sweater!!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Caroline! I can't wait to share it with everyone. ❤️

[@theastewart6721]

Hi Tayler. The blanket will surely bring comfort to someone. Wonderful idea. And it looks so soft after washing! Thanks for sharing.😊

[@chrissyfarmer2949]

I LOVE that you're donating the Hugs Lap Blanket!! Perfect idea!!

[@knitterinspace]

As a fellow teacher, receiving an item that can only be washed in tears of children would be the most hilairious gift of the season :D

[@celineocallaghan6915]

Loved it as usual Tayler, that little blanket will bring so much joy to a small child. Colours are beautiful and looks so cuddly. Awesome choice of colours for your sweater as well ❤️

[@karineberhart2496]

Hi Tayler! I've made a couple of pairs of fingerless mittens and used short rows so that they could go a bit higher without completely covering the pinky finger. It worked well. Greetings from Germany 😊

[@JustWriter]

I had that idea too! One only need do enough for half a sock heel, and voila!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

This is genius! ❤❤

[@estherw8838]

O Taylor...the tears of children. Dying.

[@jenniferjohnson9335]

Hi, Tayler! Love the truck and tree mug! So fun to knit and see what you are up to at this time of year. Thanks for sharing wips and future wips!

[@alicet5536]

I generally just include one of the labels from the yarn i used when i wrap the gift.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

That's also a great idea!

[@zillahrhodes3848]

Hiya, ditto with the laughter about children’s tears! Thanks so much for your fun, informative podcasts, so much appreciated , kind regards from a gloomy wet day in the UK 🙏 x

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

🤣 Thank you! This means a lot to me. And sending you some warm, cozy vibes on those cold and dreary winter days. ❤️

[@tanyabc]

Before you said mauve, I thought pink, so the little tint is definitely noticeable! I'm a yellow lover too. I was going to use a dark yellow tweedy yarn for a 90s inspired quarter-zip. That plan fell through and I considered just knitting up a normal raglan, but I think I prefer yellows better paired with other colors or in statement pieces / accessories. I could see your mustard looking good with a forest green.

[@diannecarter1754]

I made the mits and made them long enough that I can roll the forward and tuck my fingertips in❤ love these mits

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Ooo yes! That sounds perfect! Thank you so much for purchasing the pattern Dianne.

[@valeriehowden471]

Every time I give a crocheted or knitted gift, I include 'care instructions to keep it looking like new'. Even cotton washcloths... baking soda or vinegar soaks to get out odors vs bleach. Just in case they may have allergies, I include fibre content.

[@breannatyson2642]

I would do the front and back panel of your frankensweater in the grey then the sleeves in the mustard 😍 in my head it is so beautiful.. or a honey dipped sweater or vice versa ❤

[@chrissy24-7]

Yours is one of the few pods I'm able to watch as I'm going thru a very busy time, and can't even think of picking up knitting, but still like to hear about it ❤ much love to you and yours !

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

This is the best compliment Chrissy. Thank you so much. I’m so glad you enjoy it. ❤

[@Emilee_Johnston]

I'm a size 5, narrow, for women's shoes so it's extremely hard for me to find any adult shoes in that size. I mostly go to Amazon in order to find my size and even then sometimes my size isn't carried.

[@Shamiterrific]

If something needs to be washed in the tears of children, I'd say a 3rd grade teacher is the perfect recipient.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

😂😂😂😂

[@martyjangles]

I’m size 6.5 feet! I was size 5.5/6 until I had my daughter and now I’m 6/6.5. Ahhh, pregnancy 😂

[@SharonCullenArt]

“You must only wash them in the tears of children!”😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I honestly don’t even know how I conjured that up. 😂😂

[@peggytraeg]

I like the fireside mittens. Is the thumb knitted in DPN? I need to buy the pattern, but I am healing from a hand injury and then I will begin this project.

[@emilypresley5170]

I love that you are donating to the Ronald McDonald House! One of my best friends has been staying at the one you are talking about for the past 6 weeks after going into labor on her baby moon at 30w since her baby has been in the NICU since birth

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Oh wow, thank you for sharing this. I'm sending prayers and good vibes out to your friend. Happy holidays to you and yours Emily. ❤️

[@joshkirven5039]

If you don’t start selling tags that say “hand wash only in the tears of children “ then I will 😂

[@JustWriter]

T'would make a great bumper sticker, or those sticky letters.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Don't tempt me. 😉

[@Katepwe]

That would be hilarious!

[@joannsteinly5325]

Go for it!

[@Arieltheonly]

Who won the send off this time. Haven't seen a patreon post or KZbin video about it.

[@allnaturalnutknitting4272]

:)

[@ScotHarkins]

Once you start knitting two-at-a-time I hear you never go back. Even for multiple projects at one time...but there can be limits.

[@3Dhyana]

I love 99% of your homemade items but I didn’t like the Sun Dance piece. I’m no art critic but I just didn’t like the color or design. Sorry. 😬

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

And that’s ok. 👍