A Button Band W/O Picking Up Stitches?! | KNITTING PODCAST | aka Nora Knits|Ep. 41

[@valeriejohnson1043]

I’m a 60+ year young woman and I look forward to my Saturday sing-a-long to your opening jingle. My pup thinks I’ve lost it

[@akaNoraKnits]

🥰 this makes me so happy-thank you!!

[@MZPurple786]

Me too! I love the opening jingle!

[@s.aliciawarren4283]

I’m the same age and I love it too!!

[@shellee888]

Sing it before I pick up my WIPs!😅

[@kathieweaver5363]

Your podcast is so refreshing and fun! It’s like bringing a bouquet of fresh flowers in the house each week!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Aww what a compliment!!! Thank you so much 🥰

[@ellenmartin1225]

Of COURSE we want to watch the button band tutorial. I've often wondered if there was actually a way to do the double knit button band while you're knitting the cardigan, but your explanation of the distortion that can happen makes a lot of sense.

[@akaNoraKnits]

I’ve included a link in the bio for the tutorial!! I think once you understand what things look like when they go wrong, it’s so much easier to get them right 😂

[@jessicamaa]

This is turning out LOVELY! You can use those dpns as cable needles. Perfect length. ❤

[@grandiane5569]

Your's was the clearest, easiest to follow italian cast on tutorial I've watched. You SHOULD become a tutorial podcaster. Then all of your tutorials could live on your channel, but in a separate playlist

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you so much-I really do appreciate that!

[@Meredith36]

Always one of my favorite things about Saturday. Everything is looking amazing. Happy knitting and crocheting 💚🧶💚

[@akaNoraKnits]

Aww thank you so much! Happiest making to you!

[@ronicalynch1211]

Slit on either side!! Perfection!!! Crew neckline.

[@grandiane5569]

LOVE your folded hem technique

[@akaNoraKnits]

I’ve linked it in the description!! So good!!

[@siobhanyamada-gu8dr]

I love your discussion of your decision making process and why you make any adjustments you make. I also really appreciate the detail you provide in how you do various techniques. 💖 As for the Messi Dressi, I like the idea of side slits. 😊 & also, I recently got a dress form for my knit/crochet items and it’s been so great to be able to step back and see how things look on an actual 3D form! Great advice!! 😊

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you so much 🥰 I’m really happy that I can overthink out loud and to people who get it! Isn’t it so fun to be able to see what others get to when you wear your knits?? Such a great perspective!

[@kimmyk3640]

I love the crew neck look on the Messy Dressy, and the side slits would look so cute! I can't wait to see this dress when it's done!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Me too!! 😅

[@Rhobinknits]

Why is this slowly becoming the best way to start a weekend?! ❤

[@akaNoraKnits]

Aww well thank you!!

[@GabrielaVazquez-jc3pi]

I was born in Argentina and my family and I are, of course, huge Messi fans. I love your dress. It is the bomb! Also, I love how you commit to us as if we're the knitting police. It's adorable. But I promise, if you cast on another project, I will not show up at your door with handcuffs. Can't speak for the rest of the folks watcing but you are at least safe with me.

[@akaNoraKnits]

😂😂😂 first of all, I love that you’re loving the Messi dress! So fun! Also, it’s so true! I actually feel like I use you all as an excuse to stick to my word and not just have a pile of unfinished projects lol. Thought, I do appreciate the wiggle room! Made me laugh-thank you!

[@pairswellwithknitting]

Always a fun watch! Thanks, Nora. So jazzed about the Messi Dressy...looking good and your cardi is fab!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you 🥰🥰🥰 I’ve actually got your video on right now as I’ve been working on the Messi Dressi! Thanks for keeping me company 🥰

[@chet1051]

LisaR- adorable crocheted dress - I'd do side slits - For the top shaping ... maybe consider how warm it may be the day of event , lots of heavy weight cotton to wear... The square neck is really clean & pretty especially since the cottons worsted weight - smart look & functional to put the black trim ! Sure it'll be beautiful however you finish❤

[@KarenStrickholm]

Maybe visually reference some of those iconic Audrey Hepburn looks from back in the day, all long and sleek.

[@akaNoraKnits]

I’m so lucky that the game doesn’t even start until 9pm 😅 it’s certainly going to be a heavy one!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

OMB the eyeballs with elongated knit stitches in them- I have no words for your never-ending cleverness and creativity Nora! Well, I guess “Delightful” works!!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@chet1051]

LisaR: This folded hem technique of reducing the needle size for the folded hem is something I learned when learning the finer points of machine knitting techniques ( many years ago ) . It's very effective for hand knitting! One thing you may find useful as well - Try a Nylon cord, the kind that's sold on spools or cards in the jewelry section of most craft stores . Its called "rip cord " in machine knitting - a firmly woven Aprox, lace to fingering wt cording .. used for placing to help you easily pick up your stitches as in the hem, or a folded collar etc . ❤ just heat the end after cutting to keep from frayjng - try to get a tightly woven type and it will be able to last for years.. love your explorations & enthusiast energy- lovely projects!❤ps if you like a purled edge will also work for a different look to your edge

[@johannaillian5029]

Your videos make me so happy, thank you, Nora!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you so so much 🥰

[@yessysdesigns]

Your cardigan will be so so dreamy!!!!!! So perfect for Fall ❤

[@akaNoraKnits]

I simply cannot wait!! Thank you 🥰

[@melanievarner3314]

Your Messi dress is coming along beautifully! I like your ideas for the neck and the side slits of the skirt portion. Brilliant idea to use the dress form for the detail styling. Great job!

[@jennifermugridge3152]

After years of making single button bands, I knit a cardigan with a double band and there’s no going back…I love the stability of a double band. Thanks so much for your tutorial! You’re so clear and thorough. That Messi Dressi is a work of art 👍🏻👍🏻 Also, I’d love to hear about your farm if you’d like to share.

[@akaNoraKnits]

Isn’t it such a game changer? They just look so clean and professional! Thank you thank you!!!

[@TheSablelou]

Happy Saturday! Got most of my work done and now it’s my time! All your projects are coming out so beautiful! You’ve given me inspiration to start dating my items and how long they’ve been on the needles! Rushing to finish a baby blanket this weekend as it’s for my boss and she will be in town next Thursday! Have to have this finished no later than Monday! Good thing it’s a rainy cool weekend here!

[@the_busy_beaver_brooke]

Put a stitch stopper on the end of your DPN!!! :)

[@akaNoraKnits]

Brilliant!!

[@lorigraybill6712]

When picking up stitches for a button band, I’ve had the most success when I use the formula of 3 to 1. Along the vertical stitches, I pick up a stitch on each of three rows, then skip the next row. Then repeat. Across the horizontal stitches (back of neck), I pick up each stitch. I’ve also used 2:1, but not as often. You do lovely work for someone who has been knitting for a year and a half! A knitting savant!

[@akaNoraKnits]

My aunts call me the knitting savant 😂 too funny!! I think 3 to 1 is pretty accurate for me too! It’s nice to pick up while I go because I can eyeball things a little b it more

[@viviantovar8957]

I think it’s already a dense fabric. Go for the square neck and lower the armhole shaping (move the blue triangle down), it should line up closer to your bra. Crochet is also less flexible than knitting, so you’ll need the extra space. Good luck!!

[@akaNoraKnits]

So true!! It’ll be hard to tell until I can do a proper try-on, but I’ll keep that in mind! Thank you!!

[@heatherpiotrowski9396]

Button band tutorial-yes. Sporty split for the dress. Finishing my stashbustsprings! Woohoo! Thanks for the challenge.

[@akaNoraKnits]

I’ve included a link in the bio for the tutorial!! So excited you’ve been able to bust some stash!

[@amandafryar7168]

Oh I am very much looking forward to this tutorial I absolutely HATE picking up stitches for button bands!!

[@akaNoraKnits]

There is a link in the description!!

[@moonbasket]

Great work this week, Nora. :)

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you 🥰

[@Twilightwitchery]

For the dress I like the triangles at the neckline and I would definitely do a front and back split for the skirt

[@patsyvincent9483]

Hope you got rid of that pesky fly. lol. This is my favorite thing about Saturday. Nice to meet Betty.Messi Bessi is looking good. You are so talented. Your cardigan is coming along. Looking good. You have a great personality.

[@akaNoraKnits]

It’s a never ending problem on the farm 😂 thank you so much! 🥰

[@SarahJo]

I like the straight collar, without the triangles, and then the two sid slits for the Messi Dressi, but obviously do what you think will be best!

[@cnrdelfs]

Ahhh your Messi dressi is so cute! I love the idea of slits on each side and I love the extra white triangles at the neckline for more shaping. Great job on the button band. Woohoo! You’re in the home stretch! Also, thanks for the #stashbustspringKAL motivation. I finished 3 stash busting projects, and have 2 more started that I’m sure I won’t finish in time, but I’m so glad I was inspired to use some languishing stash, and also some stash I was just being precious with. It was so enjoyable for me!!

[@jessicatretola4682]

I vote split. It works with the style. I also like the crew neck idea if you have the time.

[@Pam-yy3km]

I can’t wait to cast on my Sand Cardigan! I’m planning to use it as my cold weather robe. I’m so impressed with your methods and practices. Thank you for sharing.

[@CandiceOutlaw]

Ahhh an applied border, that's brilliant 🎉

[@akaNoraKnits]

Easy peasy!!

[@genier7829]

My vote is for crewneck if you have time, and side splits. The side vents make it easier to walk than a single front slit in my experience. You can make a bag from the extra blue squares, or make you boyfriend something matching that he won't want to wear!

[@akaNoraKnits]

😂😂😂 I think a bag would be perfect!!

[@KarenStrickholm]

One of those tiny bags hot on the runway now, sometime in witty shapes.

[@CreatingHannah]

I knit an entire sweater out of scraps and minis this spring and I love it!! Even though I don’t use instagram, I’m still doing #stashbustspring

[@kayg4416]

I just love following the progress on your Messi dressi! Tip with the dpn. Put a needle stopped (thing you put on your knitting needle to keep stitches from sliding off) on the end of the dpn you aren’t knittting with. It will keep it from poking your hand. 😊

[@erikagreenwell9892]

you could do a matching fanny pack with the leftover blue squares...

[@akaNoraKnits]

👀👀👀 now we’re talking…

[@Marielm1]

Two side slits. Long ones. Enjoy!

[@suemount6042]

You could crochet the white stripe by doing chains through the squares it would be quicker possibly

[@akaNoraKnits]

Ooh good idea!!! Thank you!!

[@hearherhands]

Another vote for the button band tutorial! I loathe picking up for the button band. I would love to learn another way.

[@akaNoraKnits]

I’ve included a link in the bio for the tutorial!! It’s so much easier than you’d think!!

[@ClaireMiller-gv2we]

Love the sewn down hem method, so much easier that what I have been doing. I think the sand cardigan would lend itself to a gradually increasing button band. So 5 to six at top and gradual increase to 6 to 8 around hips. Just a thought. 😅 also ps. Loving stash bust spring nd how it is making me finish things due to the deadline!

[@akaNoraKnits]

I’m so happy stash bust spring is working for you!!! I’m intrigued by the idea for the button band-I think I’ll try it on when I get closer to the top and see if I should make it more narrow there! Thank you!!

[@Miffy_creates]

You could always do a lateral braid before you start your folded hem rows then when you go to sew up you have “purl bumps” to sew onto without showing

[@akaNoraKnits]

Oooh what a fun idea!! That’d certainly make the process easier!

[@Citroen_2cv]

Crew neck / racerback! Sportier, more elegant

[@lucilesenseney5556]

Yes to splits on the sides!

[@mongrain8934]

I also think side splits would be good on your dress and no added triangle at the neck. ❤❤❤

[@EileenK64]

As someone else said, I sing your jingle “IIII’m Nora….” for a while after watching each episode. I should just change my name to Nora ha ha.

[@akaNoraKnits]

Hhhahaa I absolutely love that! Thank you 🥰

[@emilysmith2784]

How I do a button band is to knit a good few rows then check my gauge and then I mark out my sweater every 10 cm and pick up the stitches I have for my gauge. Helps me a lot when you start getting to the v neck and side parts. The every other or every stitch thing never made sense to me.

[@samanthamccamish624]

The higher up crew neck racer back like style and the side splits is definitely more sporty and I think that is the direction I think matches the vision you are explaining more.

[@Unitubeful]

I have a wire dress form (nowhere near my size) but she is my model for any of my knitted or crochet accessories i make lol I don't need to pay her she just sits pretty at the corner ready for her next photo opt

[@akaNoraKnits]

Hahaha it’s best when they can’t talk 😂 it’s so nice to be able to get that perspective!

[@tinafletcher1145]

casted on a white tee last night

[@akaNoraKnits]

Woohoo!!!

[@tinafletcher1145]

@@akaNoraKnits where and when do we post our pictures?

[@camderden2879]

Why a yarn over before picking up the stitch on the cardigan? I did the same process without the yarn over. There was less bulk and it was easier to.

[@joyandknitting]

Hey Nora! Fellow north east knitting podcaster here! I live in new jersey and am actually getting married in Fairfield CT next year! I love your podcast, you've actually inspired me to finally cast on the Florence tank! I am struggling along with you on that one lol

[@akaNoraKnits]

Omg how cool!!! Message me if you’re looking for a hairstylist 😂 I just gave you a follow! I’ll definitely check out your podcast too!! Wait I’m so happy to know that you’re knitting the Florence tank too! I hope that you can learn from my mistakes-maybe you’ll re-inspire me to get mine done!!

[@laurienowland8584]

Side slits will be more sporty!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Right?? I think so too!

[@bevabberley1524]

Messi dress is really coming along. A suggestion for the skirt how about not stitching up the skirt and keeping them in strips from the bottom of your bum. You could wear white cycling shorts underneath 😊

[@akaNoraKnits]

I had thought about that too!! I then thought about them getting caught in between the seats at the stadium and tearing off 😂 however, I do really love that idea!!

[@junimondify]

I'm team square neck and side splits. I find the white triangular additions don't really do anything positive.

[@AnaEmond-q5g]

why dont you try knitting a shaped neck?

[@akaNoraKnits]

For the dress?? I’ll be adding a knit rib border around the neck and armholes!!

[@AnaEmond-q5g]

Yes

[@blindrootinhogs]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/iWnTZpVvnMZpr6M This is for a single button band , cant wait for your tutorial for a double knit band as you go !!! YOUR AMAZING !!!!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you!! I’ve left a link to my tutorial in the description!

[@EdenYell]

Adjustable dress forms just generally have issues because they are a cloth covered plastic shell that you can't really pin into like a standard dress form and the plastic shell doesn't really adjust in a way that looks like real bodies. I swear if they came with no boobs and expected you to just put a bra on it that would solve half of my adjustment problems.

[@akaNoraKnits]

Right??? This chick has an hourglass figure that I couldn’t imagine having without going under the knife 😂😂😂 I feel like no matter what I do, the proportions are all off Hahha. But it gets the job done!