A knitting episode (11): Soldotna, Weekender & (too) many plans

Welcome, friends, to an October knitting episode where I talk about what is happening in my knitting life right now and what the future might hold knitting-wise. The video/podcast took (again) a long time to edit and upload, and so my birthday (which I mention) has come and gone. Just FYI.
I felt a bit apprehensive about talking about knitting right now, the world being what it is. I did it anyway, as being silent and MIA wouldn't do any good either. I send everyone my sincere wishes for peace and love.
(Most of) what I talk about in the podcast:
Find me on Instagram at: @helles.knitting.journal
On Ravelry: Libenholt
Nordic Knitalong group on Ravelry: www.ravelry.co...
E-mail address: [e-mail]
Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter: www.ravelry.co... or boylandknitwork...
The Lamb & Kid yarn: thelambandkid....
The Weekender by Andrea Mowry: www.ravelry.co...
Brushed Alpaca from Sandnesgarn: www.sandnes-ga...
Blouse no. 1 by My Favourite Things Knitwear: www.ravelry.co...
La Bien Aimee (cashmerino): www.labienaime...
Krea de Luxe yarn (silk mohair): www.kreadeluxe...
Foxthoughts Pullover by Hiroko Payine/The Hare and the Crow: www.ravelry.co...
Aurelia Pullover by Sari Nordlund: www.ravelry.co...
Yamagara on Ravelry: www.ravelry.co...
Aegyo sweater: www.ravelry.co...
The Four Tendencies Quiz by Gretchen Rubin: gretchenrubin....
Knitting podcasts mentioned:
@skeinsofdreamsknits
@KnitandGrace
@thosetwinswhoknit
@SariNordlund
@knitLA55
Wine: Blush, Washington State
Book: Human Kind by Rutger Bregman
Lupin on Netflix

[@ulrikeb8822]

Good evening, dear Helle, i don't throw away the rests of yarns; instead i put them in little paperbags (for example those for taking a sandwich with you), writing the project's name on it, an put them all together in a small box. If i will have to repair a little problem at the knitted piece in future, there will be the right yarn 😊 Thank you for your beautiful video again, was such a nice time on this saturday evening with you 🎉, because i'm training too to accept the unperfect parts of my knittings and even more of my way of living ❤ All the best for you and hoping for peace Ulrike

[@diklayoktan2543]

Your colored sweater is one of the most beautiful knits i have ever seen!! So happy! So uplifting! Your color interpretation is magic! Sending you lots of love from Israel. Thank you for your nice words.

[@danishmusings]

Thank you so much. Much love to you 💙🤍

[@hebulanebula]

The sweater you are wearing should be named Happy Helle 💕☀️🧶💫 I absolutely LOVE 💗 your color choices with this pattern !!!! I admire anyone who can figure this out. math is not my forte.

[@danishmusings]

Thank you so much 😍❤️ (and haha 😅)

[@silkyway3296]

The 'detachable' turtleneck is genius! Such a good idea as well to use with contrasting colours to add some 'play' into a garment! wauw!

[@eynateven9607]

Thank you for mentioning what needs to be mentioned, and yet, is ignored by so many. In a time of grief, and fear, it is nice to know that somenody notices...and cares.

[@22mononoke]

Thank you for speaking up about the conflict happening in the Middle East. The silence of other knitting podcasters has been deafening especially in the face of the horror of the atrocities happening to children and a possible genocide of a people. The inconsistency of sympathy is against human morals. So many are cowardly in the fear of facing any backlash for speaking up but openly support when everyone else is doing so. I applaud your bravery for doing so - you are the first knitting podcaster on KZbin (that I've seen) that has even mentioned this heart-breaking situation.

[@danishmusings]

🙏🏻🤍🕊️

[@ladyboerd]

I don't think that's fair. I'm not advocating for people to just talk about thing's they're an expert in. What's happening in Israel is horrific and if people feel the need to voice their personal emotions and thoughts, I totally welcome that. But I think it's very harsh to critic other creators in the knitting community for not addressing it publicly on their accounts. We don't know what people say and do IRL. We don't know if they might be personally affected by it and actively chose to avoid the topic on their profiles. Also, the situation in the Middle East is very complex and it's even harder to find the "right" words. I personally would much rather prefer if people didn't feel pressured to put out a statement if they feel inept to do so. I have seen so many performative statements in other communities, where you could clearly see that people didn't have the time or energy to further educate themselves. Consequently they got ripped apart in the comments. Maybe share some useful resources for people who are looking for education in that matter instead of bashing knitters (!) to release a half-assed statement on Twitter.

[@22mononoke]

@@ladyboerd The situation in the Middle East is not complex and you don't have to be an expert in it to just mention and sympathise with one fact - innocent children are dying. They are pulling out bits of children and innocent people from under carpet bombed rubble - more than 1000 bodies are still irretrievable. Over 3500 children have been killed in 3 weeks - that's one child every 15 seconds while over 8000 Gazans have been killed in that same time frame. The sheer gravity and cruelty of this situation should be enough to at least have a voice about it - you don't even have to mention a side if you don't know the history of the region - just mention the innocent children! Innocent people of any side should not be targeted especially little children. Knitting podcasts by their nature aren't political and the spaces of those who create them. But they choose to publish to the public which consumes their content. So when certain podcasts mention how horrible the Ukrainian situation is and stay silent about this region then we as the consumer of their public podcasts have every right to ask - why express sympathy with one situation but not the other? Does the plight of innocent men, women and children from Ukraine have more of an effect on them than the plight of innocent men, women and children in from this region? And then it begs the question why? I'm only directing my critique to those knitting podcasts who did choose to speak up about Ukraine but not that region. I find the inconsistency in sympathy for one people but not another disturbing and yes worth calling out. A statement as simple as 'what is happening there is awful' is enough. It shows they are not blind to one people but 'see' another (those who mentioned the Ukraine conflict). For those who completely want to keep politics out of their podcasts, I respect that absolutely. That's my opinion on it and you are free to disagree of course. I'm always open to the fact that I might be wrong on this point and will always listen if you have arguments to prove otherwise.

[@janebaker3036]

@ladyboerd and @22mononoke You are both so right

[@karinberryman2009]

@@22mononoke Anyone who says the Middle East political scenario is not complex is seriously deficient in knowledge of its history.

[@Skourticus]

I think your weekender looks fantastic! Tbh it almost looks intentional especially where the placement of it is. Its like a very soft block color strip. The softness of it is nice because it give it a bit of dimension and character.

[@danishmusings]

You’re too kind, thank you 🩶🩵😚

[@frances2771]

The weekender looks like it is intentional subtle color blocking and very successful

[@Kloudysummer]

I agree. 😊

[@sunrhyze]

I thought the same thing. It's like a super subtle color block. Just tell everyone that you meant to do that. 🙂

[@kristinecunningham5666]

I agree as well--subtle color blocking.

[@evelynwaage7002]

​aaj

[@cjkathe]

Thanks for addressing current events. The double tragedy is the "no matter what country they come from" - as imho this isn't required. I wish people stood without equivocation.

[@carolynlambert6989]

G’day Helle 🇦🇺 yes I too haven’t heard any mention of the terrible situations around our world on any podcasts, whether international atrocities or the rise of extremism I would say across our globe is very concerning. We mustn’t become immune, dismissive or silent I think it’s important to be aware, be kind to our fellow human beings, talk about events & listen to others opinions too. In regards to knitting, thank you for mentioning needle sizing “going up or down a needle size or mm?” It would be beneficial if podcasters use mm I think and maybe I should seek clarification in their comment section as well. Looking forward to your next informative podcast, be well 🌷

[@barbarasteffee5666]

Good Morning Helle, I LOVED your idea about making a turtle neck addition for your Weekender sweater. What a wonderful idea! I am hopeful you reconsider throwing away the very small amount of leftover yarn. If you save all of your bits and bobs someday you might use them for stuffing a pillow or donate them to a group that makes stuffed animals or pin cushions. I collect small bits and can use them for small Christmas ornaments, etc. I heard this on a podcast - I cannot take credit for the idea. Your episodes are so lovely......thank you so much for your work on them. 🧶

[@Meredith36]

I LOVE the sweater you have on. The colors are amazing. Your “weekend” sweater (I think that's the name; sorry if I'm wrong) looks like it has a beautiful low-contrast stripe in it. I thought I was the only one who looked at a list I made for myself and thought “Don't tell me what to do” 😂 glad I'm not alone. Happy knitting 💚🧶💚

[@danishmusings]

Haha, good to know I’m not alone either 😅😍 And thank you ❤️

[@masz10676]

Belated birthday wishes. Hope the next year will be all u desire. ❤ soldanta sweater colors. Neutrals r ok but God gave us colors. Your vlog was interesting. I always learn something. Thanks for sharing.

[@lindacanfieldchamberlain2073]

Thank you for acknowledging the horrors going on in the world. Your podcast is a wonderful interlude during a scary time. Thank you. 🧶

[@DanaBarbieri]

I live an hour from Rhinebeck. It was great, but a trip to Copenhagen sounds so nice!

[@lafeeperrine8399]

Love your videos as always :) I think your Weekender sweater looks good as it is because the difference of color is showing as a big stripe. You could embroider just a line of a silver or golden or white at the dividing line but honestly, it is ok as it is to me. Your Soldotna Crop is absolutely stunning. Really LOVE the pop of colors. When in Santa Rosa, CA with my family we discovered a huge yarns shop that had the ITO Sensei mini neon colors silk mohairs and I resisted the envy of buying them just because it was so beautiful. Also I'm a big fan of Omar Sy too. My favorite film with him is "Les intouchables". Have a beautiful day ❤

[@danishmusings]

That’s one of my favourite films 🥰 and thanks very much 💕

[@peggydavis5831]

I applaud your bravery in mentioning the turmoil in our world today. I am so glad you decided to podcast now. Yesterday I stumbled upon the podcast before this one. I was attracted by your calm, quiet manner and by your beautiful knitting and information about your knits. This is just what I need in a world gone mad.

[@danishmusings]

🙏🏻😚❤️

[@yves6073]

Loved spending this time with you again! For the itchiness, if it is just the yoke part, perhaps it's an idea to handstitch in a piece of jersey/silk as a little backing? Of course, if using non stretchy fabric, you'd need to leave a few openings but still, it would be an easy experiment and might enable you to wear some sweaters without layers?

[@glendaslanina9939]

Hello and Happy Birthday. I am not a knitter but I enjoy your videos so much. Your calming voice and the simply act of knitting bring me peace in these chaotic times. I enjoy your book recommendations and, of course, your videos of life, whether your home, travels or nature, are just lovely. Thank you 🍂

[@danishmusings]

That is amazing trust and support. Thank you 🙏🏻💕😚

[@agnaula6243]

Embroidery will he a great idea 🤓 I love it

[@mamivonfluffy32]

I would never guess, that so different colours would work so amazingly beautifull together. Perfect job🎉❤

[@miriammiller5671]

Thank you for your message ....we grieve for the loss of life on both sides and abhor the unleashing of such hatred in the world. Also, thank you for your podcast.

[@annjavoroski2344]

What fun! I saw your colorful Soldatna and thought, “Who is this person? Who kidnapped Helle?” Thank you for being adventurous and learning new things. It is great encouragement to the rest of us. I would love to be able to enjoy your lovely yarns with more than my vision. Thanks for sharing.

[@danishmusings]

Haha, thanks for putting that spin on it 😍❤️

[@mnoeliarc]

Hello Helle. I just wanted to comment on your weekender. I think the stripe looks intentional so I wouldn’t worry about it. As for going up or down a needle size - in this case, the word “a” does not mean a whole one, it just means going up or down the next size which is .25. I have done it myself before, going from 4 to 4.5 to get gauge. That’s how I understand it, anyway.

[@WendyDussault]

♥First of all I love your video's and I watch to escape from what is happening in the world. I crochet (I am making a granny square sweater for my grand-daughter at present) but have taught myself continental knitting but mostly enjoy watching knitting and crochet videos and pod casts about these crafts. You have an amazing amount of knitting ahead of you and I wish you all the success in the world with it♥from Alberta Canada.

[@pattymarchand4244]

The weekender looks wonderful. I like the subtle change in color. Looks intentional

[@kerrystanek4417]

I have a story (sorry, not good at keeping it short!), firstly about some wabi-sabi knitting I just did, which then turned into a discovery about different dye lots. I first tried colourwork about seven years ago and loved it so much I knitted two jumpers in the same pattern but in different main colours, so far, so good. I have worn them a LOT, especially the black one. Fast forward to winter here in Australia in 2023, I decided to machine wash (as I always do) my black colourwork jumper. The yarn I had used for the yoke was an alpaca yarn, and the body knitted with a machine washable merino yarn. But this time the alpaca yarn shrunk! I decided to remove the yoke and reknit that section. (So many good feels here: reusing, mending, wabi-sabi.) I rewashed the reworked jumper yesterday and put it out in the shade to dry…can you believe it?…the middle section, same as Helle’s was clearly a different dye lot! I’d never noticed before, I wonder if anyone else had? I think I’ll be a little more careful next time in checking dye lots, and maybe a bit more respect for the alpaca!

[@crochetobjetknitting]

Thank you so much for speaking about the horrifying situation here in Israel and Palestine. Thank you for not acting like it is not happening and thank you for mentioning the babies. 30 babies were kidnapped more were killed in front of their parents more were found without eyes more were found burned and there are babies that cannot be recognized so we can not bury them yet and send them to rest in peace. I truly appreciate you for taking the time to speak about this situation. A maker from Israel and a fellow KZbin creator.

[@danishmusings]

🙏🏻🩷😓

[@terriotto7818]

Thank you for your podcasts. I love your presentation style and I recognize the time and effort that you put into informing and entertaining us, your audience and fans!!! I would be remiss if I did not take this opportunity to say that I am in awe of your knitting...your design choices, your colour choices, the quality of your finished products, and how beautiful you look in them. Really appreciate your modelling your FOs...it gives a clear sense of how the garments fit and drape/move. I always feel inspired after watching your podcasts. Thanks again.

[@danishmusings]

Thank you for your kind words, they are so appreciated 😘❤️

[@DearDearFashion]

I wish you all the best 🎉 Happy Birthday ! And your 🧣has a beautiful colors hug's from Georgetta Dear 👐

[@knitnut246connie7]

It is all soooooo beautiful ❤️🇨🇦❤️lightning was perfect.

[@lisarekstad3433]

Thank you for showing all of your knitting. I’m reknitting my Soldotna right now. It’s out of Big Birdie too. Your sweater looks beautiful. Have a great time in Copenhagen and Nice!

[@Anna-tc4eu]

Claim all the colors! Yes, couldn't agree more! Your Soldotna looks striking, and it suits you so well. Idea for the ends and odds: maybe you could find a spinner that would like to make a tweed yarn out of it. Even yarn ends and scraps can still be so valuable :)

[@catherinethomes2910]

I think you did a great job with the colors of your sweater. It’s beautiful. ❤I love to watch Megha of Skeins of Dreams! Sari’s book is beautiful. I can’t wait to see what you knit from it. Have a wonderful birthday!!!🥰💐🎂🎉🎁

[@hjortronhjortron1084]

Thank you for your message 🙏 You look lovely. Your sweater is stunning 😍

[@DanaBarbieri]

2:58 yes! Wear what you want. Was just talking about this with mom when walking around Rhinebeck. If it makes you happy, wear it!

[@aleksandrawojciechowska8450]

You look stunning in this sweater in glowing colours. I also appreciate that you 've mentioned the conflict and Eckhart Tolle' s words. He has helped me accept many situations in my life. Lot's of love from Poland!

[@carolinvonfritsch5312]

Hi Helle, sending thoughts of oneness back, i read the Rutger Bregman Book, i find it very important to understand what he teaches. And...im the rebel type too,it is tricky but i learned to live it more as creative freedom and acceptance of continous change...a good lesson anyway. While watching your show today, i was knitting on my marled mania leggins and my botanical shawl by Stephen West. And i am very far down in the sea if stockinette with my bright sweater that will become a dress. One of the next projects i will knit together with my husband, as a gift for a friend turning 60, will be the badger and bloom in Hillesvag unspun in dark grey with dark green unspun by wooldreamers. Maybe we should enter it to the nordic kal...have a lovely rest of sunday🎉

[@danishmusings]

🙏🏻🥰👌😚❤️

[@josielinda61]

Your future knitting plans are just as numerous as mine are, with new inspirations from all the amazing podcasters out there always adding to the list ;-) Lately I find that I'm drawn to mostly unknown designers and some 60s style patterns as well. Currently I'm knitting the Sockcardigan by Dutch designer Eef. It is her first ever published pattern and my first deep dive into colorwork. Thank you for inviting me into your home and having me enjoy your company for the last one and a half hours of knitting. Best wishes from one of your fellow knitters from Germany.

[@alysonrodrigues122]

Just enjoyed your episode so much. Thanks for making it so relevant, real and relatable. The process of choosing the order of colours is so instructive. Thank you. A real knitting vlog. The colours are beautiful. Looking forward to the next episode.

[@danishmusings]

Thanks for your lovely words 😘❤️

[@nlturcott5168]

Totally love your colourful sweater. It looks great as an art peice as well as on you. I always keep a bit of my yarns in the case that something needs a mending some day. Has come in handy over the years. Happy Birthday

[@danishmusings]

Thank you so much 💞🙏🏻

[@jimmydoesknitting]

Was shocked by the amount of color you were wearing. Looks good. I'm glad you dip your toe into playing with color every so often. I have a similar habit. It's important to change things up and get out of your comfort zone every so often.

[@mariadelosangelesreyes7584]

Hi Helle I love your Soldona !!!! Happy birthday 🎂

[@danishmusings]

Thank you 🙏🏻🥰❤️

[@Enig_Mata]

Your Soldotna is stunning! I'm such a neutrals person, but something about your color combination works so perfectly well. Regarding your stitch markers, I suffer from analysis-paralysis where I want to double- and triple-check my work. Even though I have completed several projects, I still like to use stitch markers to check my work. When It comes to short rows, I do the same by using the lightbulb stitch markers (I like these because they are very thin) to mark the German short row turns and use the same color pairings to denote the matching GSR. Probably unnecessary, but I would rather triple-check than rip out miles of knitting.

[@angelicab3233]

Great episode and I love your knits and look forward to seeing your upcoming test knits. Interesting about the “good enough” philosophy. This is something I’ve have thought a lot about over the years and I found very interesting. I am Swedish and my husband is British. Us Swedes are as bad as the Germans with the mentality that everything has to be perfect while the British very much has a “that will do” mentality. This has not only created frustrating discussions between myself and my husband over the years but also shows in the country in general. I consider myself nearly a native in both countries and it can sometimes be hard to switch between the rules of society. In Sweden nearly everything works according to a strict schedule with clear rules and people are expected to work hard to maintain this. In contrast, in the UK very little runs smoothly. You sort of have to go with the flow and hope for the best. But the thing is that I think people in the UK are happier for it because they don’t expect perfection from themselves as we do in Sweden.

[@jenniferbailey365]

Happy belated birthday, Helle! Spending time with you today while knitting brought me joy!

[@danishmusings]

Aw so glad to hear that, thank you 💞😘

[@LadyOfLaMancha19]

Helle, just this morning I was looking at the Krea Deluxe Silk Mohair with alpaca as a silk/mohair alternative for the Field cardigan. Glad to hear that you find it less itchy. @lamanchaknitter

[@gabrielacanova4625]

Thank you Helle, your vlogs are so inspirational to me. My TBK list is getting just a tad out of control but I don't care because it makes me oh so happy. PS: Lupin is just fab!!

[@danishmusings]

😅🥰🙏🏻😚❤️

[@jenniferbarrett3272]

The Soldatna is on my wish list- very cool doing it in bulkier yarn- definitely would knit up faster and having Big Birdie, well that had to be a lot of fun to do. I am knitting the weekender right now too. I definitely will have to lengthen the arm holes ( I generally do as my arms won’t fit in those tiny openings). I love your modification of adding a few rows at the neck. I have been concerned that the boat neck might bug my neck and then I wont wear it. I am going to give that a try. I love all your design and dream knitting conversations. I too am a rebel and as soon as I say I will do something, I don’t. Haha! What IS that about? I am currently knitting Clue 3 of the Stephen West MKAL the Geogradient shawl and loving it. Also doing a little marathon to knit several little Flax sweaters,by Tin Can Knits, for my youngest grand children’s 3rd and 5th birthdays next month. So many things I want to knit and several WIPS in the wings (the Weekender, the Felix cardi and a few shawls and a cowl). Sigh! Too few hours, too many dreams! My ambitions exceed my ability to keep up. I am having yarn envy with the Lamb and Kid, Bien Aimée and So def Yarn- someday….

[@casinobabephilly9317]

Outline the portion of the Weekender Sweater that’s another shade in a darker grey or another color yarn and nobody will notice the difference. Love the turtleneck piece.

[@maryjanemason7290]

I absolutely love the “Weekender”. It looks like a subtle stripe. It follows your neutral color aesthetic. If I saw you out and about I would just see it as that. Or if it bothers you, use you black or another color and outline the top and bottom of that area with a duplicate stitch. That should minimize the color difference.😊

[@KNIT_LA]

Oh my goodnesssssssss- just watching you for the first time and lo! I hear you mention my name and KZbin channel! This is beyond flattering as I admire your style and am enjoying listening and seeing your beautiful knits and yarn. I thank you so much for the shout out! All my best to you!💖

[@danishmusings]

Hi Andrea, my pleasure. So glad you found me too 🥰

[@pattward7198]

Happy Birthday, Helle. Have fun on your special day. I enjoyed this podcast and the Soldotna sweater looks wonderful on you!

[@danishmusings]

😚💞🙏🏻

[@gisellejoseph2936]

Hi! I'm from Vegas and my understanding of "went up a needle size" means the next size up. Example pattern calls for 4mm so the next neddle size is 4.5mm. There is no 4.25mm as far as I know. So that's not an option. But if 3mm is called for and you go up a needle size, it means 3.25mm and not 3.5mm because 3.25mm is the next size up of 3mm. Hope this makes sense.

[@michellesims4896]

I always enjoy your podcasts. The random thinking of a knitter. Glad others are like me :-) I have been working on Solare by Joji in the yarn Dodici by Lana Grossa. As I live in Australia and have sensitive skin, I tend to mostly use cotton blends

[@gwendylady]

Well, I just took that Tendencies test, and I am apparently a "Questioner". The description is "Questioners question all expectations, and they respond to an expectation only if they conclude that it makes sense-in essence, they meet only inner expectations. They’re motivated by reason, logic, and fairness, which can lead to conflict when they don’t have enough information." which absolutely sounds like me. 🤣 I will say at work I will meet outer expectations without needing ALL the info, but I do prefer to have as much as possible. I always feel like I hit you with a wall of text, so I'll try to just hit the high points. LOL Wonderful finished objects - they're both beautiful, and honestly if you hadn't said anything I don't think I would have thought the Weekender stripe was a mistake. It definitely looks like it could be intentional. Re: needle size, I tend to think if someone is talking about "sizes" that they're talking about US sizes. I feel like if someone is talking about needles outside the US, they might just say "I used a 5mm needle for the body then dropped down to a 4mm needle for the ribbing". Re: using the "wrong" yarn for a project - I love doing it. Not only can it be a fun puzzle to figure out how to make it work, but sometimes I can be virtually guaranteed to have a one of a kind item that no one else has made before. Case in point, my Campside shawl. I used Knitting for Olive's cotton merino and We Are Knitters bamboo held together, and the likelihood of someone else using that random combo for that pattern is very small. 😄 I LOVE the cardigan by Yamagara 😍 I can't wait to see your version! I'm looking forward to hearing what you think of the yak yarn. I'm curious and think I would like to try it, but I'm still on the fence.

[@danishmusings]

Thanks for your ‘wall of text’ 😅 I always appreciate your comments 🩵

[@222ouch]

I love this colored sweater! The combo and in the order you arranged them. Pattern is too advanced for me but would not mind using this color combo in something easier to knit

[@dinyrohrbach5679]

Hi Helle, it's such a joy to spend a part of this saturday afternoon with you while knitting on the alpenglow, by Andrea Mowry! Thanks

[@danishmusings]

Thank you so much - love that pattern 💖

[@AudreyTheFab]

Eckhart Tolle’s Words aro so important to many people. He’s so wise and encouraging, in my opinion 😊

[@karenburns1433]

That Soldotna is so beautiful ! I have just started knitting the new Weekender Crew , as I could not wear the boatneck version , it would be too high up . I also love the pockets on the crew neck version. I too cannot wear natural wool so I have to use blended yarn for myself. Lovely podcast as always ! I would recommend watching the ladies of the Wool and Wine knitting podcast , they always have a cheery vibe and knit lots of patterns. xxx

[@katiehendrychs8434]

I don't know if you're still looking at comments regularly on this video, but do you think the Soldotna would be an okay first colorwork project? I would say I'm moving up from maybe an intermediate level. I've made a handful of garments and am comfortable with cables, lacework, and shaping techniques. But colorwork is brand new to me! I keep coming to your bright and cheery Soldotna version and love the idea of doing a short sleeve project that will at least not drag on eternally. Any feedback would be much appreciated! :) Love your work!

[@danishmusings]

So sorry for the late reply, but yes, I do think this would be a great first colour work project. Especially if you’re willing to maybe check out a few tutorial-like videos first just to be better equipped. Best of luck to you 🩵

[@JoanneEvans-py3np]

Lovely podcast as always 😊 I’m knitting the Aster Shawl by Natasja Hornsby in a blue, green, brown colour way as part of the #thecornishknitter KAL. It’s lovely & the yarn I’m using (I have sensitive skin) is Blue Fern Yarns Classic Sock which seems fine against my neck 😊

[@tonyazaza6270]

Hallo Helle! Nice to see your new vlog. So interesting to see a lot of bright colors in your wardrobe 😍I remembered one of your first knitting video about 10 sweaters and almost all these sweaters were in beige, grey or white colors. Wich is very nice and I like it so much. But now I can see many new bright colors in your knitting. Especially this bright pink! It’s amazing color 😍I think you need to make a new video about your new bright sweaters. I think you have a whole collection 👏 Greetings from Kyiv, Ukraine 👋🏼

[@Cyndi159]

Wow your colorful sweater looks fabulous on you 😍 The colors you chose are perfect🤩 also I just want to say the Weekender looks like it was done on purpose. There is a new trend going around with the “barely a difference”colorwork😊

[@danishmusings]

🙏🏻😘❤️

[@hildaandrews8150]

Your Soldotna is beautiful and I love the inspiration dress too. A yarn I’ve been having trouble finding in Canada but very much want to try to replace mohair is Setasuri by Lana Grossa, 63% Alpaca/37% Silk.

[@danishmusings]

Yes I want to try that one too. And thank you 💕

[@ПечёмиВяжемвФинляндии-т4ы]

Ох,как жаль, что не понимаю английский язык 😢! Очень нравятся ваши видео и вязание! Свитер такой красивый,что хочется повторить Спасибо за вдохновение!❤

[@kirstenm9383]

Smaaart vild god ide med den lille “rullekrave indsats” ❤ og ide med broderi måske i kanterne af panelet- farve forskel

[@jo-annefalconer6280]

Hi have you ever watched the Fleece and Harmony podcast? I love your Soldotna. I am knitting the geogrdient mkal and loving my deals and greys palette.

[@libbybowles]

I remember how excited you were when the book Neons and Neutrals came out. You've very successfully embraced the esthetic! Have you revisited those patterns for future project ideas? Side note: I was yarn shopping in Copenhagen last week, too! It would have been fun to run into you. Did you go to Tante Grøn? A sweet shop in Frederiksberg. Lovely, sweet owner.

[@danishmusings]

Haven’t made anything from that book yet (too few hands, too little time 🤓). I didn’t get to go to Tante Grøn this time round but will next time. Glad you got to go - and yes it would have been fun if we’d run into each other 🥰

[@carycanli5761]

Thank you for acknowledging the horrible things going on in our world. I so look forward to your vlogs...I really learn a lot, and appreciate your detailed explanation...All the best from Rhode Island USA

[@danishmusings]

Thank you for your words 🙏🏻❤️😚

[@cherylwooley3525]

Your video is so inspiring and so calming. You are such a fearless knitter! Your approach to complex patterns makes them seem much more possible to knit.

[@danishmusings]

So glad you feel that way - be courageous. Thank you 🙏🏻💕

[@esumphrey]

Love your podcast! Beautiful works today. Question for you. Did you use a color catcher when you blocked your soldotna? I’ve used a different bright pink yarn before that bled terribly onto the lighter colors of my project. Thanks again! 🩷🧡💚🩵🩶

[@danishmusings]

I forgot to mention that I only steam blocked it, which I had read somewhere was a good idea for this yarn. So no bleeding. But for my Pink Velvet sweater I used uncolored vinegar in the water along with the wool detergent, and it worked. Such a shame. Can you maybe overdye it?

[@elianaalfonso7703]

Helle, your soldotna made me gasp! How gorgeous it turned out! All the wool you showed was stunning. I look forward to seeing many more gorgeous jumpers. Thanks for another lovely episode

[@danishmusings]

Aw thanks so much 🙏🏻😘💕

[@sharonflaherty7454]

❤❤❤❤❤❤sending peace to all ❤

[@cindibrumpton1768]

I love the colours you chose and how you went outside your normal choices! Very cool. I live in Canada and right now I am working on a Rowan design. When I talk about needles, if pattern called for 5mm but my swatch required 6mm, I would consider that going up two needle sizes. Love your blog and how go into such interesting details about your projects. Also, too me, your first sweater the dots on the bottom reminds me of snow. Loved that too!

[@danishmusings]

Ahh, lovely. Thanks so much ❄️🩵

[@rickjayne4203]

Thank you so much for addressing in conflict in Israel and Gaza with such grace and compassion. Love your Soldotna, the colours are gorgeous. Would you perhaps knit a skirt with colourwork at the hem with your leftover wool? Love your episodes.

[@susanpearson6997]

The Grey weekender looks awesome on you. It gives interest.

[@danishmusings]

Thank you 🙏🏻😚🩶

[@8Gammie]

Loved seeing your family walking around. And, the beautiful yarn you were caking up. Happy Birthday early, to you!!! I grieve for those lives loss. The innocent children is so heart breaking. loved the video. sending love,hugs,prayers.

[@tacistudio]

Hi Hella, first I want to say that it’s very sensitive of you to talk about what is going on in the Middle East. Such a sad situation that touches all of our hearts. I applaud your kindness and courage. I love your Soudatner sweater and all of the colors. I like you had terrible FOMO this past weekend, but maybe we can make it there next year 💖😘

[@danishmusings]

Thanks so much, and here’s hoping to go in the future ❤️ (maybe next year…)

[@karenformosa8612]

Hi Helle. Thank you for your latest podcast which was very enjoyable. I absolutely love the new sweater you're wearing..you chose the colours well. I love knitting but am a fairly basic knitter. I can only dream of knitting such gorgeous sweaters as yours! One day maybe! Sending warm greetings from very wet Wales 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@danishmusings]

It’s just as wet (not to say windy) here in Denmark 🌬️💦 😚 Thanks for your kind comment 💙

[@Shirley-AnneDickner-lt4zo]

Hello and happy birthday 🎉to you! Enjoy your trip to Copenhagen. Thank you again for a lovely video and book recommendation ( I am curious to read it now) . Ps. Lupin was fun to watch!

[@marniwh]

Thank you sharing your process. I found it very helpful. Your sweater is beautiful!

[@DonnaBMacK]

I love your creations and colour choices. Have you thought about saving your left over bits of yarn in a pretty vase or jar to use later for scrappy patterns? Thank you for sharing with us. I really enjoy your podcasts. Take care.

[@dortelindholm8402]

Tillykke med fødselsdagen og god tur. Smuk bluse du har på, det er rigtig fine farver.

[@danishmusings]

Tusind tak 💖🥰

[@Tailoring.Knit.Studio]

No te encuentras tan sola en el grupo al que perteneces a la ahora de planificar cualquier cosa, yo al igual que tu, me encuentro en ese grupo. Es una estrategia sensible para reducir el estrés que provocan nuestra propia exigencia a la realización de actos!. Feliz inicio de año 🥰!

[@kdgeckoknits274]

Love your Soldotna. Now I must buy Big Birdie yarn. Thank you for sharing. RE: going up or down a needle size here in America, at least as I do it. If a pattern calls for a US4/3.5mm, and I go up a needle size, that would be US5/3.75mm. And likewise, if I went down a needle size it would be US3/3.25mm. I'm so digging your color choices for this Soldotna.💕

[@deborahderden4860]

You can’t have “oneness” with a group of individuals whose main goal in life is to destroy you. It is nice to have the “can’t we all just get along” attitude, but when you are attacked because of your religion it just can’t happen. 😢

[@danishmusings]

I know, truly. I certainly do not mean to simplify things. This is why I was apprehensive about mentioning it at all. Respect for everyone’s religions, views etc is necessary for peace🤍 (but sometimes seems utopian…)

[@kellyb2023]

Wow, I think those are your colors in the Soldotna. It looks amazing on you.

[@danishmusings]

😚💕

[@louisec4806]

House of Elliott was such a fantastic series. I was sad when they didn’t continue with it. I know what you mean about the 1920 style wrap cardigan, I want to make Catch my Heart by Joji L. Another wonderful podcast

[@audreyoberg5931]

I love the bright yarns! It’s so interesting how our tastes change in regards to what we wear and then what we think would be fun to knit!

[@danishmusings]

Indeed! “I claim all the colors”, as that wise lady said ☺️💖

[@heikehirt6604]

Your colour choice is absolutly wonderful

[@danishmusings]

Thank you so much 🙏🏻💕

[@pegc3706]

Happy birthday!! Can you overdye your weekender? I think it looks like you purposely placed a Rugby stripe in the sweater. You could make a ranunculus with a single skein of fingering. Enjoy Nice! I too enjoy Lupin.

[@sunnyw4148]

If I am only one stitch off, I do a happy dance and do an appropriate decrease where it won't be a problem. Life is too short. Weekender is fine. Subtle color blocking. If it really bothers you, add two rows of a darker color in duplicate stitch to accentuate it. Look at you getting into COLOR/COLOUR

[@ruthjense6272]

I understand why podcasters don’t talk about difficult things going on. For one, knitters watch these videos for diversion. There’s plenty of sadness and evil in the world, and we’re all feeling it. Our knitting brings joy. Everyone has opinions and so some podcasters know that no matter what you say, there will be those who have another opinion. In your case, what you said was good. But no matter, anytime someone starts in about politics or begins to lecture (you didn’t), I switch off or unfollow. Your podcast is very enjoyable. Love your sweater!

[@brittsinober179]

First of all, your video is so calming, and guess what, I have already ordered the book you recommended. It is so easy nowadays, just press the button! 😅 I really love that you talk a lot about one special sweater, choice of yarn and so on, and the combination of knitting, quotes and life in general. I just finished a shawl in a dusty pink colour, with really long fringes. I am a member of a group at the local «senior centre» where we meet every Wednesday and knit mittens (Selbuvotter), socks and sweaters. Thank you for bring there, Helle.❤

[@danishmusings]

Thank you for being here, too, Britt 🥰🙏🏻🤍

[@brittsinober179]

@@danishmusings ❤️

[@moniquem8093]

Eweknit & Craft has beautiful lace pullover patterns, ( they are in Canada and I purchase my yarn from there,) I thought of you, !!for me, they are a bit too complicated to knit, lol, I subscribed to the emails and sometimes the patterns are free for a limited time. Who knows, maybe your next knit pullover pattern is just waiting around the corner, lol.

[@jennifermckenzie2968]

Hello. In regards to your Weekender (I'm viewing this a month after release), I think you should leave it as is. To me it looks faintly sporty or academic, which I think is nice!

[@masz10676]

Belated birthday wishes. Hope the next year will be all u desire. ❤ soldanta sweater colors. Neutrals r ok but God gave us colors. Your vlog was interesting. I always learn something. Thanks for sharing.

[@notaclue822]

Your podcasts are very enjoyable. I'm currently knitting an Iben sweater by Camilla Vad, whom you mentioned. I really like it as a basic top that uses fingering weight. It has a round yoke but it's very simple to show off your yarn. I love the Ann V sweater on the cover of the magazine too and will be looking for that in English because I"ve been wanting to try Isager yarn and I love tweed. It's gorgeous There are so many gorgeous patterns that I almost get stressed out trying to choose, which is just silly. A friend was talking about Lupin yesterday, so I will check that out. The book looks really interesting as well. Thanks again for posting.

[@christinefunk3591]

Hello from Beausejour Canada. I wouldn’t worry about the stripe. It looks like an intentional colour block. Those are in right now. Working on the field cardigan by ozetta I really like it because the neckband is knit at the same time as the body. It’s Dk weight with Shetland wool milled right here in Manitoba so super special.