A Success, a Surprise, and a Silly Mistake | KNITTING PODCAST | aka Nora Knits | Ep. 39

[@ryankurth8080]

When I'm knitting lace, I always match up my YOs and decreases in my head. For each yarn over, you need to decrease one stitch somewhere else in order to maintain the same number of stitches. When decreasing in lace, whether you do the yarn overs on the end will depend on whether you have done it's mate - it's corresponding decrease. They always come in pairs (or perhaps triples if you have k3togs).

[@WitchyKnitterMom]

Came here to say this ❤

[@Kera.S.]

There's probably lots we do in our heads as we knit without even thinking about it until someone asks lol

[@debbie.mckenzie]

NOBODY does better FO clips better than you. You really show us what a difference blocking makes. Love your stripy sweater!

[@akaNoraKnits]

It’s my favorite part!!! I think it’s so important to see the power of blocking! Thank you 🥰

[@amyeichenseer7692]

Regarding that lace project….. you can do it! I know you’re frustrated, but you’ve shown yourself to be pretty fearless in other knits. If you know you have 24 rows to tink, then just rip back slowly, one row at a time, keeping track of each row as you undo it in the chart until you get to row 2 or 3, get your needles back in, and then you only have to tink 1 or 2 to get back on track. You got it.

[@moonbasket]

The stripe hype looks great! My partner, who is not a knitter, is watching with me and saw your pre- and post-blocking clips and said "Blocking put her makeup on."😂 I thought you might find that funny. It gave me a giggle.

[@nursekaraknits]

One of my favorite things you do is adding a price breakdown to your Finished Object discussions! Great Stripe Hype! I’m going to have to make one.

[@kathyn3875]

I like that you track the number of days a project takes and what it costs!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you 🥰 it’s important to me to share the less glamorous side of the craft!

[@Lulu-kg8cf]

I just want to commend you on the caliber of content you put out. I am so impressed by your editing and graphics. Miss ma’am is putting on a PRODUCTION for us every week! 🫶

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you SO MUCH! I enjoy the editing process as much as the filming and knitting honestly 🥰 thanks for noticing

[@juliej6638]

Oh I feel for you. Lace knitting can be very tricky. I agree that without a lifeline your only option is to tink back stitch by stitch until you get back to the row where you split for the armholes. Then on the first row you reknit, please put in a lifeline, and then again every 5 rows so you never have to tink back more than 5 rows again. Ask me how I know? I just recently knit the Tamdou shawl by Melanie Berg and that has lace sections. I learned the hard way how fantastic lifelines are. I now have some cotton thread in my knitting bag ready to use for lifelines whenever. Lace has no fear for me now. 💪🏼 I love your podcast and look forward to watching you every week

[@SupermodelKara]

I knit a "leaf top" as my first ever lace pattern and everything you're going through with reading the charts and messing up with yarn overs was totally giving me flash backs to that first time I was dealing with pattern repeats and if you're off by just one stitch it messes everything up. I had to un-knit my first attempt because I had messed up and thought I could just correct down the road and it ended up being a mess. It definitely takes so much more concentration and focus than anything else but I can assure you that it's going to be so gorgeous and I think you'll love and appreciate it even more once it's finished. You got this!! The stripe hype sweater is GORGEOUS! the colors and the fit and everything about it is so awesome! It's such a fun and fast project! Your videos are always so great. Thank you for sharing with us.

[@akaNoraKnits]

It's so refreshing to hear someone else say they've been through the same thing. I totally think I need to just give the tank a little attention and we will figure it out!! Thank you thank you thank you! 🥰

[@joycerichards5699]

I loved your cost break down for the striped sweater. To me, over the top and fun and earnest all at the same time. Enjoy your videos!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you!!

[@Meredith36]

You know, this is why I love your channel. You show the failures and your frustration is so real. I almost quit knitting and was going to stick to crochet. The mettle chagoo needle I'd gotten were too sharp and slippery, the alpaca yarn only added to the slip, and all I got for my work was a mess. I put knitting in timeout and picked up my hook. Now, I'm starting again on my first sweater. I've frogged it so many times I'm glad I purchased good yarn. But like a siren’s call I came back, I love this and am learning you have to be bad at something before you can be good. All this to say, “Thank you for always being real.” Happy knitting and crocheting 💚🧶💚

[@preetiverghese6920]

Lace knitting can be challenging but I’m sure you will tackle this hurdle with pizzazz like you do with all of your knits! Love your Stripe Hype sweater and your other WIPs too💕

[@edinacole6382]

I am madly in love with your striped sweater! It’s awesome

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you!! I've already worn it so much!

[@bevabberley1524]

I can understand your feeling regards the lace top.my suggestion is to carry on with the other side and back then come back to your first side. Great podcast once again x

[@heatherjohnson959]

Just a few thoughts on your granny squares that may give you some ideas😊. I googled, “invisible crochet square join”. There are several blogs and video tutorials on how to invisibly join your squares (same or different colors). Another option - if you want to use your sewing machine, here are a few things you might want to try. 1st, the thread - maybe, trying a clear (matte) sewing thread in the top and a thinner white thread in the bobbin (this type of thread is used in the bobbin when doing machine embroidery - this helps the bobbin thread not to pull through to the top of the fabric - this is only used in the bobbin). 2nd - using gift tissue paper or tear away stabilizer (tissue paper works just as well😊), cut into strips to use as a stabilizer on the bottom or the top and bottom to help the crocheted fabric slide easily and uniformly under the pressure foot (a walking foot may also work with or instead of the tissue paper, if you have one). 3rd - I might also consider decreasing your tension and increasing your stitch length so that the machine will accept the fabric much easier and also create a larger loop so that the fabric is not so smushed (i.e tension numbers for a thick minki fabric or leather). Finally, maybe, trying a smaller (1 size smaller and usually in the multi-pack) sharper needle (an embroidery machine needle - the eye is a little larger and much smoother, making it great for clear thread (prevent breaking) than using the regular universal needle that usually works with almost everything in your machine. I hope this helps spark some ideas. Please let us know what you decide to do. Hug x a million and thank you for sharing.😊❤

[@annettechaney2594]

Great information! Also, see if you can lessen the pressure on your pressure foot. Your blocks may move better.

[@skennedy7578]

I appreciate your review of Stripe Hype. I cast one on (all from stash!) because of your enthusiasm and am on the 3rd CC on the body. I'm particularly grateful that you took the time to discuss the sleeves. I'm almost never on row gauge, so I'll be paying particular attention to the pick up rate! I love your pop of color(s) on the bind off edges---may have to copy you!

[@ashleyfrain2036]

Love your Stripe Hype! Mine is currently on the blocking mats as I watch this.. Cant wait to wear it!🥰

[@akaNoraKnits]

Yayyy! I have already worn mine a bunch! I can't wait for my next 🥰

[@TheKris47]

I typically join two colors of granny squares together with an invisible seam/mattress stitch (there are a bunch of tutorials for it on here)- but that is super time consuming, so if you can make the sewing machine work, I’d stick with that.

[@marjoriebahm9239]

Your Messi Dressi is going to be darling. I think the walking zipper foot should work fine. Chin up with the lace vest -- you're going to figure it out & be so proud of yourself! Thanks for inspiring me to learn more. Love you!

[@babyZale]

And maybe use some water soluble stabilizer 😊

[@stitchingforsanity]

Thank you so much for showing the pre and post blocking of your stripe hype while wearing it! It is so helpful to see how much the knitting changes!

[@TheSablelou]

Yahoo! It’s time to knit and watch Nora!

[@nataliealexander7457]

Love the stripe-hype, great color choices! Bravo on the progress on the sand cardigan! About the vest, you've chosen a rather complicated lace in a first attempt at lace--especially for when you're decreasing! Good for you for figuring out general maintaining lace while decreasing and also what went wrong with your "extra" yarnovers! I don't know if I'd have figured any of that out at all! If I were you, I'd start on the other front panel, using what you know now, and check that you have the right 'recipe' before tinking back on the panel that you're mad about. If you do that, will you put in a 'life-line' before you start it? You are such an adventurous knitter, unafraid to try new and difficult things; I admire that so much!

[@palakp310]

Your stripe hype is gorgeous. The sleeve body join looks fantastic. Im definitely putting one of kutovakika's patterns on my list now.

[@lisaporch8922]

Oh I love Melissa’s knits! I took a couple classes with her 😊. I would love to know the size ranges too! I would definitely knit the right side of your vest to get it perfect before attempting to fix the left ❤

[@hillaryc7661]

I’m pretty picky about neatness, and I think your single crochet joins look great! So beautiful! Those colors are lovely together. 👏 And your dress is so ambitious and fun! Go for it! 🎉

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

The way you talk about yarn I think you would love spinning. Can’t wait to see you get into that.

[@birchandlily]

For your Stripe Hype sleeves - a lot of people fid that their gauge tightens up when knitting a smaller circumference. I can tell from your try on clips that there definitely is a difference from your body to your sleeves. I would recommend going up a needle size for your sleeves next time!

[@melissapalmer9714]

Once I get one of my sweaters off the needles, I’ll be casting on the Stripe Hype and I’m going to make it very “sweatshirty” like yours so that it’s super comfy and warm on those cool days. I love your color choices but want to do something in more pastels shades❤❤❤

[@lauriehuttunen4202]

I love love love the finished Stripe Hype, especially the contrast colors at the collar and cuffs. Yay, you! I have nothing to contribute regarding the lace vest, except sympathy. Hang in there and it will work out. Once again, a wonderful video. Your spirit is a long way from broken.

[@lizwhaley9676]

I've been known to un-knit, as well. It's so tedious, and it takes ages, but I'd rather do that than just take the needles out, rip, and try to get the stitches back on the needle. I'm working on the Poetry Pullover, and I've had to do large sections of un-knitting. I get you, and I promise it's going to be ok! Godspeed!

[@eleanorpans1456]

I'm having a similar frustration with a colorwork project that I need to maintain the pattern with decreases and increases without detailed instruction. I will say - now that I have figured it out (through much trial and error/ripping back), I feel like I learned some really important lessons about reading my knitting. So although it is frustrating now - I always believe it is good to push your skills and do frustrating things every now and again! Now I feel more comfortable trying patterns that are a little more advanced/don't hold your hand as much because it worked out in the end.

[@junimondify]

My spirit was crushed by the Ranunculus today. It is my first top down sweater, first time this specific cast-on, first time magic loop, first time shortrows... I tried five times to set it up properly and did not get it right. I ordered DPNs now, my tried and true tool for sock knitting, and will try again once they are here.

[@paulalafontaine8020]

I recommend Sun Dragon tips and tricks for the Ranunculus

[@junimondify]

@@paulalafontaine8020 Thank you for the tip, I'll be sure to check that out!

[@bridgetthook6611]

I'm new to your channel, and I have to say that I absolutely love your pre-blocking and post-blocking show and tales. I've been struggling with gauge swatches, and I wish designers would post pre-blocking and post-blocking gauge swatches. Perhaps someone could spread this news to the designers? It would be so beneficial for so many reasons. I always question how much my garment will bloom or grow after blocking the full garment. The weight of the entire garment versus a swatch can throw your gauge off as well.

[@patsyvincent9483]

Good to see you again. Love your strip top. Like your color selection. You are doing well with your coat. Keep on Knitting the green vest. It’s looking good. See you next time.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I think as a new lace knitter, Nora, you’ve done fantastic on that complex pattern. I’d put a lifeline every 20 rows in the decrease section, then relax and knit. If you’re ever off just a stitch or two, just fudge it. Also I think you can gently just frog those rows, or do most of it by frogging, then tink just the last row or two to where you need to restart. Save time. This might help you to read your knitting too. I PROMISE there will come a moment when you can read it-it will be like the heavens opening up! 😂😂😂

[@eleanorpans1456]

This is my go to when lace knitting too - I'm knitting a big lace scarf/shawl out of mohair and I refuse to rip back... I have fudged it a couple times when my stitches were slightly off and I can't for the life of me find the places where I did that. Lace hides it pretty well.

[@TwilaStgeorge]

Invisible thread is what I would use to sew those granny square up with

[@SarahJo]

Don't feel bad about messing up with lace knitting. I tried to knit this lacy cowl once, I think I restarted like 7 times? something in there. Eventually I'll start it again, but right now it is a frogged ball of yarn in my stash that is stuffed way to the bottom because I'm mad at it lol And that doesn't even have decreases! You're doing great

[@niknaiman5359]

I am SO GLAD you made this stripe hype sweater and spoke so highly of it. I am currently making one as well (inspired by you)!! My MC is Fisherman's wool in Natural and my CCs are Knitpicks' Wool of the Andes in Solar Flare Heather, Baltic Heather, and Dragonfruit. I am OBSESSED with this sweater. It has been so fun to knit an I'm really looking forward to this sweater that will be finished very soon (I'm 1/2 way through my first sleeve).

[@akaNoraKnits]

Aww yay! I'm so glad that you're enjoying it as much as I did!!

[@stitchedscorpio]

gah so sorry about the lace top, i think putting in a lifeline on the other side and working on that will help build your confidence back ❤

[@nellispinelli9]

Just don't forget to place a lifeline beforehand and accidentally lose the start of the split 😂 it can get so confusing in lace at the start, helps to have some kind of visual reminder

[@terinskyweaver]

The yarn for your sand Cardigan is amazing! From a distance/as a whole it just looks shades of brown or sand, but up close there is lots of amazing pops of colour! I know a lot of people clip their big projects into neat bundles with stitch markers or hair clips to make it easier to turn in one's lap. I'd be charting the heck out of that lace so I could make sense of it with the decreases.

[@akaNoraKnits]

Isn't it??! I love the colorway of the Noro Madara Sake. It's such a dream to work with. 🥰

[@palakp310]

Oooh! Try whipstitching your square together. Its fast and almost invisible from one side. I think tl yarn crafts has a video on joins.

[@magnoliapurls]

HIII for sewing your Messi squares together on a machine, you could try using tissue paper. Like sandwich the squares between the tissue paper will help the yarn not get caught and make it a bit smoother. And then you just rip the paper out and BOOM, squares connected.

[@akaNoraKnits]

BOOM! I love this-thank you!

[@julieturney2188]

With the crochet if it were me I would crochet another round and join as you go. Sandra Paul from Cherry Heart has a great tutorial for this from her Battenburg Blanket pattern. Good luck with it. Whatever you choose I'm sure it will turn out fantastic 😊

[@akaNoraKnits]

Funny, I've never actually tried the join as you go method. Unfortunately, I'm already working with squares that are a pinch bigger than I had hoped so it wouldn't work out this time around--but I do need to give that a try! Thanks for the reference!!

[@mendezcher]

Hi Nora, here is a great way to easily pick up stitches as you go ( too late for this project but for the next one!) I think she also has a more detailed video on her YT channel kzbin.infojD33ghk7KJU?si=O7iaVVPK9XwR4lAD

[@aksez2u]

Are you familiar with the "mattress stitch" method of joining granny squares? It's a simple stitch that runs through the middle of the stitch sides and is virtually invisible. It also should maintain the drape of your fabric since it's just a single yarn weaving between the two pieces. There are lots of tutorials for a couple of different renditions of the mattress stitch on KZbin. Personally, I've never had much luck with sewing crochet together, but I do love my walking foot for lots of types of projects. Good luck on whatever you decide to do!

[@christenagervais7303]

I always use lifelines when I knit lace. I have a love/hate relationship with lace too!

[@mariecarter3138]

Great video! Lace knitting can be super-frustrating. I have learned (the hard way) that lifelines are essential) and going slowly will save time in the long run. I am glad that it is only 24 rows that you need to unknit (though it will be annoying while you are doing it). At times like these, I remind myself that knitting is a learning experience.

[@akaNoraKnits]

Absolutely!!! I always just get so eager to move on to the next step and completely forget about the lifelines. I’ll definitely be adding them throughout 😅

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

You look perfect in your Stripe Hype. FYI the jogless stripe technique is easy for your next one of your intro try that.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

Would LOVE the duster with color pop pockets, something from your stash?!

[@TesshireKat]

Nora! A few ideas for a button band: - knit a separate double knit button band and then mattress stitch it on. A great set of instructions for this exists in The Creabea'a Leith Cardigan - pick up sections of stitches as you go - I never found directions for this but just kind of made it up as I go. Pick up 40-60 stitches and knit the button band as if you'd picked up all of them. Then when you have 4-5 stitches left, go back and pick up another 40-60 stitches. You end up with more ends to weave in, but it was totally worth it to me to not have to pick them up all at once!

[@the_busy_beaver_brooke]

So completely relatable... Life lines are definitely friends

[@dianegordon2702]

I feel your pain in lace knitting.😖 Hope you're having a great week!

[@akaNoraKnits]

Thank you!!

[@Glaleria]

In lace knitting, every yarn over has a decrease stitch that is paired with it. So make sure you only do the yarn over if the paired decrease is still knit in that part.

[@natashathiessen3887]

Girl. I am also knitting the Florence tank and it is also my first major lace project. I don’t usually have to rip back projects and I had to rip back 2 or 3 times on this one!! She’s a beast. I just finished the two front pieces and started on the back. But just so you know there is a note on the pattern about working the lace decreases. I read it so many times before I started because I was paranoid about those decreases. Also I don’t think you need to unknit. I just ripped back and put the stitches back on the needle no problem. Was scary though! But turned out not as bad as I thought! You got this!

[@natashathiessen3887]

The trick to if you do the yarn over or not at the end depends on if you started with the k2tog or the YO. If you started with a YO you need to end with a k2tog even if you have room in the repeat to get another YO in. You just have to make sure you have the same number of 2tog and YO in the lace repeat. It feels so wrong to just ignore lace repeat stitches though! I tried to look at each row to determine which side I cared the most about having the complete lace repeat. I hope that helps somehow 😅

[@katie.is.dreaming]

Hi Nora 🤗 Your sweater is so nice. I love the autumnal colours. I feel exactly the same about the colours in the cardigan I'm knitting as you do with the colours in your sand cardigan. My yarn has a grey base like yours, with loads of speckles of colour, and I love seeing what colour is coming next as well :) I feel for you with your Florence top. I had colour pooling with my cardigan when I started the back piece, so I ended up unravelling and adding a second skein. Such a pain, but it was worth fixing it. I'm much happier with it now. Funnily enough, I was adding a lifeline to my cardigan as you were talking about adding one to your top! I love seeing Osi keep you company as you knit. I have a Cavalier called Elsie and she's currently sleeping beside me as I watch you and knit ☺

[@isabellemeunier9486]

To do or not to do a yarn over: the idea is to keep the same amount of stitches. For example, if the pattern is over 8 stitches, doing a yarn over would mean +1 and doing a k2tog would mean -1. So you need to do a yarn over IF there is this -1 counter acting it. If there is none, then don't do it. Hope my explanations are clear 😅

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

What if you just did a loose whip stitch to join the squares? With yarn, would be faster than the SC. Love your boldness and creativity!!

[@ShanaH414]

As someone who had to entirely frog two projects this week, I feel you! Some weeks everything seems to go wrong!

[@clarathomann5412]

Sooo jealous that you’re going to the Argentina game!!! Vamos Argentina! 🇦🇷

[@ericasjogren4099]

Stripe hype looks sooo good!! Love the colours. How about a stripe hype KAL?? 😁

[@akaNoraKnits]

I am sooooo with you!

[@Stitchers_Whimsy]

I agree with other posts here; put in a lifeline now for the whole project; work on the opposite shoulder for a while, then come back to that shoulder and frog VERY slowly, marking off each row as you go, and then tink the last 3 or so rows. I'd also suggest, for sure, a lifeline every 10-15 rows so that it's easier later. One thing that helps me with lace, especially, is to write out the decreasing pattern in words row by row because that helps me understand what I need to be as I go on. Also, yarnovers and decreases in lace are always in pairs. Just keeping that in mind helps me with writing it out. I don't do well with charts at the beginning of a pattern or if there's any type of shaping so writing it out helps my brain go "ok here's the plan I can sort it out" but that's just me!

[@akaNoraKnits]

This is such a helpful comment! I can't thank you enough for taking the time to write it all out. I never thought to extend the chart! I think that's the perfect way to manage the decreasing area especially since there are such few stitches there. Thank you so much!!

[@heidikarpa2278]

Oh my! I just got it about wanting an easier way for the double knit button band. 😂uh, yes I get why that’d be really nice to have. Can’t even imagine picking up all of this stitches along the length of that cardigan. I hope there’s a goood way.

[@nonnasstitchingloungewithr7281]

You need to add markers for each repeat on your lace knitting. It is a game changer. I love your finished sweater! Beautiful make.

[@leighhuggins5030]

That's one of my favorite things about working with Noro yarns - it makes knitting flat so much more enjoyable because of the amazing rainbows that keep appearing! And oh, yes, lace. I'm knitting the Leaf Top which is 3 different parts that are all seamed together, but a similar final product. And thankfully, that pattern writes out every decrease and how that affects the lace repeat for the shoulders. BUT, the chart does not match the written pattern instructions....so, take it how you will. I frogged back an entire section, triangles on the back section, several rows of a lace repeat, etc. But I keep going because I am learning to read the lace. I have a feeling this is just an especially difficult pattern that is not that beginner friendly. Good luck, Nora, you can do it!! And then you never have to do it again if you don't want to.

[@oldwitchknits-Ursula]

Your stripe hype turned out fantastic! Sorry about your lace top, very frustrating. Lace is not my style but I was starting to convince myself that I need a lace tank because I wanted to learn lace knitting. I think I am backing off for now lol. I'll stick to other more involved knitting techniques for now. Maybe next year 😂

[@peggykragh7941]

I’ve been knitting lace for a long time and what I find is that it’s worth it to count after every 4th RS row when increasing or decreasing. You would have similar issues if it had sleeves. As you count every few rows, you learn a lot about how to do this properly, but like I said, even with experience, counting is better than ripping back a lot! Then again, ripping is part of knitting! 😂

[@akaNoraKnits]

BRILLIANT!! I will 100% be doing this! Thank you so much!!

[@kathleenjohnson4433]

This is where those stitch markers separating repeats come in - you can count the number of sts in a repeat and number of decreases and keep track. No decrease an I is likely an extra yarn ove.

[@annehuntley2318]

Love your Stripe Hype. Great project. Sorry about the lace knitting. I'm currently doing one and having issues, so I can relate. As for machine stitching your crocheted squares, here are two other things to try (while you wait for your walking foot.). There is usually an adjustment of the presser foot mechanism to allow thicker material to feed through the machine (usually 1-4, with 1 being the least pressure, allowing the thickest fabric.). After making this adjustment, you may have to play a bit with your thread tension setting until you are satisfied with the zig-zag stitches tested on the thick material. Also, you need to be using some type of stabilizer strips: tissue paper, water-soluble tape, tear-away tape, etc. By putting this product under your crocheted squares, the feed dogs of your machine will feed smoothly across the stabilizer material and not get caught up on or snag your yarn. You can try this out with any normal "gift wrap" tissue paper, just to see how much difference it makes. Depending on how it goes, you may even need a strip on top of your seam so that the presser foot can just glide over the yarn fabric. Stitching through paper will dull your needle, so you might have to change it out mid project if you notice any issue with puckers, etc.. Also, if you do these changes, remember to re-set your machine back to the normal settings when you are done.

[@karenlewis8855]

Handmade by Florence has the best double knit as you go button band tutorial!

[@kristibanana416]

Your stripe hype looks great, I totally have it in my queue after seeing yours! For your squares, could you add a round of single crochet and use it as a join-as-you-go round?

[@phoenixhulsey2868]

I don't think the single crochet looks bad or sloppy at all! Especially from far away, no one will notice. I also just started sewing so I'm not expert, but my advice would be to sew them together like you would fabric- folded with right sides together. As opposed to side my side. Still would use a zig zag stitch and your presser foot though!

[@Laughing.Lioness]

My first thought when you were talking about your Messi Dressi construction was to use a finer yarn such as crochet cotton to single crochet through the back loops only to secure your construction seams. I come from a sewing, knitting, dressmaking (bridal/evening/ball gowns), and theater costuming and when the goal needed is construction and not visual design I find it helpful to think with the other fiber disciplines to problem solve. Using a strong finer yarn/thread, especially through the back loop only, will allow secure construction without adding significant bulk or weight and will allow a more flexible and drapey fabric that can move more readily than traditional crochet construction or even utilizing the sewing machine. If you go with the walking foot and sewing machine option, my suggestion is to consider alternatives to the zig zag that utilize a back and forth movement such as herringbone or feather stitch if your machine has that option. Can’t wait to see what you do and how it turns out!!

[@allanamakesthings]

What about doing a slip stitch join for the granny squares? It would make a neat little braid down the centres of the squares and looks great! It’s also a little more flexible than the single crochet join. Love your Stripe Hype! I have mine sitting in a timeout at the moment and am getting closer to picking it up again with your great success! 😊

[@heatherr9201]

Could you maybe just rip back to a couple rows before where you need to and then tink back? And like you I don’t know if there is a set the yarn overs… I usually just try to see what looks best and go with my gut! Lol… and I hear the people in the lifelines but I rarely use them 😂

[@traci3007]

Your Stripe Hype is beautiful! Something that might work for your next one relative to the body/sleeve transition - if you pick up more stitches for the sleeve and then decrease over the next few rows to the sleeve number for your size, you will mitigate that transition while still achieving the sleeve circumference in the pattern.

[@akaNoraKnits]

That’s such a good idea! Thank you!!

[@TSUNAMI-MAMI]

The striped sweater is so cute on you!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

Match up the YOs and the decreases in your mind, keeping in mind how many overall reductions you need per row. I agree, the pattern should tell you every row what your new total should be. That’s a fair criticism of the pattern. I’m not aware of any standard for needing YOs at the end of rows. Every lace pattern is essentially sized by making corresponding YOs (adding) and K2Tog (decreasing) in pairs.

[@lindapilla541]

Thanks for being real. I pulled out a whole sleeve, grumbling, all the time! There might have been some cursing as well……jus’ sayin’ you’re not alone. ❤️

[@debrahookham1620]

I would tink back. Just more time with the project is how I look at it.

[@nyxian_grid]

just so you don't feel so alone, I made two mistakes in my two recent WIPs and in one of them I just decided "it is what it is" and did not try to fix it (not even sure I could!) and the second I just had to undo more than half of it... tinking is also a knitter's life ahah

[@ladyboerd]

I was able to find Hot Knits on the Internet Archive, you can borrow it there if you'd like to flick through it. The patterns go up to XL, but the bust measurements for XL differ from around 42 to 54“ regarding the fit. Hope that helps

[@margali666]

When I have to decrease in a pattern I cross the decreased stitches on my paper lightly with a pencil. That way I can see what I have to knit when I'm in the middle of the row and what not to knit anymore where I decreased. I need visuals for complicated things😅

[@topcat1746]

You have my permission to frog your lace knitting! Knitting is to be enjoyed, not endured, life is too short to knit the wrong thing 🥰

[@Twilightwitchery]

Oh no, I’m sorry about your Florence tank. It’s frustrating enough to have to frog but having to tink back stitch by stitch is another beast altogether. I would have put it in time out too lol. But you’ll figure it out! I would expect the pattern to include the yarn overs in the total # of decreases if they didn’t want you to do them. Because sometimes yes you would want to keep them in there for the lace pattern to look right.

[@jessie_knits8252]

What helps me in lace knitting when I have decreases and having to maintain pattern: I print the chart and as I decrease I cross out the stitches on the row above so when I knit the next row I see where I have to stop. Hope that makes sense and is helpful!

[@jessie_knits8252]

Also agree that a YO accompanies a decrease stitch. Another helpful tip is to count stitches, so if decreasing in RS only you should be 1 st less after finishing WS. That will help to know if you need the YO or not

[@Kera.S.]

Paused to say... If it were me, I would knit the button band to size, create a pattern for it even if it makes it easier for yourself. Then sew it on like if you were using a double knit fabric either with a serger or a zigzag stitch to maintain its elasticity. Also, your dress squares could be hand sewn with clear, nylon thread. That would make a strong & invisible seam. Good job with the walking foot. I think it should solve your issue. Just start in the seam a little bit and back stitch then sew. If you try to start at the edge without entire presser foot engaged it has a much harder time with bulky seams.

[@akaNoraKnits]

I hadn't even thought to knit the button bad separately--that could 100% have it's benefits! I'll have to consider it. I don't know why I hadn't thought to use clear thread!! I have a bunch of it hanging around for an old project lol. I should have done that 😂

[@annettemonty7350]

She also has tutorial videos for the Hype Sweater... its a great pattern. Love your colors

[@MelindaStewart-cr7wo]

I don't know if this will help but I would sew the squares to a long length of twill tape then butt the adjoining square to it and sew to the other half of the twill tape. You would only be going over one layer of crochet at a time and the fabric might act as a smooth surface for the feed dogs on the machine. Or maybe crochet them together with a much finer yarn. But since I don't crochet all these suggestions may be worthless! Good luck and the Stripe Hype is beautiful!

[@sarahallen6445]

oh no, I've been there too just staring at my knitting trying to figure out how to undo it! Maybe if you put the lifeline in the other side, and knit for a bit so you see how it looks in place, you might see how to thread a lifeline into the first side to tink back to? I haven't tried lace so don't know if this is a realistic idea or not. Regarding the book, a smaller eBay seller would probably be happy to check sizes for you or send a picture of size info, a lot of them offer additional pictures if you ask.

[@academycute101]

Have you thought about slip stitching or mattress stitching to allow for a lighter, less stiff join for your granny squares? Or a join as you go method be a bit more helpful?

[@metropolotankreyole]

I know you don't like to do it, but after that kind of set back with the Florence cardigan, you should read the entire part related to the top of the cardigan, so you can understand the logic. Also, I kinda agree with you, if I were you I would try first to do the back and then unknit the front.

[@fiddliedee01]

Love your Sripe Hype jumper 😍 I had a look at Melissa Leapman patterns on Ravelry most seem to go up to XL some larger so I would think the book patterns will be the same. 🤔

[@ccbb8115]

when knitting lace, YO only as many times as you decrease, unless you want the work to get larger. they go hand in hand.

[@s-catstyle6396]

Check your local library system to see if any of the branches have a copy of the Hot Knits book!

[@danielleegolf4290]

I think there is a way to add a lifeline after the fact. Might be worth looking it up. I've been there, girl! It's so disappointing. Lace is not my fave, lol! But you're doing great, don't give up!

[@akaNoraKnits]

I'll have to dig around! Thank you! We're definitely too close to the finish line to give up now 😅

[@annabellavampirella]

Ok, however... maybe it would be nice to have wider straps. I think those straps are kinda narrow. Also, I have crochet the pick up part of the button band and it was a lot easier to start a knitted button band. But I have also crochet a button band on a knitted cardigan successfully.

[@genesis91011]

I like the invisibale seam tutorial by Meema Makes for granny squares. It was so helpful for a blanket and it was not too sturdy.

[@Dalal0690]

51:41 there is a way to join the squares when you take the back loop and the first loop 51:41 of the other square and slip stitching it .. this way it appear to the front there is two squares together, but from the back there will be obvious seem. This way, you will not got losing that width from the squares like you do when you’re single crochet two squares together. Also, the color is not showing from the front.

[@akaNoraKnits]

So good to know! Thank you!!

[@janinegiles-holmes1742]

Hi, here's a link to a tutorial on joining granny squares that may interest you. kzbin.infocUp0eSwh6Sk?si=7LAMe4VIXP6LIfY- Regarding the lace pattern normally the yarn over corresponds to a 2ktog or 2ptog so try to only do a yarn over if you are going to be doing one of those. Hope that makes sense. Counting your stitches every row could help too. Good luck xx.

[@1997gwen48]

Wasn’t the Farnham tee the first finished project of stash bust spring?

[@akaNoraKnits]

😂😂😂😂 yes! I have already lost track!