I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 64

Welcome to I’ll Knit (& Spin!) If I want To! I asked y’all to send in some of your questions (from everything from fiber arts, to designing and on!) so I could put together a little video for y’all every Friday doing my best to answer your questions!
In this week’s episode we cover:
1. Thank you for doing your weekly Q&A. It has become something I look forward to every weekend now. My question is not so much about knitting, more about style, or knitwear. I like that you sport a piece of knitwear in every episode. Do you also put on knitwear other days of the week too? I ask because often when I see pictures of knitters (not necessarily just knitwear designers) I'm surprised at how many are in t-shirts than in sweaters. So just wondering what you normally do.
2. Hi Andrea, I recently finally mastered the tubular cast-on from watching your demos and feel very empowered! I wonder if you have any thoughts about how interchangeable cast-on methods are, for sweaters in particular. If a pattern calls for a longtail cast on and and I do a tubular one instead, will it be too stretchy since longtail isn't as stretchy as tubular? As a relatively new knitter, I'm always nervous about making even minor alterations like that as I'm concerned the designer has a reason for the cast on they've chosen and I might accidentally alter fit. Appreciate any insights you might have!
3. Love your weekly episodes, I’ve been learning a lot! I love a lot of your cardigan patterns but I have a hard time finding good buttons so I haven’t knit any. In a recent episode you were wearing your stonecrop cardigan and we’re showing 2 other cardigans and the buttons on all 3 cardigans were so perfect. Could you share where you get your buttons from and your process of buying them. Do you buy per project or do you buy when you see a nice button - if it’s the later what is your rule of thumb on how many buttons to buy.
shoplamercerie.com/collection...
4. Hi Andrea! I’m knitting the DRK Everyday as my first sweater and I’m using embroidery thread for lifelines. The lifelines keep slipping out of my knitting! I’ve tried tying knots at the ends but those end up slipping INTO my knitting and don’t allow the fabric to stretch when I try on the sweater. How do you gauge how long to make your lifelines to avoid this? Also, is it ok to leave all of your lifelines in until the end of a project or do you find it’s better to use one that you move down as you go? Thank you so much!!
5. Was curious about hats and how to secure the handmade pompom. I recently made a pompom and attached it to the hat but it seems so floppy. How do you attach yours? Thanks so much. I'm learning lots from your videos & Thank you for all you do.
Inclinations Cowl KAL Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
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I am wearing the Winters Beach Cardi:
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[@MandyRoeske]

My biggest hurdle over wearing my knits was the fact that at the beginning I chose patterns and colors I thought were interesting failing to realize I wear mostly neutrals and basics. I thought that I would wear them just because of the fact I made them but I was wrong. Now that I’m choosing more basic patterns and colors that I actually wear, I wear what I knit more often. I actually just finished my Winter’s Beach Cardi in a neutral color and I wore it to the movies the other day and it’s such a beautiful pattern that I doubt anyone would’ve thought it was handmade.

[@Theresnoplacelykhome]

I can relate!!

[@TaylorOwen]

Re BUTTONS: The thrift store is another great place to find good buttons. A shirt, jacket, or sweater that is damaged (or a color you’ll never wear) is a great source to harvest vintage buttons at a great price.

[@tori3575]

Growing up my Grandmother would have an old chocolate tin FILLED with buttons that she acquired over the years. I always loved looking through them. Now I very much love my own button jar that has buttons that I have found from second hand stores, fabric shops that sell older buttons, etc. Its like a candy jar for when I'm finished knitting a project!

[@annettemonty7350]

To stable the pom pom you can place a wide button inside the hat and thread the yarn through the button holes to make the pom pom stay in place...

[@carissaslife2]

Love your channel!! For a non floppy pompom … cut a round disk of foam and put that on the inside of the hat and thread through two holes. The disk needs to be about 1”-1.5” 💗

[@jooleeyaknits]

For the pompoms!! I put a giant button on the inside of the hat and thread the ties through it, then tie it. The disc shape of the button helps keep it more upright in my experience!

[@Snowynde]

I use a large button too and it works really well and I tie a bow so I can swap poms!

[@lanitaleis7965]

Great idea with the button !

[@DufortIsa]

To help with floppy pompoms, I just use a random big ish button from a button jar that was past from my grandma, to my mom, to me. There were a lot of big buttons in the 80's and I love remembering on what type of garments they used to be 😊

[@janetlasher]

Hi. Love your channel.... 2 things.... Floppy pom pom.... Use a fairly large (flat) button to tie on the pompom on the inside .. gives the hat some stability band will be less floppy ... And you can still use the bow for easy... On off .. 2. Saw your comment awhile ago about using 2 at a time process for socks and....more importantly sleeves ... Yep tangled yarn is a pain in the b*tt... So I figured out that if you use a center pull ball .. and put the ball INSIDE the sleeve, the yarn doesn't get tangled... The right yarn is always right where you need it.... I also use needles and/or cables of different colors so I always am sure to keep the needles organized.... I need easy visuals to keep me organized: cause knitting and tv with subtitles is a lot to manage ... Try the ball in the sleeve ( I often use a stitch marker to close the arm to keep the ball up near the knitting)... It is fun and a faster.

[@YarnOverHereAB]

I am so proud to wear my knits and I wear them as much as I can.

[@aletheia6012]

Maybe you could staple a paper tag with the info onto your fabric? Staples are fairly easy to remove later. Guess it would depend on how thick it is, whether you could do this.

[@esthersprinkle5797]

I’m a senior (76) and have been knitting seriously for a bout 20 years. I definitely wear what I make because I figure I don’t have as much time left to wear them as I used to. Also, most of my knitting will go to my daughter-in-law and 3 granddaughters, as they’re very close to my size. It’s all good and so much fun!

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

Awe, your outfit is adorable once more! I actually love everything you wear, lol. The style is so my cup of tea. :-) I am spending a lot of time sewing these days, because it is so warm and humid in Germany. I put my woolen wips to the side for a bit and started a crochet along blanket from cotton yarn. A nice little summer project in between. Also finishing an old cross stitch picture I started years ago. I already have the first of the pair finished and framed. It is a wonderful rose image. I think it`s high time the roses unite with their twin. Huggs and blessings to you dear Andrea. I love your designs and I think you have a wonderful fotographer, ;-) . From Germany, Rose-Cottage, Schurwald Forest, with love, Christina

[@SarahGarcia-sx2bt]

I wear my knits most days. Like you said it seems obvious to us we made them, but most people don't know or notice. The reaction when someone asks where I got a sweater is usually amazement. I'm definitely more comfortable 12 years in. Sometimes in the beginning my knits didn't turn out as I wanted. Now they look as I plan. 😸

[@tiateri541]

Hi Andrea - I have a tip for you on remembering the fabric content & care. This info is usually on one end of the bolt of the fabric, I take a picture of the info with my phone! You could then print it out & add it to your journal. Love your podcast!

[@barbaraanne2136]

I am a quilter and I use a michron pen or another permanent pigment pen and write on my fabric that has been washed with fiber content and width and length of yardage on one corner in the selvedge. Fabric for quilting does not get washed until it is a quilt, except for backings which I wash with color catchers. I like to dry part way and then hang on the clothes line out of doors to finish drying. Garment fabric is washed like you do and if I need to mark info, I use a scrap of quilting cotton and a safety pin to attach. I mark the quilt top the same way so I don't have to remeasure when I'm ready to put the backing on to prepare for quilting. And I keep that tag with the measurement on it until it goes on a bed. My quilts are whatever size they turn out. I start with a block design and make enough to fill my design wall with what looks like a bed size or I just am tired of making blocks. That is it. So I know my quilt isn't going to be a exact bed size. I'll have to measure and mark them. I use fabric for tags because it survives the handling and stays with the quilt.

[@dorisenderle5857]

Putting a button on the inside of the hat as you attach the Pom Pom it stabilizes it. Also you can attach a large snap to the hat and the Pom Pom. That way you can remove the Pom Pom to wash it

[@dianevcalhoun6848]

My mother taught me how to sew when I was about 7 and I always loved wearing anything I made, through high school and college and beyond. It never occurred to me to be nervous about it. Maybe I was too self-confident. I feel the same way about my knitting, which I relearned when I had my first child. I just love wearing my makes. Thank you for all the beautiful patterns!

[@katem5843]

I am similar Diane :) it always seemed an awesome way to express yourself in high school with limited resources. It made me feel a little powerful to know I had the skill to make something I wanted to wear. Grateful to have learned at a young age.

[@barbaraamping5659]

I always thread my pom Pom through a button on the inside of the top of the hat. This stabilizes the Pom Pom and allows you to change the Pom Pom .

[@juliehuycke5446]

Hello Andrea I use a lightweight button on the inside of my hats. I thread the Pom Pom ribbon through it and tie a bow on the inside like you do. The button keeps the Pom more upright on top of the hat.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

I wear my me-made items everyday! I'm a product maker and envision how something will fit into my lifestyle/wardrobe before I purchase a pattern, invest in the materials, etc. If there's a place for it, I'll make it (and if not, I most likely won't make it!). If there was a tag to my fabric (like an invoice), I'll safety pin it to my folded up washed fabric. If there isn't a piece of paper with all the info on it already, I'll just write the info on a scrap piece of paper and pin it to the fabric. Thanks for sharing!~Stephanie

[@cassandras3465]

I feel so comforted by things I’ve knit, I find it’s like a big hug wearing my hand knit sweaters or shawls and I make it a point to try to wear something each day as Andrea said. During the summer not as much, but my office is cold with the central air so I find at work I wear shawls in the summer time quite often.

[@debiedwards2860]

I don't have a problem wearing things I've made but I do have a problem making things for other people, I never think they're good enough!

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

I love that tunic! I was just admiring it and thinking I should make one.

[@Laughing.Lioness]

I adore your channel!! A note from an long time experienced seamstress helped me when I started tracking my sewing and fabrics. She recommended that I take a picture of the bolt end when I purchase the fabric so that I can document the fiber type, content, manufacturer, colorway, fabric name and washing instructions that way if I need more I can track it down or if gifting I can share relevant information. This practice has saved me on more than one occasion. 😉

[@vp4536]

I do that too! 😁

[@annballard3540]

Great idea! And the fabric store has the info if more is needed.

[@maryannefocazio6379]

Hi Andrea. I love buttons, too. My favorite places to look are resale shops. Our ASPCA has a shop now. They have great stuff: buttons, ribbon, some fabrics, etc. my mom used to cut off buttons of old clothes she was getting rid of and some are so cool.

[@marny7760]

I also love buttons. Will have to pay more attention in resale shops, but I'd love to know about U.S. online sources for unique, beautifully made buttons. I just put in orders to Textile Gardens and The Button Queen, both in the UK. As Cute As a Button in San Diego is pretty good, but not like these two UK vendors. Thanks ahead of time for any ideas you all might have!

[@maryannefocazio6379]

Very cool. Sometimes I find cool ones on line.

[@rossifamily5227]

Happy making to you as well. Just love your videos. I’ve had your Shift pattern for years but doubted my abilities. You and your subscribers are so encouraging that I started it yesterday and it’s going great!

[@dreareneeknits]

That's awesome! I hope you enjoy knitting and wearing it!

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

I bought a ball of embroidery cotton it's so easy to manage plus the floss is a continuous length. If I take it out I keep it in a small zip lock baggie per each project to use over again. Thanks so much for you generous sharing. The life line suggestion of embroidery floss came from you which was a game changer, so thanks again!

[@janetfreitas1659]

Two recommendations for knitting. I use crochet thread for lifelines. The thread is strong and comes in light & dark colors for easy-to-use application. For attaching pompoms to hats; I have found a one inch flat button inside through which the thread is passed before the bow is tied stabilizes the pom. Hope these can help your vewers. PS. I LOVE YOUR PODCAST 🥰

[@zoedoodle9824]

Yes, crochet thread #3 is a great weight and you can buy a crazy color that will stand out. Crochet thread has a sturdier structure than yarn and that makes it easier to pick up the stitches when you've had to frog. That button trick sounds great.

[@lanitaleis7965]

Thanks for the suggestion of using a button for securing the pompom. !

[@CassieDA17]

I was going to suggest the same two things. I use the thicker churches thread for lifelines and use it to tie up the pom pom instead of the yarn because I can get it tighter. Then use a big button inside the hat. The button is also good with the fur poms that have the elastic loop

[@joannsteinly5325]

Oooo! I love this idea! I have some crochet thread I picked up at a thrift store. Thank you!

[@TheMetatronGirl]

I never really cared what people thought about my wardrobe choices, so I wore everything I made without reservation. I’ve always felt better and more like myself in me-made clothes. Nothing beats the feeling I get when someone asks, “Where did you get that great sweater/hat/shawl/etc.?” and I can say, “I made it!” Like you, I wash my fabric as soon as I get it. Quick suggestion for remembering the specs: While they’re in the wash, I write the fiber content and care instructions on little pieces of 3x5 cards and then stitch it to the selvage with 2 or 3 stitches in place. I don’t have to worry about pins catching or rusting, and the little tag is easily removed, but won’t fall off. I also try to keep a little scrap of fabric in my journal of my makes and glue the tag in with it.

[@sharonkeane4614]

I’m finally comfortable wearing my handknits (and I’ll soon be 67 yrs old)! I’ve always been my own worst critic but getting less critical every day.🥰

[@thebassclarinetist]

One of my favourite tricks for stabilizing a pom pom is to thread the strings through a button on the inside of the toque before tying them in a bow, it works like a charm every time! I also include them on my gift knits. I'm working on a minted hat, cozy classic raglan (using HHF Tweedy), and what the fade shawl at the moment!

[@dreareneeknits]

Great tip!

[@jonellesandel1066]

Tip on no floppy pompon, tie it through a button on inside, the tension of button gets rid of the flop! Can still remove the pompon for washing if you tie a bow.

[@jackhopkins5402]

I wear my handmade knits every day: socks, sweaters, tees, cardigans, vests, cowls, hats, mitts. Jacki

[@FuwaAmi]

I tie the ends of my pompoms inside the hat through a big button which is placed inside the hat and is removable and invisible (pompom --> hat --> button --> tied ends). That way pompoms aren't going anyway, they are also removable (together with buttons) and stay on the top of the head nicely and firmly, without being floppy.

[@trailsniffer]

i love wearing my knits! It feels wonderful and special.

[@dreareneeknits]

It really is!

[@kaceew]

I used a button on the inside of the hat under the pom pom to help with the flop. I really like that hack I don't remember where I heard it though. But it helps. Also with a bow.

[@3BlackDogsCrafts]

For me, I don't get to wear my knits as much as I would like. That's because I live in Southern Arizona and it is 90°F and above majority of the year. Because of this, I will knit mostly shawls to wear inside restaurants that have their ACs set to "freezing" 😅. During the winter, I will wear my knits as much as I can

[@JackieChow]

For lifelines, I use a smooth cotton string from the kids section. It’s thicker than embroidery floss, resilient, usually SUPER bright so it’s easy to see.

[@dreareneeknits]

Great tip!

[@mariebenedde7057]

I definitely wear all my knits and am very proud whenever I do. ❤️

[@elodi_rose]

For your sewing journal, have you thought about adding in a small fabric sample to your project page? I love the Polaroid pictures so much!

[@dianegiannini8968]

I wear my hand knits quite often but it gets so hot in the summer where I live that it is hard to wear them unless the AC is really cold. I ditched most of my commercial socks last year as I wear the hand knit socks the majority of the time. I did Summer Sock Camp last summer and knit 14 pairs during that time. I am currently knitting a pair of socks from my own hand spun yarn. Next time you do a sock KAL with hand spun I will be in on it. I keep journals of projects too, one for knitting, one for spinning and one that is all the other things, dyeing, weaving, quilting. I have an HP sprocket that I print my pictures with that go into the journals.

[@kimcunningham2107]

LOVE your knitting, your sewing and really LOVE seeing how you journal!!! 🥰

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

I need that tunic for when I'm teaching knitting classes! I always wish I had decent pockets to hold yarn when I'm walking around the room demonstrating a stitch or something. Alas, I love too many Andrea Mowry patterns to stop and learn to sew....... lol

[@QueenAnneKnitsandSews]

Sounds like you need to buy a cute apron!

[@chelseaw5011]

BEAUTIFUL cardigan! The cables look so inspiring. Maybe this will be my challenge knit next year

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!

[@DCrockZ131]

You are very inspiring...your passion for knitting shows❤

[@daylemenges7177]

When I first started knitting in 2018, I was a little embarrassed to wear what I made. I didn't want it to look "homemade" and sloppy. I started out wearing my knitting sweaters under jackets and such. But, as I made more garments, I decided that I put too much work into them to let it hang in the closet. So, I started wearing them regularly.

[@heatherr9201]

Sewing fabric Tip- when you are buying your fabric take a photo of the end of the bolt with a little of the fabric showing….

[@julzlarrabee]

Another wonderful episode, thanks Andrea! A tip on fabric info for your journal: some fabrics come with info on the selvedge so you could snip that and keep it, maybe with a snip of a bit of the fabric also. You could also take a pic of the end of the bolt and print that to include with a snip of the fabric. 🥰

[@dreareneeknits]

That's a great idea!

[@auntylinda7640]

Lol my fear or self awareness of wearing my own hand knits was when I'm in line for the supermarket checkout and some fair isle knitting expert is standing behind me looking at my mistakes! 🤣😖😘 As if anyone cares enough to check my sweater out. Nb I live in Shetland xxx I made a love note encouraged by the Grocery Girls💖 I dont know what went wrong, it is 7 inches too small on the bust! Oh, well. Back to the pattern I go and make an XL one😋😘😘😘

[@deejcarter2003]

I love how us creatives work in cycles🥰 I was totally working on knitting and spinning, and now I’m on spinning cotton and my watercolors🤣 oh the fun we have.

[@daniellejohnson3364]

Still working on my Attune shawl; gardening is definitely cutting into knitting time lately! Love your tunic, I made a winters beach-def inspired to sew one too! Thanks 😊

[@annballard3540]

I have been wearing clothes that I made since 7th grade. (Home Ec). Loved that I had something no one else had...and it stretched my little wardrobe. I also loved to wear what my Mother knit for me, now they remind me of her love🤗 So of course, I make it/ wear it.

[@mikedianestephens8010]

I am obsessed with your shawl patterns. I am on my 2nd Cinnabar, just finished the Untangled and have the yarn caked up for Baubles!

[@Theresnoplacelykhome]

I am still working on my junction sweater, one sleeve to go, couldn’t complete it because I started late (at Easter) but almost done and it’s looking amazing Thankyou Andrea

[@sweetsar04]

I love wearing my handknits! I completely relate to how you feel. I feel like my truest self too :-).

[@miekevanreet2544]

Love the tunic!! so your style, have a nice weekend big hug from belgium

[@Redhead_Knitting]

I also try to wear my knits everyday. It’s very cold in my office so a sweater or a shawl is always necessary!

[@Gail_Blanton]

Really enjoying your content. Answers to questions I’d not thought of asking but is great info. I’m working on Caitlin Hunter’s Birkin. Almost finished with the sleeves. Itching to start another sweater but am forcing myself to finish this one before casting on/swatching.

[@victoriapileski3966]

I agree that my personality shines when I wear my hand knit and spun items! People always ask me about my knitted items and this connects me to people which is good because I tend to be rather reclusive and Covid didn’t improve that tendency.

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

I find for adding pompoms, if you add a second string around the middle helps a lot. Pretty much what you said about adding another thread through the middle except I make it so its attached to the pompom. It creates the same 4 posts which helps with stabilization as you said. I do love your idea of tying a bow. Another option I've experimented with is using elasticated string for binding the pompom and attaching it and using a button on the inside. The bow seems easier. LoL

[@valgill2474]

I feel very comfortable wearing hats, mitts, scarfs, shawls and socks that I have knitted but I still feel a little uncomfortable wearing sweaters. I think it's probably because I have just started knitting sweaters in the past year and a half. I need to definitely work on this. Glad to hear I'm not alone in this.

[@scribbleknits]

I was also not very confident to wear my hand knits out in full view of other people 😬But I love the things I’ve made and I feel really comfortable in them which has made it a bit easier to feel more confident wearing them. I also have taken inspiration from you and other podcasters who always look fabulous in handmade items.

[@lindahamilton3040]

Re: the pompous x I cut a small piece of cardboard cut in a circle. I munch 2 small holes and bring the 2 ends thru on the inside and tie a bow. Works really well to keep it firm and can’t ge felt.

[@beckyshook3526]

Iam 66 now but as a little girls when walking I would find buttons on the ground so this many years later I have a lot of buttons

[@margheritaclark8749]

Andrea, several episode ago, you talked about deciding how to give away sweaters you no longer wear. I have a charity idea. perhaps you could have shop owners auction the sweater(s) for a local charity in their community. I think it would be fun to see the sweater on display in the shop, the name of the charity that will be the recipient, and, regardless of size, many will donate for the cause and the chance at owning one of your sweaters! I know if I were the lucky recipient, I would frame it and place it in my 'gal dormers for inspiration 😊! I also think it would be cool to have the pattern displayed so knitters can be inspired to make the pattern, too. Love your episodes, Margie Clark a.k.a. Margherita 😊

[@carolekiernan296]

Love the tunic!

[@metasymphony]

I’m pretty much always wearing something I made, at least just a bralette. After finishing my first sweater I wear that all the time! The only place I might not wear some garments I’ve knit is the office, but otherwise I don’t mind if people can tell it’s handmade.

[@lisad8731]

I almost always wear hand knit socks these days until it gets really hot out. I wear a uniform for work but on my days off I love to wear self sewn items.

[@debmidas7736]

You can add a button on the inside of the hat and attach the strings of the pom pom to it.

[@fliss87]

i love wearing my handknits!! they make me feel like myself too :) i am sometimes a bit precious about them compared to my "normal" clothes though, like i might not want to wear a handknit if i think i'm just going to have a super boring day at home... it would be nice to stop minding about that in the future i hope

[@noramcdonald2669]

Listening to you talk about sewing, you gave me the bug to sew. I bought a pattern for crop pants and I am using a gauze material.They are expensive at the store and I can make them much less.

[@joanmachado9063]

Great video

[@jesskathan]

Every time I watch, I admire your desk! Can I ask where it's from? :)

[@mariefrederick4468]

I always enjoy your videos. I loved listening to you talk about your sewing and had a couple questions. I have been a sewer for years especially when my kids were little and would like to get back into it again. I am curious how you do your seems. Do you french seam or surge? Always curious how to get a really nice finished edge on a garment so they don't look homemade. Also where do you get such pretty fabric. Love the pink linen today and love linen. Also if you use the download patterns what kind of paper do you use when cutting them out.....

[@dreareneeknits]

I serge unless the pattern uses french seams :) I love a french seam, but I have very limited sewing time, so don't want to fiddle with altering patterns to include them!

[@carolinemercer9779]

I feel more anxious about wearing my hand sewn clothing for some reason! I don’t know why, maybe because they tend to be the most feminine pieces in my wardrobe

[@pammoriarty5176]

If you are ever in Chicago there is a fabulous button shop called Soutache. Amazing treasures await you.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for the tip!

[@vilayphonechoulamany8349]

Thank you, Andrea. The first question's mine. And I forgot to add that it's from Laos. Just to add to your list of fans ☺️

[@jgtck]

Will you be publishing a pattern for Pink Velvet in a cardigan version? I have reached a stage in my life when cardigans are a better option than pullovers and I love the Pink Velvet.

[@goldwest53]

I've bought buttons from Etsy.

[@nancyhughes386]

I love your studio tunic! What did you make it out of? I like to use Aunt Lydia’s crochet cotton for life lines. It pulls out nicely when you want to remove it. Sometimes using 2 life lines is a good idea then you can always move the lower one up when you need to put another one in.

[@dreareneeknits]

I made it out of laundered linen :)

[@sunnyw4148]

I have a question about spinning. I use to spin but it has been decades. For my retirement my sister bought me an espinner. I have no problem buying the wool to spin, but I need help with the tools. Specifically knitting noddys. How many do I need and how long should they be? My bobbin holds 8 oz. of wool and I plan on doing about two to three larger projects a year (sweater, big shawl, etc.). Any suggestions? Thank you. I love watching each week because I learn lots of new things in a comfortable atmosphere.

[@dreareneeknits]

I have one niddy noddy that can be adjust to different lengths :)

[@pattigolden1]

Honestly, I feel weird wearing something I've made... I gift most & everyone else has no problem. 🤷 I think I just enjoy the process...

[@joycepastore3860]

Do you sew clothes for your children? I remember when I was little I was embarrassed when my mom sewed some of my clothing. I wish I had appreciated it more but when kids are a certain age they don’t.

[@jplr0220]

Hi Andrea! Love your dress 😍. I have no idea about sewing 🙁, thinking of getting a sewing machine to start exploring haha . Which sewing machine do you own?

[@dreareneeknits]

I have a Bernina that I found on Ebay and I love it!

[@itsrainingcrafts]

I’m working on a scrappy sweater with 3 sk out of my stash

[@annstaudt7613]

Hello Andrea- I would like to knit your Winters Beach Cardigan. I am a beginner knitter- knitting with other knitters who assist me when I have a hiccup. I have only knit and purled , Ssk , k2 tog , p2 tog- do you have video with you knitting the Winters Beach Cardigan that I can follow. thank you.

[@Juanawox]

Are there written instructions for Winters Beach (the chart part)?

[@nataliehosch2504]

What is the name of your chartreuse green sweater?

[@nataliehosch2504]

How do you figure for positive ease?

[@MaestroShaSha]

Hello, I have a question regarding The Weekender sweater. At the transition from knitting in the round to separating the front and back and knitting flat - I have developed very noticable and very unattractive gutters in my fabric while working flat. Is there some way to prevent gutters? I am not a new knitter, but I am new to sweaters. It is ruining the look of the sweater and it is very disheartening. Help please! Potentially relevant background information ---> I have mostly knit small accessories and generally have not blocked these items. The few times I have blocked items it didn't go well. So my blocking skills are almost non-existent. I know I need to fix that. I mention that because I fear you are going to tell me the answer to my gutters problem is blocking. But in addition to having little successful blocking experience, I am also working with acrylic. I know acrylic usage is somewhat controversial. My thought is that I learn how to make sweaters and make all my learning mistakes on less expensive acrylic prior to making the big investment in wool. And I also want to be able to use and enjoy my acrylic sweaters and not just make them for the learning process only. Anyway - my point is - acrylic can't be blocked. So I am really hoping that blocking isn't the fix for gutters. Any trick you have to fix this would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@dreareneeknits]

Hello! That is called rowing out and is due to the discrepancy in size of your knits vs your purls. I recommend working the purl rows on a needle one size smaller than the one you are currently using and this should help!

[@MaestroShaSha]

@@dreareneeknits Thank you!

[@Tina-gi1ot]

Why don’t you take a quick picture of your fabric and add it to your sewing journal with the information on what it is on it.

[@dreareneeknits]

great idea!