I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 66

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. Turkish Cast on for your toe up socks. I’m trying to do your DRK everyday socks. But I’m a little confused as to which is the TN and which is BN 🫤. Is there a trick or easier way to know right away when u come back to your work after you’ve set it down for a while??? I remember you saying I one of your tutorials ( curio sock tutorial) that when your cast on tail is nOt at the needle tips means you’re at the BOR, but at that point which one is TN and BN?
2. I've heard you mention that you block your finished garments in hot water. I've always used cold water thinking that hot water would shrink wool garments. Why do you use hot water? And do you use hot water for all your knitting projects?
3. Thanks to your vlog and your wonderful advice, I recently started designing my own raglan sweater using the Knitting From The Top by Barbara Walker. I have just finished the body and am about to start the sleeves. My question is: should i block it now before working on the sleeves or should I knit the entire garment before blocking? When you design sweaters, does it help to block it along the way in order to adjust as you go or do you knit the entire thing trusting your calculations from your gauge? Thanks so much for your help, your vlog is THE BEST
4. Hello Andrea! How are you doing? I have a burning question. I’ve been knitting for about a year and keep hearing about knitters (on youtube) who “aggressively” block their finished knits with pins and stuff. I’ve made some sweaters, t-shirts and shawls but all I do for blocking is just laying them flat after washing, and make sure they don’t look too wonky. I’m petite so most of the time I need the finished garment to not stretch too much. Am I doing anything wrong here? Thanks in advanced and I always look forward to your videos. Much love!
5. I am new to the world of sweater knitting! I have just made my first few sweaters (one is wool, and one is an alpaca, linen silk blend) and I am wondering how often do you hand wash them? Do you block them out after every wash to reshape? I want them to last so I want to make sure I am doing it right! Thank you and I love your patterns!
6. Hi, Andrea! Thank you for sharing all your knowledge and letting us get to know you a bit more - these are definitely something I look forward to every week. For over a year I have been staring at your swatching corner by the window and I cannot figure out the swatch that is right next to stonecrop... I'm OBSESSED with it - was it for fun or is it a pattern? Also, are you still running? Thank you!
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[@marlenefaull248]

I listen to you every week.so informative. You are such a sweet person. Thank you.

[@saralennertz8229]

My running story is very similar to yours. I found interval running to be a great way to ease into it and there are lots of apps that support interval running for anyone who is interested in starting out that way. Getting outdoors and moving, regardless of pace, is great for body and mind! I'm very excited to spin a sweater quantity of yarn. It will be a new challenge for me. Since I knit a Weekender for the March to May KAL, I"m going to try to spin for a Weekender Light. Time to dive into my fiber stash! EDIT: I've printed the pattern for the Peplum Top and am hoping to sew that soon. I have some Arenite Pants from Sew Liberated already cut out in dark red linen that need to be sewn up first.

[@pattigolden1]

I had to laugh when you kept stumbling over your words, your solution was perfect!!!! I stuttered as a child, my parents refused speech therapy, they didn't think I needed it, but I went behind their back to the school speech therapist... I was advised to talk lower, softer and slower..... It WORKED!!! I ended up working the "thin gold line" for 32 years, I was told that my low, softer voice was calming in stressful situations. ☺️ Now my passion is knitting! 😉 I'm still yet to knit socks. 🤷

[@siobhancrowe9832]

Blocking you swatch will let you know finished fabric and show any color bleeding. I always add a little white vinegar with wool wash and use cool water to prevent color bleeding. Ask me how I know. Losing a project to color bleeding during blocking is soul crushing.

[@monicasayad6311]

Would love to attend a virtual brioche knitting class based on this shawl. 🌸

[@barbhelpin2775]

I would too!

[@gratefulknitters8899]

Love your podcast!

[@adeleschenk5610]

Love your little videos!! I've just recently gotten back to watching them and now I'm binging..... 😜 One thing to add about washing wool sweaters - even if they smell a bit, a day out in the fresh air might be enough instead of a full wash! Especially non superwash, it retains its "sheepy" qualities and doesn't always need a soaking wet wash. Love all your designs and so excited to make several of your patterns this year.

[@dianesutta773]

Hope if you do the brioche class, that you do it virtually so we can all participate.

[@alicefrench5807]

Right there with you on clean clothes. I've been known to wear my socks several times before washing. Good excuse to knit lots of socks to have a rotation so they can rest between wears!

[@riversblake1400]

Yes! To a brioche knitting class. I want to knit your cinnibar shawl…and really would love a good teaching session/class.

[@runvidr]

I would love to take a class from you! I could not learn brioche until I stumbled across your tutorial.

[@lisaanderson135]

I wanted to be able to run, but my knees decided to develop arthritis at the age of 40. Last week I had my second knee replacement so I am already feeling ready to get back to hiking! But as I recover, I have been pulling out many WIP’s and a three are yours. A shawl, a cowl and a cardigan. Thank you for being an inspiration ❤️

[@barbhelpin2775]

Good for you for embracing self care. We all need more of that, and knitting is part of my program. I'm wondering how you decide how much yarn to purchase if you see something you love but don't have a project in mind for it. Thanks so much for your delightful, relaxing, and oh so helpful podcasts. I love learning from you!

[@independence_yarn_crafts]

Great episode. Thank you for all the great tips

[@mikedianestephens8010]

You have me hooked on brioche! I wanted to learn it so I started with the Harlow hat. Then really struggled with the Cinnabar. After starting over the third time it clicked! I am just about finished with my SECOND one. I have completed Untangled and Baubles is next on the needles!

[@joanmachado9063]

Great podcast thank you ☺️

[@3BlackDogsCrafts]

I am not a fan of magic loop, but I've fallen in love with flexi flip needles. Perfect mix of double point and magic loop. To mark my BOR, I'll just put a pretty stitch marker somewhere in the needle. I do wash my socks after each wear, but that's the curse of living in Southern Arizona where the temps are regularly above 100°F.

[@Kdbiddle]

I am getting back into running and have been using run/walk intervals. Use whatever time intervals work for you. Currently working run 30 seconds/walk 45 seconds… but hiking only when running doesn’t feel good.

[@catherinethomes2910]

I have to learn brioche ❤️ I love that shawl…..

[@isabelandmom3103]

You have the cutest space ... I haven't watched much but will tune in more for the knitting and adorable vibes!

[@judyperodeau1081]

Those shawl colors are spectacular with your coloring Andrea!😃👏🏼❤️🧶

[@YarnworxStudio]

For Turkish Cast-on, the yarn end is opposite of "normal", so I know I'm at the start of the row when the yarn end is on the opposite (far left). This works wonders when I do the DRK everyday socks in the round on magic loop!

[@pepperypotts]

I love using DPNs and when I teach people I call it wrestling a hedgehog because it always feels like that’s what you are doing when you use them for the first few times, enjoy wrestling your hedgehog again and thank you for your podcast

[@kayebaker-schwanz1041]

OMG! I just got my first spinning wheel, that's what happens when you go to a wool and fiber festival. I need to finish it, and then I can start to play. Hopefully next year, I'll be ready for Tour de Fleece. Thank you for being so encouraging to just jumping in and trying things.

[@anneliolaussonholmstrom6616]

Thank you for your lovely episodes. They are such a pleasure and makes me feel really good although I suffer from ME and don’t have much energy through the day. Long every week for the next one. Knitting has become my survival strategy. Thanks again for being there 🤗 I love all your patterns and my next project will definitely be a shifty sweater. Just started to search for the right yarns and colours (in Sweden) 🥰

[@FibreBound]

I recently rediscovered dpns too and really enjoyed using them, though magic loop is usually my go to. Its fun to have options and mix things up sometimes. Your shawl is so beautiful 💗

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

Lol, you were so adorable today. :-) That peplum top looks stunning, for what I could see of it. Also love the cardigan a lot. Wish it would cool down a bit here in Germany. We are having a heat wave and tomorrow it is suppose to climb up to 38° Celsius, with humid conditions. Yuk, I do not like it. Fall is my favourite season. I was born in late September. It is my month and season. Also October with it`s warm colours, smells and holidays, such as Thanksgiving and Halloween are a favourite. I must say though, that I love Christmas too. All the preparations, the decorations, the gifts and the smells of it are wonderful. And of course all of the woolly knits and makes. I am in awe of your tattoos Andrea. I have quiet a few myself. I was wondering what the green tattoo was on your hand. It reminds me of a head of lettuce. ;-) Is it some sort of plant or am I completely off? lol. I am contemplating on getting a tattoo across my upper chest, like you have. I think it looks stunning. Did that one hurt in particular or are hand tattooes worse? I think you answer all those questions with so much expertise and humor. I really love that. Such a lovable person you are, and talented as well. Huggs and blessings from Schurwald Forest, Germany.

[@lenaweaver4751]

Great episode, would love a brioche class. Had a wonderful trip to WA last month & got to visit Spincycle in person. What beautiful yarns & can’t wait to make your sweater pattern. Sure was a chilly morning here in our beautiful state of Maine. Thanks much for sharing all your knowledge.

[@dianachristie5700]

I love the feel good shawl colors!

[@cassandras3465]

I love the DRK sock pattern and use Judy’s magic cast on and two circular needles

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

Many dyes currently used to get really bright, saturated dyes will have their bonds broken when the water exceeds 106deg. I always recommend bath water temp for this reason. You get some nice blooming without causing bleeding... and I also always include a carbona color grabber just in case. AND I do a swatch first just to make sure. Its heartbreaking to ruin a project because a paleish pink decided to run into your cream and both end up the same color. As for wool washing... I couldn't agree with you more on Americans overwashing, everything from their bodies and hair to clothes. I only wash my wool items before they go into storage or if they've gotten physically dirty/picked up a weird smell and an hour or two in the sunshine & fresh air doesn't take the smell out. Wool is naturally antimicrobial and mildew resistant. I always wear something under my sweaters... at least a tshirt but sometimes a long sleeve tee. That barrier gets washed after each use because its right against the body. It saves the sweaters.

[@netty062]

I still don't own any locking stitch markers so in place of that to mark your top needle I would wait about 10 rows then take a scrap of yarn and loop it on the front, sometimes I will make a bow, and just cut it off at the end. :)

[@redredwine1277]

Thanks again 🌸🌷🌺

[@kimlyne9700]

I’m tempted to try DPNs again, my preferred method is 9” circular but sometimes my right hand starts to hurt trying to hold on to the teeny tiny needle.

[@bjh616]

Another great video! Great info on hot water bath as my knitted garments don’t “bloom” like others I see. Any tips on linen:wool blends? Mine look woompy. As I own most of your patterns (no broiche yet as fearful) could you please design more raglan sleeves as best for my body type. Thanks for all the help and info you give to us!!

[@Nina-hx5we]

Hi Andrea. Do you have a special episode for stranded colourwork?

[@LadyWiggin]

I like many methods for small circumference knitting but I have to say i really live my dpns

[@tamaragrottker7677]

I love all your designs. What is your design process? Do you think about color, or pattern, or both? Do you try to capture something from the real world in your designs? I have always wanted to design something, right now, I am trying socks, but I feel that I should have some grand picture in my head in order to explain my design. How can you learn more about design without copying someone else's work?

[@meganhand3253]

Going to Rhinebeck this fall for the first time 🥰 When do you usually release your Rhinebeck sweater pattern? Definitely want to plan for it so I can wear it - so any heads up would be very much appreciated 👍

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi there! I always release it in July, and we have a big KAL leading up to Rhinebeck :)

[@handmadebytori]

Love these videos Do you have a recommendation for sock blockers?

[@lynnedyer3817]

I am excited to try brioche for the first time by making the Feel Good Shawl. I am hoping to be able to do some stash diving for it. How should I approach picking colors? Should I stick with mostly solids/tonals and one speckled/variegated, or can I use more skeins speckled/variegated?

[@et1016]

Waiting for your class please. 🙏

[@joleneanderson5497]

If you want to make the shift cowl shorter would you delete a few rounds on the increase and decrease rounds..

[@robertareavie9787]

Pleeease come teach at Knit City Vancouver this fall

[@jacquelinepirotta]

you might have covered this before - if so pls tell me what episode - but i want to buy a carder. i am a new spinner but i have bought some fleeces and now find myself overwhelmed trying to prep them with a hand carder. how did you pick your carder and with the benefit of hindsight - would you change your choice?

[@jeanann6131]

I use to run and giving it up has been difficult. I have lupus and Sjogrens Syndrome, but ran for many year. I completed 4 half marathon. My meds caused osteoporosis and GI Issues recently . I am trying to go gluten free, as the doc thinks that can be part of my problem. I would love to know what bread recipes you use because you are a baker. I’d like to get away from store bought bread.

[@jeanann6131]

@@Katepwe thank you!

[@bjh616]

Another great video! Great info on hot water bath as my knitted garments don’t “bloom” like others I see. Any tips on linen:wool blends? Mine look woompy. As I own most of your patterns (no broiche yet as fearful) could you please design more raglan sleeves as best for my body type. Thanks for all the help and info you give to us!!