I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 77

[@magneavaldimarsd8460]

Wow!! Thank you so much for the answer to my collar question. It helped me so much visualizing it. And the part about casting off and on again for the bottom is brilliant! You are a wealth of knowledge and thank you for sharing it with us! 🤍🤍

[@susanharris-rohde1127]

Tin Can Knits has a shawl collared sweater that might give you some additional information

[@jeannepien4565]

I've been knitting everything for the past 22 years. There is always something new to learn. Your information about the more ply's the better for cables and color work. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@gizmofox5995]

I have a Lendrum DT too! It's my first and only wheel, and found it to be very beginner friendly. Even after progressing in my spinning, I feel like it fits my needs very well. Another big benefit to the Lendrum is that it doesn't require oiling, so it's very low maintenance.

[@mariaj1704]

Thank you again Andrea for another brilliant episode! I always enjoy the wonderful information you share with us, but I was amazed at the amount of detail you were able to give Magnea for her dads sweater, you made it so easy to visualise the whole procedure. I'm sure you have helped so many more knitters at the same time. Hope you have a wonderful weekend camping. xx

[@zephyraK]

Thanks Andrea for you video! I close my armpit holes just with a tapestry needle and a yarn tail that is in proximity, like you described. And I just don't worry too much about how those stitches look. I try to do it neat and as much as possible on the inside and than good is good enough ❤

[@melissalampman7214]

Hi Andrea, I have a lendrum too😀one thing you might add to that; is to change to a bulky head on a lendrum is a bit of a challenge, (for plying)as you have to change the belt every time and what one podcaster shared was keeping both belts on the wheel ,so you don’t have to pop that locking pin every time you switch heads from a regular head to a bulky. I learned on a ashford,and struggled, then I got a louets10, and that is the wheel I would recommend for a beginner, as the bobbins are huge. So you can spin,and ply all on the same bobbins, and get a large skein. I also got a louet 90, so I gave my louets10 away to a new spinner, not realizing the 90 and the lendrum only make small skeins, which was driving me crazy, until I got the bulky head for the lendrum,So that is my 2 cents, as I regretted getting rid of my s10, until a podcaster shared that trick of keeping both belts around the wheel, and just wrapping the one not being used around the bottom of the shaft. So things to consider. I do love my lendrum, and use it over the louet, cus I can switch heads and ply on the bulky head, and make a larger skein. Have fun ⛺️.

[@suegilman2606]

Hi Andrea, loved listening to you think through and come up with a solution for the collar question! it sounds to me like you're going to have to design a men's collar sweater sometime soon, and I can't wait to see it! Also, I found the consider-the-ply-for-various-finished-effects info to be really great. Always something new to learn, that's for sure. Thanks for your great videos.

[@lauriekimmelstiel2976]

So glad you addressed the issue of picking up stitches under the arms when knitting sleeves. I am wondering why this "problem" is never addressed within the patterns as I've found most knitters are unaware of the issue until they've completed their sleeves and notice their holes. Your method is ideal and it's very reassuring that you have addressed it in the same manner I do and it is the perfect solution to the holes in the underarm issue! Thanks again for your wise and sage guidance.

[@coastalstormknits9446]

Thank you for the tips on the wheels - I am a new spinner and spin on a borrowed Schacht Sidekick and recently picked up an older Ashford Traditional Single Treadle (about '97). The double drive on the Traditional made such a difference with confidence and slowing down so I won't overspin the singles and the ply. I am starting to see progress and that makes me so happy. I am in a spinning desert in FL and don't have a local shop to visit so your videos and others are so important for us to learn! Thank you for sharing your craft journey! (Did just join School of Sweet Georgia)

[@blackstarninja6785]

Another good fix for underarm holes is that when you hit your sleeve divide on a top down sweater break your yarn, then take your sleeve needles and long tail cast on the amount of underarm stitches, work across your sleeve sts, then work half of those cast on sts to end up at center underarm. At that point you can work your sleeve first, or go back and work your body, picking up your underarm sts from the long tail cast on. This cast on has a little stretch and the line it creates is much more solid so it’s much nicer for having your stitches there not get uneven and stretched out. It’s also sometimes nicer to do sleeves first before body, your work is smaller and you don’t end up playing yarn chicken on your sleeves that need to match!

[@nadiakatzmarzyk7091]

By coincidence I was watching episode 41 of the Fruity Knitting podcast yesterday where Andrea demonstrated exactly the technique you described of binding off stitches at the neckline, casting on steeking stitches, and doing neck shaping on either side of the steek. It's worth a look 🙂

[@simonebourque1061]

I have a 200 year old Saxony which had been refurbished, made in Nova Scotia. I love it. As it is a flax wheel, it has a tiny orifice so I only spin singles, which is my favorite yarn to knit with as well. Thanks Andrea for your videos.X

[@maureenklettl4865]

I really enjoy hearing how you approach sweater construction, especially using different design elements. It encourages me to try adjusting patterns to suit my own preferences. A great grey cell exercise!!

[@jzitzlaff]

Thank you Andrea. I loved your thinking about possibilities of how to achieve the shawl collar.

[@joanamencos5292]

Thank you very much Andrea for answering my question! (2), although I know you’ve answered several times before in past episodes, it has been really really helpful! Hugs!

[@video2010iphone]

I also bought a Matchless thinking I will only be able to get one wheel for my life and it can do all. It took me a year to see how to adjust and trial and error. Broke so many cotton drive bands. But now my daughter wants to spin, going to look for a Lendrum. Thank you so much. They are harder to fined.

[@juliesellars969]

I would advise anyone who is thinking of getting a wheel, to also check out to see if there is a spinner's guild near them. They often have an assortment of wheels that they will allow you to try and even rent for a period. I learned on a Louet at my guild, purchased a DT Lendrum and an old second-hand Ashford Traditional. I love both my wheels and use them back and forth for different spins depending on what I want to work on.

[@KateMH_]

This is great advice, my guild loaned me all kinds of equipment so I could see what I liked! All different types of spindles, lazy Kate’s, wheels, and books!!

[@yurikoiwai]

I’m curious, what type of projects would you use your ashford traditional for versus your Lendrum?

[@juliesellars969]

@@yurikoiwai Hi. I found that with the Ashford, the bobbins are smaller, so I tend to do my singles on the Ashford and use the Lendrum for plying as I have the jumbo flyer set up on the Lendrum. I know they are easy to change out but I am a relatively new spinner and I seem to remember which direction to spin more easily when using different wheels. The Lendrum can pack up and go with me while the Ashford stays put. I also find that I like to change my positions and this helps me “move about” more. The Ashford is lower and off to the side and has a single treadle. The Lendrum is higher and double treadle. I just think the more I change positions, the better off I am. ❤️🧶

[@yurikoiwai]

@@juliesellars969 Thanks. I’m a beginner as well. My mother has an unused Ashford Traditional that I’ve been practicing on but I am thinking of buying a Lendrum for my NYC apartment since it takes less real estate and seems to be able to do most things. Just trying to understand how they are different.

[@carolbyrne3241]

When I started spinning the Lendrum DT was my first wheel and I just love it, I purchased a Ashford Joy for transporting to Guild meetings but did not get in with it so I sold it. I have a Ashford E-spinner which I now take to meetings which I do like, it is also perfect for plying. I have recently purchased a lendrum saxony wheel and boy do I just love spinning on this wheel and long draw is just a dream, the only downside is the size. After that ramble the lendrum DT is a fabulous wheel and so easy to use and I would definitely recommend for a beginner

[@louiserivest7830]

Love your Hair Cut!!😊 Thank you for the great tips, as always! And have a great time camping...memories of camping with family is the best!

[@teresayoung4145]

I have a Kromski Sonata. I love it. Learned first on spindles. The only thing I might wish for is the tilt the Lendrum has so I can see the yarn on the bobbin. Mine folds and has a backpack for it. Used it for fiber festival's. I have it upstairs now and my Hansen is my downstairs wheel.

[@sonomaknits]

Thanks for recording, sharing, and answering questions. I bought a Matchless wheel as my first wheel in 2011. I have absolutely NO regrets. I thought I would buy a Schact Ladybug and liked it when I was shopping but then sat behind a Matchless and with 2 treadles I knew 100% that I wanted a Matchless. I put money down on it and came back a few months later with the balance. The only other wheel I have is a Hansen E-Spinner and have NO regrets about that purchase either. I am set for life. I am joining you in spinning for a Weekender sweater.🥰🥰 P.S. I bought your recommended cookbook by Aran Goyoaga. Making GF SD starter right now! Thank you.

[@karyncook4291]

My mom passed her Lendrum on to me about 15 years ago, shortly after purchasing the wheel and all of the different flyers, when she decided that she’d rather buy commercial yarn than spin her own. I was over the moon because I had wanted to spin for a long time, but buying a wheel wasn’t in the budget. I LOVE my wheel, I feel that I can spin every kind of yarn I want. I’ve taken it with me to spinning classes, I can easily move it around my house and outside, depending where I want to spin. I bought a Hanson Mini Spinner 5-6 years ago which I also love, but I primarily use it for plying because I purchased it with a Wooly Winder, and I really just love to treadle. I’ve thought about buying another manual wheel, but I really don’t need one because I love my Lendrum; although, I would love to get my hands on a Lendrum saxony wheel, so I would have 2 Lendrums.

[@gahilyard]

I love my Lendrum too! It's so easy to use. Curious which Hanson mini spinner you have. I looked on their website, but was overwhelmed by their choices. I looked back through Andrea's show notes for various episodes, but can't find the one she has. Thanks!

[@karyncook4291]

@@gahilyard I bought my Hanson mini spinner probably 8 or so years ago; at the time I purchased it the only choices were the type of wood and whether or not you wanted a WooLee Winder. The specs sheet doesn’t list a model name or number. Not much help. I did look at the Hansen website, I guess mine would be a Classic; although, it does look a bit different than the current classic model. Good luck! If you decide to buy one, I think you’ll be very happy with it.

[@knitting-lane]

Your recommendation to go to a local fiber shop and try out wheels before purchasing is right on the money. That is what I did. The store owner put about 8 wheels in a circle and I went around and spun on them. I ended up with a Kromski Sonata - which I love.

[@teripersing]

Andrea, I have watched and enjoyed every one of your ‘casts since the beginning. This one was a particular favorite because I am also considering spinning. I really appreciated your comments on why you like the Lendrum, rather than just saying XYZ is the greatest wheel ever, buy it. Also, your thoughts and designing out loud was so interesting. I have no plans to become a designer, but really liked watching your mind puzzle over the shawl collar Fair Isle steek issue.. Keep up the great work!

[@SomerKnits]

I have an ashford Traveler because I prefer the double treadle for keeping a steady pace and I wanted an old fashioned look to the wheel. I like to be able to grab it and take it with me to spin with friends and it has a lazy Kate built in, which is really convenient.

[@dianegiannini8968]

I have a Spinolution Pollywog and it is a great wheel for a beginner (like me). It doesn't weigh very much and is easy to travel with. I can fit it in a large suitcase. It also has easy bobbin removal and I don't feel any issues in adjusting the tension. Also double treadle. Pretty budget friendly as far as wheels go.

[@melissa-joy]

I learned on a Lendrum and found it super easy to use! Highly recommend!!!

[@miraremh]

Yes to the Lendrum as a first wheel! Just got mine in July (my first wheel) after trying another kind from my local spinning guild. Really love the ease of tensioning with the Lendrum - as Andrea says!

[@jennystroyeck7954]

😀thanks for the brilliant info about the best spins/ plies for different techniques !

[@crocheh]

The shawl colours go so well! I totally get the fluffy lips - I've always got that too.

[@lovannahsirois4932]

Love the design on the fly for the shawl collar question! It is fun to see how a designer’s brain works

[@sleepydrJ]

My Electric eel wheel 6 has been great to learn on, and doesn’t seem to limit me now that I’m not a beginner anymore. Low startup cost, and dies this take any space in my small home. The tiny nano 2 is going to start shipping soon, which is even smaller but at a perfect price to start learning, and might even be a cool idea for school groups.

[@drippydots]

Thanks for sharing! I haven't had great success with a drop spindle and have been wanting to try spinning without taking a huge financial plunge. This looks like a great place to start :)

[@tammybanker5605]

Thank-you for your videos. I never thought about spinning yarn until I found you. I started with a drop spindle and now I have been practicing on a friends wheel. My own wheel will be here this fall. My question is: How much wool do you need to buy to spin enough for a sweater. Also, do you have recommendations on the type of wool Thank-you.

[@nanabeth3762]

My first wheel was a Lendrum. I consider it my workhorse wheel. I was fortunate to have gotten the fast flyer as well as the bulky head that I use for plying. So glad you recommended it!

[@kellymark8016]

That is the same wheel that I have. I also highly suggest it!!! And the wooly winder spools are amazing, you get so much more on the spool and you don't have to move the little gauge thingy back and forth since it's all automatic!!!

[@caraellen936]

I learned to spin on a very old Dutch spinning wheel, which was cheap and the lady who sold it to me showed me how to use it (which was a godsend), however because it was Irish tension it held me back from spinning the finer singles I wanted, and it had no way of adjusting the speed at which it picked up the yarn, so I constantly felt like I had to stop my fiber from getting ripped out of my hand. After only a couple of weeks of spinning on it I decided I liked spinning enough that I wanted to invest in a better wheel, and i was lucky to find a Schacht Ladybug (which was one of two wheels I was interested in) on eBay here in Germany, which made it about 200€ cheaper than if I had bought it new. I absolutely love the ladybug, it’s lightweight and therefore quite portable, I can adjust everything I want, I can easily buy more bobbins and have bought myself a lazy Kate and woollee winder, which wasn’t possible for my old wheel. It also just looks cute and is so comfortable to spin on, I am in love with the double treadle and ease of spinning the adjustability allows.

[@TheMakersCorner]

I only found your podcast recently and I absolutely love it. I learned to spin during this year's Tour de Fleece and I'm totally addicted. I found my very basic but beautiful traditional wheel on FB marketplace for $60 and I've since bought a second for my shop so others can try before they invest. I really enjoy the format of your podcast. You're so generous with your time and passing on of skills and tips. I've only been knitting for a year and so it's been really helpful and informative to watch your episodes. Thanks so much!

[@shaunastitches]

I got a Lendrum DT as my first wheel and after five years of spinning I'm still in love with that wheel. Every now and then I think about getting another wheel then I think, why? I do have an electric wheel too but between those two all the boxes are checked for me.

[@elaineoverton4829]

I agree, we must have started around the same time with a Lendrum DT! I have a Hansen e-spinner that I love for plying or longer projects, but I know I can spin from cotton to art yarn on my Lendrum.

[@SweeTart77kkibble]

I got a Ladybug for my birthday awhile back. her name is Joni (after the singer). I love it so much I can not imagine ever needing another wheel. Spinning is so relaxing once you have your lightbulb moments that make it all work. Fiber is magic!

[@KateMH_]

I built my wheel from a kit, and I have to say, because I built my wheel myself I’m very comfortable adjusting it! It was truly not that hard at all and I think I got to know each piece and how they all work. Highly recommend building a wheel from a kit if you think you would be afraid of your wheel otherwise ⚙️

[@Stumpybear7640]

💖 great podcast, Andrea. Have a happy camping with the children xxx

[@4Luwana]

The first wheel I learned on was an Ashford Traditional, but my favorite travel wheel to take to spinning meetings, fairs/exhibitions is my Ashford Joy. However, my favorite in-house wheel is my Matchless, or if I’m escaping to my lair-my Sonata. You can’t have just one 😉

[@saralennertz8229]

I learned to spin with drop spindles, then a Louet S17 that a friend loaned to me. I'm lucky enough to live within a couple hours of Carolina Homespun and was able to try several wheels. I loved the Lendrum and ended up getting a single treadle because that was what was in stock; I didn't want to wait for a DT to come in! I really enjoy spinning on my Lendrum and agree that it's a straightforward wheel. I have subsequently purchased a Hansen minispinner, which I also love. Then, a friend told me about a Kickstarter campaign for another e-spinner so I ordered an Electric Eel Wheel nano; it's fun, easy to use, and affordable. The biggest issue I have with it is the weight; it's so light that it has a tendency to slide across the surface it's on. Adding a non-slip mat underneath it might help.

[@Karla-yz4qd]

Hi Andrea!!! I started off my Spinning Adventure with your enthusiasm in mid February 2022. My first Wheel was a Schacht Ladybug. It is absolutely awesome!! I got to the point of having 3 Spinning projects going on that poor Wheel. So my solution was to purchase Her a Companion!! I purchased a Schacht Matchless on your excitement and the interchangeability of the various accessories-Bobbins and Bulky Flyer ( once I figured out I needed a separate Front Maiden for Her!) So a Ladybug and Junebug my Matchless are keeping me in my Happy Spinning Adventures!!! And I must confess to researching the Hansen E Spinner now to complete my Trio!!! I wish Schacht made an E Spinner for The Ultimate Trio of Wheels!! Hmmmm think I'll email Schacht! Never hurts to ask!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and advice about Knitting and Spinning. For the Knitter who had put their Cast On stitches on with their Sleeve stitches ~~~ I would have only been able to Tink Back and get all the stitches in their little sections. otherwise the Sleeves will have 12 extra stitches and the Body is short 12 stitches. 😉 Hope you had a great Camping Outdoor adventure!! 🏕

[@jaynemeyer8277]

I started with an antique wheel that was part of my moms Early American decor as I was growing up. I got it to work but was a frustrated spinner and got my hands on a Ladybug which is an awesome learning wheel. I now own a Finnish wheel and Norwegian wheel. The down side of my wheels is the bobbin size. I really need a bigger bobbin so I can ply larger skeins.

[@garyweybright3227]

Tip to help avoid underarm holes: everything Andrea said is of course spot on, one extra thing I do is “twist” that gappy stitch through the back loop as well as everything else she said. Rarely do I get holes anymore. ClaudiaSJI

[@alisonharris7130]

I do too!!!

[@KateMH_]

Same I do a twisted K2tog or twisted SSK and it works very well!

[@lesleygiesbrecht7340]

Listening to the question, would the writer not have too many stitches on hold for her sleeves. I think I would pull back to the divide and fix it there. Lesley

[@garyweybright3227]

@@KateMH_ hi Kate, yep, the twist is really the magic that takes up the hole and makes your sweater look more finished! ClaudiaSJI

[@garyweybright3227]

@@alisonharris7130 hi Alison, yep it is magic! ClaudiaSJI

[@lesliemartinson69]

I learned on a Kromski Fantasia, also super easy to adjust.

[@cindinasveschuk9682]

My friend, Piper, taught me to spin years ago. She was a female pilot during WWII… and knew so much about the history of spinning! I had to learn to make rolags, and take them to the wheel. Of all her over 35 wheels, she chose her Lucy the Lendrum to teach me! When she decided I was ready, she actually gifted her to me! I love Lucy and and think of my friend every time I sit down to spin. Thank you for asking! Cindi ❤️🧶🌈🎉

[@mikebowlin4772]

The short row method I like is a german short row. Thank you for considering this method.

[@woollysoul]

For the gaps at underarm, if you have the Ranunculus pattern by Midori Hirose, try the method in that pattern for the underarm. I have tried and that helps!

[@KateMH_]

Agreed it’s a smart solution that I’ve used on other sweaters since ☺️

[@NatalieDellutri]

Rewatching this episode (I tend to watch and rewatch all of these like Netflix when I need something soothing on in the background) - I just wanted to mention that I love my Majacraft Rose. It was PRICEY, but it's also a wheel that can do a whole bunch and it has a beautiful design. If you're more interested in making art yarns, it absolutely can, but I do think their Aura is more directed at those spinners. The only thing I don't love about it is that it's a much more niche wheel (?). If you're a matchless spinner, you're going to find tutorials and troubleshooting if something goes wrong...not as true for Majacraft. That being said, their team is incredibly helpful and will even get on a zoom call with you to assist with anything you may need. Long story long: if you're adventuous and like the occassional challenge (or have been spinning for a while and know enough about wheels to figure out issues yourself), I would totally recommend it. If you want a community behind you with the same wheel as you're starting out, maybe go with a different brand like Schacht, Kromski, or Ashford (...etc). Hope that helped someone!

[@lesliemartinson69]

Knitter with the question about casting on for underarm needs to frog back. sorry. You added the stitches to the sleeve when they needed to be added to the body. yes, you will be adding underarm stitches to the sleeves too, later, but that will be by picking up the caston extra stitches from the body. I use Chinese waitress caston which is very firm, rather than deal with stretchy backwards loop stitches.

[@leknits]

Your listener that is asking about the collar design, she might look at the old Alice Starmore mens sweater book because I think there is a sweater in there with a similar collar/neckline.

[@wannabehandspunyarns]

As a Lendrum spinner myself who started on 2 Ashfords, I agree that the Lendrum is a great option. However, do you find plying on it is crazy difficult? It's a leg workout! I just purchased a Majacraft Suzie and plying on it is HEAVEN compared to a Lendrum!

[@independence_yarn_crafts]

Great episode. You are turning me into a yarn ners

[@independence_yarn_crafts]

*nerd🤓

[@katpraeuner9794]

that underarm question - I'm thinking she added the cast on, then knit the arm stitches, then put them on a holder, then continued knitting, which would be a huge hole. She needs to redo that whole section and place the arm stitches onto the holder, then cast on the 6 underarm stitches (under where the sleeve would go), then continue knitting. Otherwise there is absolutely no way to close that up and make a sleeve. I had to really stop and think this one through and I think that's what she's saying. Otherwise she would have had to cut the yarn and link it back up to the previous section (before the sleeve). Sleeves on hold should look like a big teardrop while you are knitting the rest of the sweater. Those cast-on stitches should be underneath that teardrop shape. That's what I'm envisioning happened.

[@julielitsey429]

Yess, this is what I’m hearing the person asking as well. Checking comments to see if anyone else did!

[@applscruffs]

My thought as well!

[@sdurank]

Love starting my Friday with some I'll Knit if I want To. 😊 For those asking about avoiding holes at the underarm, this is my favorite method kzbin.info/www/bejne/bnyQeqaDmbl7gZI. I will still go back and reinforce ANY elongated stitches on the inside of the sweater, as that area gets a lot of stress.

[@nancylussier2381]

My go-to video also for the underarm !

[@barbaram4372]

Mine too but I still sometimes end up with a hole so I leave long enough tails to close them up.

[@garyweybright3227]

Sara, this is exactly the video I’ve watched several times. Isn’t it great! ClaudiaSJI

[@YarnNTea]

I struggle with sweater yoke/ sleeve division if the pattern just give stitch count without specify what section they belong to. As a lefty who knits anticlockwise I always have to reconfigure the count which is really hard if the pattern also has colour work.

[@nellispinelli9]

I wonder why (for the colourwork and collar question) you couldn't start from the top and cast off your steek then on the next row recast on to continue the body?

[@tree1383]

I firmly believe ALL women's clothing should have pockets!

[@miekevanreet2544]

have a nice camping-time

[@randimariejensen8664]

I Can recommend you all to Watch a video by Kimmie Munkholm from Denmark - to fix the gab under the arm - it’s in danish but i Think you will be able to see how she does it in the video - i use this methode every time and i looks amazing 👍👏 the video is called “ undgå hul ved opstart af ærme”

[@applscruffs]

I know this is an old episode, but I wonder if the person with the issue with the underarm stitches is accidentally knitting - then slipping - their sleeve stitches, rather than just slipping them. That the was the only way I could visualize them accidentally putting them all on hold, and why they were worried about the cast on stitches being asymmetrical. I’m envisioning them casting on the stitches at the beginning or end of the sleeve stitches, rather than across the gap made by the slipped and held sleeve stitches. Just a thought!

[@janiceokelley3765]

It sounds like maybe she knit the sleeve stitches and put them on hold instead of just putting them on hold... Maybe?

[@amybryant4102]

I agree with this instead of adding the underarm stitches to the body and then picking up stitches when starting the arms. It sounds like this knitter added the stitches to the held stitches.

[@karenstoltz3884]

My kromski fantasia is amazing wheel