I'll Knit If I Want To: Episode 54

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. Hi Andrea! I have a question about buying the right amount of yarn for a project. Many times I end up needing to choose a different yarn than what the designer calls for. I do try to find a substitute that is as close to original yarn's weight:yards. But, it's not always easy to find a substitute with the same exact ratio. In this case, would you determine the amount you need based on the weigh or the yardage? Thanks so much!
Clara Parkes Knitters Book of Yarn: tinyurl.com/44mreeyd
2. When knitting sweaters and you need to join the next skein, where do you usually like to do that? Under the arm? Is there a better place? Or the best way to join the new skein into your knitting? Thanks!
3. My goal for 2022 is to dive deeper into brioche. I've knit a basic brioche hat, and I'd like to end the year tackling the Baubles shawl. What would you recommend as an intermediate brioche project to bridge the gap between simple two-color brioche in the round and the skills needed for the Baubles shawl? Thanks!
Baubles Shawl:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/b...
Cinnabar Shawl:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/c...
Brioche Tutorials: • Brioche!
4. Kind of a weird question, but do you have any total design fails? I love that you wear all of your designs from over the years in your videos and I wonder if you have kept anything that just didn't work out or make it to to the final pattern publishing stage. I'm fascinated by seeing other knitters on youtube who show us their design process instead of just the finished/perfected piece. Sometimes I get mad at a project and it goes into a timeout corner, do you have one too? I don't mean it in a negative way but more in a, 'we're all human and we're not always perfect and stuff doesn't always come out how we wanted it' kind of way. It would be super relatable, haha. Thanks!
5. Hi! I just started watching your podcasts on youtube, and I love these weekly videos so much! I make it a little me-time on Saturday mornings with my cuppa and enjoy knitting and learning. My question is about picking up button band stitches on cardigans that have selvedge stitches. I saw in your previous videos you showed how to pick up the little strand of yarn in between, but now that I'm knitting on my Stria cardigan, I can't really seem to get it right. The pattern suggests using the selvedge stitch as a guide, so I've picked up through two legs of a stitch vertically, but I still can't seem to get it pretty. How did you do this on yours? Your button band looks so smooth and perfect! Thank you so much in advance!
6. I am a new spinner and i am having difficulty finding a pattern that suits my spun yarn, have you knitted any of your spun yarn into a sweater or cardigan? i am from New Zealand and love watching your " I'll Knit and spin if I want to" Thank you so much
Nurtured Sweater:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/n...
DRK Everyday Sweater:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/d...
DRK Spin It to Knit It KAL!
DRK Everyday Socks Pattern: • DRK Spin It to Knit It...
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/d...
Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
DRK March to May Shawl KAL Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
DRK March to May Sweater KAL Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
Join on Instagram with the hashtag #DRKmarch2mayKAL22
I am wearing Birch:
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/j...
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Join on Instagram with the hashtag #DRKspinittoknititKAL
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9gF9SixkdQwmS7
(For specific pattern questions that you need an email response to, please email the address listed on the last page of your patten!)
Sign up for the DRK Newsletter: eepurl.com/diPxsr

[@emilypeterson1133]

To the person that is considering doing the Baubles shawl---just do it! You have all the tools in your hands! I promise! I went from a hat to the shawl and it is not a hard jump at all! The tutorials are really clearly written out and the brioche section is such a tiny part of the shawl! I hope you cast your shawl on soon and can't wait to see it!

[@MySweetT1]

I just have to say that you handle your brain fog sooo gracefully. I struggle with it and my short term memory comes and goes as well. 🥴 Autoimmune issues affect so much of the body that people don't even think about. I just wanted to say good job!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much Michele!

[@SherbetLollipop]

The Nightshift is fantastic for handspun! Especially if it's different thicknesses and lots of different colours! My mum and I have both knit Nightshift shawls using yarn I've spun!

[@apwhoa7767]

The yarn information deep dive… I get so excited about patterns and beautiful yarns, but wait… can I do it? I have been spending hours now trying to learn more about the yarn differences and the process of the patterns. Uugghhh, maybe someday I will be able to actually knit a sweater.

[@anhu8528]

I have been enjoying the current spin along. It has gotten me going on my spinning. I would really like to see a spin along for a sweater. In fact I was so excited after spinning for socks, I started spinning yarn to make your Sparky pullover. (or maybe a spin along for a sweater of your choice?) Your son's sweater is adorable! I hope your daughter had a super fun birthday celebration.

[@dreareneeknits]

Yay! So happy to hear that!

[@carmensempf6826]

I've found the Spin it to knit it so motivational and actually got me knitting with my handspun rather than just looking at it. I'm so on board for a sweater spin. I've actually already bought roving with the intention to spin for either Nutured or the Weekender.

[@dreareneeknits]

Yay!

[@noradavid8275]

😁😁😁😁 I like your knowledge and your humor

[@10amTracy]

I’d love to knit a Weekender for my first KAL!

[@hollyscott8772]

I would love to knit along with a Weekender theme! In fact, I have a sweater quantity of a gradient handspun yarn ready to go for just that pattern. A kal could provide the impetus for me to get it done. Thanks so much for your substantial contribution to the knitting community!

[@kayladernier1314]

I’m currently knitting your Ara shawl with a hand spun fade, and the garter stitch is perfect for thick and thin handspun!

[@katknits]

I love the sweater you are wearing! That is definitely going on my list of projects to cast on. Thanks for the informative video as usual!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!

[@deniseconsiglio-lahti6443]

Your questions and answers have really progressed and become more in-depth and complete. I am also loving your recent KZbin tutorials. Keep them coming !

[@teresayoung4145]

I loved your spin it to knit it socks. I finished one handspun pair and knit another from store yarn. I've been thinking of doing the weekender with some I have. I would love another knit along. Thanks for your wonderful videos.

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

I love your podcast. After watching I feel so much more motivated. You are really wise beyond your years! Thank you so much for your helpful encouranment.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@mommamay01]

I'm currently spinning honey colored merino for my first handspun sweater, and the birch pullover is currently #1 on my list to knit with it😍

[@mjmartin8029]

So glad you are going to continue spin it to knit it! I enjoy all your Friday Q&A's so very much.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!

[@TheBrynnb31]

I started spit-splicing on my last project after watching one of your earlier videos! I was SUPER skeptical about it before but was convinced by your enthusiasm to give it a try and am now a true convert. So much better than weaving in a million ends!

[@dreareneeknits]

Isn't it magical!? LOL!

[@wendylang5791]

@@dreareneeknits I started doing this as well- expect for some reason, my mind remembered it as something which could be done with natural fibers. Period. Watching this, I felt a deep pain in my chest as I grabbed the tag from my current project , which I now see is a superwashed merino/yak/silk combo. Does this mean I can look forward to my entire project unraveling when I wash it / wear it? I venture to say “yes” ……

[@wendylang5791]

….. although now a I think about it, my first join might have been a “weave in Stephen”…….(Stephen West)……. The spit splice might only be in the sleeve that I just finished.

[@christineleonhardt2931]

I would love the weekender spin to knit!

[@valerieehrman3720]

It’s always a joy to watch you!😊

[@dreareneeknits]

Oh thank you!

[@theknittingburrow]

Yay for the Weekender along!! I really want to re-knit it :)

[@annettewiggins2220]

Thanks for wearing this pullover! I'm stuck on the sleeves and this is motivation to get 'er done :-)

[@miekevanreet2544]

Happy knitting you girl!! have fun with the birthday

[@HalfAnother]

The baubles shawl was my first brioche project ever! I was already a pretty experienced knitter, but I had absolutely no knowledge at all of brioche before trying the pattern, and my shawl came out great. I think it is totally possible for a beginner briocher to try if they were determined! :) Oh but I did just recently finish the Marley shawl... could be a good one to try to build your confidence on knitting brioche flat without needing to worry about the bobbles and changing colors.

[@TheMetatronGirl]

I see a new wheel in the background! You’re definitely a Schacht girl. I keep looking at the Matchless…something about it calls to me. I’m incredibly excited to start my own brioche journey as my sweet husband finally unpacked my yarn stash from storage!! Thank you for the tutorials that finally got it to click.

[@dreareneeknits]

I love the Matchless!

[@yarnwafflepodcast4098]

I always love seeing your handspun and what you've knit with it. I had my first spinning birthday last week, I love it so much and it's completely changed the way I knit. I even started a spinning series on my KZbin channel about intentional spinning called spin to knit, where I pick the knitting pattern before spinning for it. The second episode is your Nightshift Shawl and it's my most favourite knit to date. Thank you for another lovely episode you are so helpful and inspirational xx

[@dreareneeknits]

Happy spinning birthday!

[@hrgdane]

Yay to split spicing! Best way to go.

[@dreareneeknits]

It sure is!

[@denisewessman1079]

I have so enjoyed your DRK everyday sock kal. I’m not a spinner but trying . This is an incredible pattern. I can’t believe how many socks that I knit during this kal. Thank you for sharing. I so enjoy your Friday mornings.

[@dreareneeknits]

That is so nice to hear! Yay!!

[@beckyshook3526]

Nightshift is what I am making from the beginnings of my spinning life plus leftovers from my sisters spinning bits and bobs love it so far

[@suzannebright7932]

Thank you for another amazing episode. I look forward to every Friday and usually watch while I am getting ready for work🧶❤️

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@oakandwool]

Andrea, I’m a pastry baker and a knitter. I so enjoy your episodes every Friday morning when I’m up early baking bread, scones and other pastries. Thanks for all your amazing hard work!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much Rebekah!

[@sleepydrJ]

Spin to knit:yes!! More please!

[@TRaceTK]

Love the idea of a spinittoknititsweater kal !! I vote for the Nurtured as the sweater, your first handspun 😍

[@jennaflr]

I have loved the DRK spin it to knit it KAL! Between that and your weekly Q&A, I was inspired to start my first handspun SQ. I finished the prep this week and started spinning last night in anticipation of knitting a Shifty.

[@dreareneeknits]

How lovely!!

[@karenstoltz3884]

Weekender has been on my bucket list

[@donnac368]

Cupcakes and arts and crafts sounds like my kind of party! Thank you for saying that we should look at our handspun with a forgiving eye. It is so true that once you give knitting it a try it transforms into something you might not have ever imagined. And if not, frog party!

[@sleepydrJ]

How about crafting little drop spindles and watching a bunch of 8 year olds draft and spin an ounce with their creations?? So cute…

[@scarletnerded8517]

I really appreciate your great tips! I always get frustrated picking up stitches evenly or sewing garments together evenly, and your tip on dividing up the the stitches into sections was such a light bulb moment for me. Thank you!

[@dreareneeknits]

Glad it was helpful!

[@clairedeare1139]

I just bought my first DRK pattern, the Everyday Sweater. Cannot wait for the yarn to arrive and to cast on. I am in UK so I have had to substitute yarn, but thanks to your great series here I am feeling much braver about following my own path. Thank you Andrea!

[@dreareneeknits]

Yay! I hope you love it!

[@dianegiannini8968]

Love "frogging for joy" I just did this and I am so much happier with the new sweater I am knitting with the project I frogged..

[@rachelwebster5493]

Absolutely agree,I have some real favourites that started life as something I thought would look great but didn't.I did once frog and reknit an entire colourwork jumper that was too big....had to sit in the naughty corner for a few years until I was ready.🤣

[@cameron4884]

Weekender Light would be great for the next Spin it to Knit it, and I would welcome fiber recommendations for spinning worsted for this pattern. I am a new spinner and live in a warm climate. Also, thanks for these videos, they are so informative and fun. I look forward to them every Friday.

[@chelseaw5011]

I love that buttonband tip! Future cardigans will be so much more even after this video... there are some uneven buttonbands in my closet

[@rachelcunningham2498]

I'm working on my cinnabar right now and it is so relaxing. I just love it. Behemoth of a project, though!

[@elizabethanderson6678]

Baubles was my first brioche project...just go for it, whoever asked that questions!

[@marionjarry5068]

YEEEEY for a Weekender Spin it to Knit it KAL! :) (maybe with a possibility to knit the Light or original version...)

[@alliehabib1654]

Happy birthday to your daughter! 🎉🎉🎉

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much 😀

[@karisinks5128]

I've had your Shift sweater on my must knit list for a while, I've been thinking of spinning up some colorful braids for the contrast colors. It would be fun to do it as part of a KAL.

[@170185able]

Hi Andrea, I spun for the DRK socks and it was so much fun! I am actually spinning yarn for both the Metamorphic right now and planning to start knitting in the next few months hopefully, so would love to be part of a "sweater spin it to knit it along". P.S. Spinning for a sweater is so much more work lol!! learning to be patient :-)

[@dreareneeknits]

It sure is! But soooo worth it!!

[@abbywhoknits]

I’d be into a spin to knit….along…..! Shawl or sweater….I’m in!

[@liza5532]

My default spin seems to be a sport/dk. I have a heathery sweaters quantity waiting for a Cardigan. I'd like to do cables and looking for seaming one for stability. Not as common these days as all the color work pullovers... I know.

[@demmingscathy638]

I would love to finally knit a weekender, I don't spin, but I do have some yarn in my stash that would work!

[@kaitknitco.802]

Happy Birthday to your daughter!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!!

[@tarastump]

I'm actually working on my first sweater quantity spin with plans for making the DRK Everyday Sweater so that's my selfish vote for the next sprint to knit along 😉

[@dreareneeknits]

Yay!

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

I was actually thinking Pink Fizz could be a fun option as a spin it to knit it. You'd still pair it with a fuzzy mohair but it could be really fun! I also think people could try a dye it to knit it variant too.

[@Pipscape]

Well, since you asked...Weekender Light ( hot climate friendly) has been in my queue for a while. ☺️

[@WitchyKnitterMom]

I would love a shawl spin it to knit it. My daughter just turned 8 a couple months ago, such a fun age.

[@ellenduncan831]

I would love a spin it to knit it for a sweater - I'm actually sampling to spin for the Metamorphic at the moment!

[@grannynurse17]

Love all your designs and love this podcast! I have more DRK patterns in my Ravelry library than any other designer. I’m finishing up spinning for the Metamorphic sweater, and have plans for several others out of my handspun. I see a Flatiron in the background. How do you like it? I went to Port Fibers a few weeks ago and was hoping to get a sighting of AM in person but you were nowhere to be found.🤣🤣

[@dreareneeknits]

My Flatiron is from Port Fiber! :) I really like it - so easy to spin on!

[@sexylegso6]

Oh so happy to hear the Spin to Knit might continue! I SO enjoyed watching and hope to have more time to actually participate next time!! And is that a new wheel???

[@dreareneeknits]

We would love to have you participate! And yes :) That is the Schacht Flatiron!

[@alenacarnes6658]

I spy a Flatiron!!!! I tired one out at the Woolery but got the Kromski Symphony instead! Still love my Matchless though.

[@dreareneeknits]

Kromski's are so beautiful!

[@kerriechristie6391]

oh great idea to keep the spin to knit . Choices choices , pretty much happy just to tag along ...... I have a need for a good cardi though ..... what about The Douglas cardi ?

[@sonomaknits]

Yes, yes, yes, on a Spin to Knit Sweater KAL. I have your Weekender pattern already but have not knit one yet. Would you spin a 2 or 3 ply yarn? How would you figure out how much fiber to buy for a Weekender? I noticed your new wheel. I've been contemplating buying a Flat Iron and would love to hear what you think.

[@dreareneeknits]

Good questions! The original sweater is knit out of Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, which (if memory serves) is a 3-ply woolen spun worsted weight yarn. How much fiber would depend on the size and how you intend to spin it. I generally get between 24-28 oz of fiber to spin for a sweater for myself, but some people recommend getting at least 2 lbs of fiber. I really like the Flat Iron! It is easy to spin on and I'm happy to have a Saxony wheel in my collection, especially for long draw!

[@theholisticinitiative]

You’re adorable 😂❤

[@Fathersnuffles]

There is too much drama in the true crime community. I'm going to hang out here from now on.

[@cathybattin3809]

I spit splice if at all possible but found that when I can’t I’ll just knit with both yarn together for about 10 stitches.

[@sueking6543]

Maybe for the next spin along/knit along , you could have two separate threads in the group forum. I found for the sock spin along that all the spinning content got lost in the comments.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@ginapelchat734]

I see your weel in the back. I was interested with this weel for starting spinning (you gave me the « OMG, that seems awsome » to dive into spinning). Do you think it could be a great one for a brand new spinner? Thanks :)

[@noradavid8275]

In...😁

[@lesamatthes7811]

Brioche is on my technique list of things to learn. My “local” yarn shop is over 60 miles away & brioche has not been on their class list since returning to holding classes. I will need to look to KZbin as my information source. What would you recommend as a beginner project?

[@jdeldelvecchio712]

Lesa, I learned brioche from internet and so did my daughter. I used Andrea's What the Fade pattern and my daughter knit Marley shawl. You can do it! KZbin and a craftsy class by Nancy Marchant were what I used. My local yarn shop is far away too, such a bummer!

[@cindyasselin4732]

Do you have any advice to count stitches on a pattern gauge? Its my first time and im not sure. I want to knit your nurtured! :-)

[@patriciamcmullen]

I see a Flatiron wheel in the background! Did you get a new wheel?

[@dreareneeknits]

I did :) I wanted to get a Saxony style wheel for spinning long draw!

[@simovj]

Hi Andrea, I've only just started following you so if you have already covered this question I apologise. I've started to knit again after a few years pause but I've never used natural fibres (I tend to go for super wash). I'd love to try but what is stopping me is the washing process. I live in England so hand washing (and squeezing the water out by hand) will take about 2 days for a garment to dry which means it will pick up strange smells too. Do you have any tricks on how to wash wool in the washing machine without it felting? Thanks

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi Simona - I wouldn't recommend trying to wash non-superwash knits in the washing machine as the agitation will likely felt your garments. I handwash all of my knits, including superwash ones - so I might not be of the most help here! I recommend using a mesh drying rack, as that allows for airflow around your knit to help it dry faster!

[@simovj]

@@dreareneeknits thank you for replying....I'll have to try and figure out how to squeeze out as much water as possible!

[@mt-moonchaser1029]

I've always used the gentle/delicate cycle with cool water and let it agitate about 15 seconds and then turned it off and let it sit for a while. Then agitate for another 15 seconds or so and drain and spin. Repeat for the rinse. I also give it a spin on the regular cycle to get out as much water as possible. If your machine has a balancing problem with the spin a bath towel on the other side of the tub will help. I have a top loading machine, not sure about how a front load one would work, but it could probably be used to spin water from the knit after squeezing as much out by hand as possible.

[@PianoMuffin]

I’ve loved the spin it to knit it-along! I’m probably not going to finish my second sock in time, but it gave me the push I needed to try to spin a fingering weight yarn & use it in socks, and it’s been so fun! My next big project for the year is to process a raw Rambouillet fleece & use it to spin a sweater quantity-I’m thinking Wool & Honey to try and beef up my woolen spun skills, but haven’t decided yet!

[@dreareneeknits]

How exciting!! I hope to process a fleece someday!

[@malloriebiron5918]

If you practiced the increases and decreases in the Baubles shawl, you may not need a stepping stone pattern with basic brioche skills

[@heatherkather653]

How about the Inclinations Shawl?

[@susanbrandenburg5097]

Nurtured for a continued Spin it to Knit it -Please Or just a DRK Sweater Spin it to Knit it

[@pattyjaworek4568]

Are you going to create more patterns for children? I've been knitting a lot of baby gifts lately and since you held a sweater for your son, I was wondering??

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi Patty! Yes! I just need more hours in the day ;) But I have some plans that I hope to get on my needles soon!

[@paulaorsi5568]

I’m about ready to start the Weekender. I don’t understand how the knit along works. Would you mind sharing how it works ? Is it on Ravelry ? I know nothing about how they work 🤦‍♀️ I would love to join. Also love watching all you videos. I have learned so much. Thank you so so much 😍

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi Paula! Here is a video where I chatted about the last KAL: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHilpKelj7CkY8k

[@pegc3706]

A few blogs ago you mentioned your minimal makeup routine. I went back and reviewed blogs but can't find the name of the product you use. Could you mention it again or link it. Thanks!

[@dreareneeknits]

I use Beauty Counter - I really like their Flawless in Five set!

[@pegc3706]

Thank you!

[@PinfeathersPurls]

Is that a Schacht Flat Iron I see in the background??

[@dreareneeknits]

Yes :)

[@PinfeathersPurls]

@@dreareneeknits So jealous! I love the look of that wheel! I can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. :)

[@AB-lv5cp]

inconspicuous! (less visible)

[@dreareneeknits]

Hehehehe thanks!