I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 165

[@kristinahill3708]

Your talk about garment making and body image was so beautiful and thoughtful, so positive and encouraging. What a precious soul you are!

[@HeidiSpear-oz6rw]

Oh, that first question really got me! Grateful that you tackled it and I agree with your answers wholeheartedly. As someone who has struggled with body image and disordered eating for most of my life, I would also share that it can really help to change the focus from form to function at the outset. The handmade garment can be conceived of as a hug. With time and practice you will find the right fit and weight of garment that is the perfect hug, or a multitude of perfect hugs, as often becomes the case as you travel down this road. Know too that you can always unravel and reknit or modify a knit if you don’t love it. Let it bring you joy and comfort and try to shelve the need or expectation to achieve some image with your first sweater. Though you will likely come to make many garments that make you feel lit from within and absolutely fabulous. So it goes, as you can observe at any yarn festival, where everybody struts around in their handknit sweaters with panache and glee !❤

[@Amanda.aka.Megan.Shines]

I always look for project photos from people who have similar body shape for me, so I spend a lot of time scrolling through projects looking for cover project photos on plus size, larger busted femmes. To repay the favor, I'm very conscious about having MY cover project photo be a body shot of it on me, not just a flat lay. It makes me go out of my comfort zone, but I want other plus size large busted femmes to be able to also get to look at how the pattern looks on someone who looks more like them. And doing so has made me get more comfort with how my body looks.

[@annettewiggins2220]

Such good advice on knitting for your body! A few things I've learned over the years: The photos on Ravelry are invaluable, particularly the ones that have a similar body shape. If I love something on a tall, willowy model, I want to see it on a person who looks more like me. It's so helpful when people add body measurements and the size they knit too! I've also learned to be careful when substituting yarn. If the pattern was knit in a 4-ply fingering, you won't get the same effect from a single-ply fingering! (ask me how I know :-). Finally, it's all too easy to find fault with your body instead of the pattern! But if you know your measurements and knit to your body, you'll get the fit you want for your body.. I often mix and match sizes: my sweater might be one size for the body circumference, but another for the sleeves or yoke depth.

[@marymann3975]

100 days of stash diving? Love when ravelry knitters list the size they make with their pictures - I look for people who look like me to see if I like the way they look.

[@sandilayell3652]

I love the idea of a "stitch the stash" as well as taking a hard look at our stashes. Thanks for all the great tips.

[@susannevb3451]

I had to chuckle… but for me it’s YOU who I want to “knit all her things because they are so cute” … and I’m a 63 year old Granny😂! My first sweater ever was Birch … initially disappointed w finish until it settled on my body (as you said) and this past winter my favorite thing ever, I almost wore it out😄…so I made the Traveler crew (initially disappointed had the Winnie the Pooh vibe) then fell in love once I figured out how to style it. Traveler will replace ole Birch this coming winter! On to the Brume… 😁Thanks for the generous giving of your time with these wonderful podcasts❤️.

[@ellenowlin]

for the first question asker: i would consider lowering the barrier to entry. you mentioned wasting money and wasting time. i would consider choosing a more inexpensive yarn and/or a thicker weight of yarn like worsted, aran, or even something bigger. the thicker the yarn the faster it will knit up! i wouldn’t pick something that you think would be too warm or that you wouldn’t wear of course but i wouldn’t even shy away from using an acrylic blend for a first sweater. if it turns out you don’t like what you made you could easily give it away to someone who would wear it and it wouldn’t be very hard to take care of. knit picks, lovecrafts, hobbii, and WEBS all come to mind for sites with great yarn frequently on sale too. but most importantly you do deserve your hand knit sweaters!!!!! even if you decide you don’t like it in the end it is NOT wasted time or money because you love knitting and making. and investing in things we love is not a waste!!!!

[@knitsandpurls-143]

I am a big fan of the photos on the project tab in Ravelry for determining if I would like a pattern on my body. Not only do I get to see it on different body types but I also get color and yarn inspiration.

[@queenofpixels5458]

I'm a bigger gal and busty - I buy a lot of my patterns through ravelry - I go into the pictures of completed projects and see if there are any pictures of someone who looks like me and also check their notes about any adjustments they made.

[@Andrea-di9ju]

For the person questioning knitting for their body - do it! I would start with a top down sweater so you can try it on as you go which helps with fit. Like a lot of people I’m not comfortable with my body, but I actually feel more comfortable in my skin when I’m wearing a hand knit sweater. I’m not sure if it is because I’ve made all those adjustments to really fit me, or if it’s just that I made it and that makes me feel better. But do it. Try it. Love you and your body just because.

[@kimmcgow909]

For the first question, make a cardigan! They are forgiving, versatile and easy to wear. You can still wear your favorite top underneath.

[@sheiglaaverill5726]

Thank you for your response to that first question about body image. It wasn't my question, but absolutely a topic I've long struggled with, and I really needed to hear what you had to say.

[@KNIT_LA]

Great episode, as always! In our house, we call it a "Tidy 10", applies to adults and kids alike! It really helps!!!

[@handmakingapril]

Here here for The Mindful Wardrobe Project! Such a great journey. It transformed how I view clothes and dare I say, myself!

[@brookwillow]

The questions this week were especially good and you answered them so nice 😊

[@pbearski2007]

Oh yeah! Love the idea of 100 days of destashing and decluttering. I had been trying to use only what I had in my stash and had knit 3 sweaters and a pair of socks. THEN there was too much temptation 😂 so I need to reel it back in. A challenge would give me the drive to stay on track. LET’S DO IT!!!

[@sherriheare8425]

The first question was great and helpful. 💞

[@under.eagle.mountain]

Hello. Enjoyed the episode and definitely love the idea of 100 days of stash busting! Best wishes, Laura.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

it is always a pleasure to listen to you.

[@movingstitches]

Andrea, you definitely need to do the 100 days of destash! thanks for another great video!

[@happyhandsknittingpodcast]

You are such a beautiful soul and ray of sunshine! Thank you for sharing your knowledge and thoughts every week ❤

[@karenwhite2601]

Your advice to the person that sent in the first question is spot on and I especially resonated with what you said about loving the photo and the style of the model etc et. As you say, it can be the whole package that is appealing, not just the garment. I'm a photographer myself (though I don't photograph people) and I look at the designer's photographs and fall in love with the image. Stepping back and considering the other factors involved in knitting a garment is so important!

[@kathrynmartin8719]

“Shop your stash” would be fun!

[@susanlucarelli-po1nt]

You are adorable. I love watching your videos and you are so talented. Your encouragement and attitude are so refreshing and great! Thank you!

[@cwanlin128]

I love how positive and encouraging you are to us all. Thank you!!

[@daniellejohnson3364]

I’ve really embraced the knit for the body you have now premise. I’ve found that “waiting” to use the yarn, fabric, etc for the right time (aka-when I lost weight or felt worthy) was not serving me well at all. It’s been very liberating, and if the things I make don’t fit if I do lose weight, I can just always make more! ❤ I like many others, really appreciated your thoughts on this topic!

[@katieroe2719]

For the question regarding summer fiber blends, silk and bamboo are also great options; they aren't sticky like cotton (silk and bamboo glide over your needles) and offer great breathability. I just did a Traveler Hoodie in a 50/50 merino/bamboo blend and it's super comfy, breathable and drapey!

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

Love the 100 days stash or declutter idea! But yes, they would need a catchy name. When I've done either of those I think of it as Honor my Abundance. Because that is what it is when you work from your stash or release(declutter) things that no longer serve you and send them back out into the world. That's what I think anyway. Thank you SO much for sharing yourself with us. It is always much appreciated!❤

[@PamelaZumwalt]

What a great episode, all of it! 🤗

[@Knitting_in_seattle]

On the first question I agree with everything andrea said and also I would recommend starting with a top down sweater construction so you can try on as you go and make adjustments if needed. I seamed my first sweater and was worried about it being too small but it was way too big!! As a bigger bodied person I don’t like too much ease because I feel frumpy so be aware of your preferences there and the designers recommendations on ease. Also there is nothing like wrapping yourself in handmade knitwear. It is like a hug and it’s so comforting and soothing to me. That first sweater, that was way too big, is now my go-to to wear when I’m sick

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

That first comment sounds like me. I makes scarves, hats, bags, and tell people I’m too hot to wear and make sweaters. The truth is my apple shaped body shames me. I see so many gorgeous sweaters and feel so left out. I also sew but not clothing anymore. Same reason. I wear long tunic type shirts. Anything that coves my front and back. You’ve given me hope to start again knitting/sewing for myself again. I will check out Amy Herzog. Thank you for the encouragement.

[@annabellavampirella]

I really like silky merino in the summer. Or a silk ,wool, bamboo blend. The drape is nice too.

[@Gingerpeachcreative]

100 Days of Stash Busting! I'd be in for that for sure. I have advents I need to use up, and a ton of over random skeins and scraps.

[@eugeniashen4819]

It’s a great session. Thank you.

[@sherylmcdonough7700]

The 100 day stash-down! That would be so good...

[@70rajshree]

I'm currently knitting the Cinnabar Shawl & it warms my heart to see you wearing it. There seems to be some kind of telepathy with your new idea of 100 days. I had just looked at patterns on ravelry using the yarns that I have in hand❤❤

[@karenclarke301]

I also appreciate the answer to the first question. Very timely. I have cast on my third daily pullover, love the color and yarn and style. BUT, as I looked at my aging neck while brushing my teeth, I thought-"Maybe it's time to convert to ALL turtle necks!" Considering your comment "what do you wear the most?"- I have to say the v-neck style. I WILL continue #3 daily pullover and wear it proudly! Thank you !

[@valeriehowden471]

Thanks for all the garment making tips. I also hated making tops for myself. I started thinking of how I was going to replace 2 of my fave store bought sweaters. I searched out similar patterns and found out how to adjust patterns. I recently found out patterns are typically based on BCup measurements! No wonder why nothing fit me. Now I'm finishing up my 4th modified sweater this year and loving every one of them. Thank goodness 2 are summer tops. Enjoy the planning stage cause it definitely pays off.

[@sewlavie]

Love your destashing-your-craft-stash idea! I totally read it as "using up your stash" and not as "getting rid of..." However, un-stashing would probably work as well. Out-stashing is fun too, but for another challenge, I guess🤔😋

[@Helen-yl4cw]

Here in New Zealand we have a group called Wardrobe Toolbox with Libby Jonson (Truly Myrtle) where we learn all about body shapes and how to fit garments to our shape and size. Membership opens every six months. Perhaps Q1 person would like to consider joining this group at the next opening in September.

[@deejcarter2003]

#100daysofstashbusting I love this idea and it would also be neat if during that time you didn’t accumulate more of that item. I love waking up on Friday and watching you.❤

[@allnaturalnutknitting4272]

Even if you have body struggles, you will still look better in a hand made knit than store bought stuff, IMO.

[@Melissa_5525]

For knitting with stash yarn, I’ve heard the terms “stash busting” and “stash down” and think either of those would work better than destash!

[@andshemakes]

I love your videos, Andrea, and appreciate them so much. I'm usually reshelving books in our school library (librarian, here!) while listening and sometimes I know I mis-hear things and they make me giggle so hard. Today, I heard "No one is going to be looking at your butt hole" when you really said "No one is going to be looking at your BUTTON hole." I teach Middle Schoolers, so this totally tracks with the environment and maturity level I'm surrounded by all day. 😂 Thanks for the belly laugh and (always!) great advice.

[@dreareneeknits]

🫣🤭😂 my kiddos will find this hilarious!

[@pattyherman6707]

As Andrea is always looking to add audio books to her queue, thought I’d mention I just finished listening to one I highly recommend: The Women, by Kristen Hannah. Story of women who served as combat nurses in Vietnam Nam and their lives upon returning home.

[@fancythatcookies]

Good morning !

[@shelaghd6004]

How about 100 days of stash busting? Akanoraknits is doing something similar for spring

[@JordanLeigh]

Maybe it could be 100 days of stashbusting

[@theholisticinitiative]

100 days of stash busting !

[@moyakeating7679]

I made a mistake in my traveler shawl. For a few rows, front and back got switched. I bet I could keep going and it would blend in. But I would like to frog so I knows the mistake is gone. Here’s the problem. There are 200 stitches on the needles. I’m afraid that I won’t be able to rip and get all the stitches back onto needles. Help! Rip or no rip

[@daniellem905]

100 days of knit your shit 😂

[@sylvainelalancette4586]

I want to knit a scarf model that I saw before . Maybe you will design it for us . I send you some photos. Thank you.

[@reneeblanchard7218]

100 days of USE your stash or USE your supplies.

[@bburke6650]

If anyone is interested in the The Mindful Wardrobe Project, Sew Liberated is offering 30% discount on courses and patterns for Me Made May .

[@elizabethernest]

maybe instead of destash, call it 100 Days of Stash Work...

[@sarameyer1]

100 days of stash busting! Love it! 🧶❤️🎉 #100daysofstashbusting