I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 74

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. As a newbie designer, I was wondering when you include a gauge in a pattern, do you measure the gauge from the finished object? From the swatch you made before the pattern? or from somewhere else from somewhere in between? Thank you!
2. Do you have any tips for learning Continental knitting? I learnt to knit English style a veeery long time ago, but I’m keen to try continental as it looks like it’s be quicker and less straining on the hands. I’ve tried and tried but I just can’t get the hang of it. Do you prefer one over the other? Is it possible to get the hang of the opposite style to that which you’ve been ding for a long time, or can you just not teach an old dog new tricks?! Love your designs and your videos, thank you so much.
3. Hi, Andrea! I've been struggling with something. If a pattern tells me to pick up and knit stitches for the neckline, does that mean that after I have all the stitches on the needles then I should knit one round after that? Wouldn't it then be clearer to say pick up stitches around the neckline and knit one round? Or does pick up and knit mean that when you have a stitch on your needle then you have alredy knit it? This is just very confusing to me. Thanks for your help!
4. short rows. I am knitting a tee that starts with short rows, If I could insert a picture it would surely give you a good laugh. I have 2 huge holes after I knit all the double stitches. Please help. Do you have short row tutorial? Why am I getting holes?
www.craftsy.com/class/short-r...
www.carolfeller.com/2022/03/s...
5. Hi! I absolutely love your sweaters and several of them in my knitting queue, but I keep putting them off because I live in warm and humid Florida, and I just don't wear long sleeve sweaters often. Do you have any tips for converting patterns to a short sleeve? Are there construction methods that this would work better for (i.e. yoked vs drop shoulder vs raglan)? Should recommended ease be a consideration? I imagine a sweater with a lot of ease would result in droopy or baggy sleeves. Are any other considerations that I should think about? Thank you!!
Bonus Question: Hi! I heard you know of a company that you can send your PDF patterns to to have printed on large sheets like a proper pattern. I'd love to send my purchased PDF patterns there. Its so hard to work with a bunch of taped together sheets. pdfplotting.com/
5th Annual KAL for the Alpenglow Sweaters: Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/magpi...
Facebook: / rhinebeck2022
DRK Spin It to Knit It…Along - Weekender Style - Ravelry Forum:
www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
Join on Instagram with the hashtags: #DRKspinittoknitKAL and #DRKspinsTHEWEEKENDER
Inclinations Cowl KAL Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
Join on Instagram with the hashtag #InclinacowlKAL
I am wearing Inclinations Cowl:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/i...
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9gF9SixkdQwmS7
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[@lisascandrette2908]

loved the Midwest accent! I grew up in Minnesota and have lived in CA for 24 years. However, when I am tired or talking with family, that Minnesota accent pops right out!

[@dreareneeknits]

Hehehe same here!

[@deborahp4827]

Look forward to your podcast every Friday. We really appreciate you! Thanks for posting today!

[@roxannetarjan1411]

Hi Andrea! Lovely segment. Yes, English/Continental knitting. You are certainly right about repetitive motion injuries and the stress of learning a different method/style can do the same (experience speaking) but I wanted to share as well that during COVID I decided to really commit to becoming proficient in Continental style. I’m not proficient but I’m getting better all the time. Still end up English style when knitting lace, cables etc. I decided to learn because of reading Keep Sharp by Sanjay Gupta, MD. I learned for my brain health, new pathways more brain plasticity. So onward knitters! Thanks so much for giving us all your time and expertise and insights. Roxanne. ❤️

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

Continental style can help with carpel tunnel but it can make arthritis pain worse depending on where you have arthritis. It can also make cubital tunnel worse (carpel tunnel but in the elbow). Combination knitting can be a winner. I happen to knit English and purl Continental by default because my fingers are short and I have bad arthritis. That said, I also taught myself to purl English because purling Continental can be hard on the wrist and elbow vs the fingers. I've also found most people who were taught over/under crochet if they learned crochet first will go mad trying to Continental knit because you'll end up with twisted knits. I always recommend people try different ways of tensioning their yarn in their first learned style of knitting to mix things up as well. This can also help when trying to achieve gauge without having to screw with yarn weight or needle size. Also, a fair isle thimble thing can help tension for Continental if you struggle with that.

[@thomase3551]

I love your podcast. Thank you for making yourself available for us!

[@claretrevor8111]

I’ve crocheted for years. My mom knits English.. and she tried many, many times to teach me to knit. I didn’t even know the way I ended up knitting had a name. She didn’t either. After years of trying to knit, it just all clicked. Thank you for your videos. And your orchid is beautiful!

[@clairedeare1139]

I’m an English knitted. I taught self to knit continental a couple of years ago because I thought it would be faster. It’s good to do both when doing stranded colourwork. But I’ve found knitting English makes me feel happy when I’m knitting, and knitting is all about joy 🤩

[@cm4107]

I've been binge watching for the last month and I'm finally caught up with your podcast! I do recommend that others do the same because there's an awesome amount of information. It's amazing. Thanks for your time and effort. Love your designs!

[@sosewnknits]

Oh that pick up and knit question!! Reminds me that for the longest time I used to do two rows for this - the first was picking up stitches (usually the slipped stitch on the side of my work), and then go back and knit those stitches. Until video tutorials were a thing, I never realized “pick up and knit” was one instruction, not two. 😅

[@jenniferbarrett3272]

Andrea, you are such a delight! I still favourite my style of knitting is a version of English called flicking, which has a little less movement than throwing and after several arduous years of learning continental, my speed is fairly similar but still can’t do casting off or some fancy stitch combos with continental and I too find I need to look down more often. I can knit English without looking and very quickly, so except for colourwork, I tend to stick to English style, but mix it up to give my thumbs a break. Can’t wait to see your new knit choices on the need,es. You are soooo good with colour blending in your knits.

[@misschiversstitches5887]

🙋🏽‍♀️ Yes! 😊

[@misschiversstitches5887]

Loved you ‘continental vs english’ discussion. I did english style for years. It wasn’t until I got into instagram that I even knew about continental. I thought it looked more efficient so I learned it. Watched some videos etc. After 4 years I am quite comfortable with both although I find lacework etc anything with K2tog’s etc difficult with ‘C’. My biggest tip would be. Drop your shoulders. Release the tension. I used to unwittingly tense up and when I made myself relax it came much easier. I personally find English for me to be a more rhythmic relaxing knit. I love all your tips. I have learned so much. Thank you Andrea.

[@briannejones5081]

Great episode! For your UK viewers, Patternsy is a great resource for printing sewing patterns. Happy knitting all!

[@pippamccullough3766]

Purl Soho has a fantastic German Short Row tutorial!

[@jessicacollins8049]

Your room looks so comfy and cozy. We had some gorgeous weather the last few days after weeks of brutal heat. I got some good quality knitting in.

[@erikawoods8975]

Thank you for setting time aside to make this videos. You kindly offered me help with an issue I had with a sock pattern via Ravelry and I appreciate it very much. Thank you!

[@CrazyAuntVal]

Colors used in the Inclinations Cowl that Andrea is wearing: Spincycle Yarns - Dyed in the Wool (200 yds/50 g) Yarn A - 2 skeins Valley Girl (purple) Yarn B - 2 skeins Light Years (aqua)

[@tammybrassard2395]

I started knitting English then switch to Continental just because, but then I've been told I knit Norwegian because I barely move my hands (?). I still do tricky things English because I'm right handed. Just do what works. Yeah, I'm a little confused myself.

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

I do exactly this too! I switch back and forth between English and Norwegian. I find the tensioning much more comfortable with Norwegian and the purling is life changing. I hate moving the yarn back and forth for ribbing!

[@macs9297]

I just wanted to say that I took the Feller class based on an earlier recommendation and loved it! It seems to have started something as I've since tried every short row method I can find! Thank you!

[@CrazyAuntVal]

My local UPS store prints PDF patterns on one *giant* sheet at a fraction of the cost of mail-off services. In most cases I can pick up the printed pattern(s) within 2 days of emailing them the PDF. Our local Staples prints them as well, but many of the employees @ Staples don't understand the need to check the registry - AKA "measure that little 1" square box" to make sure the pattern is printed to the right scale. Mail-off services are great for sewists who don't have the option of local printing. I prefer to keep my $$'s local whenever I can, and save our dear mailman's back in the process.

[@karenreynolds4324]

I love watching your weekly videos. I'm learning so much. Thank you. I've tried continental and I'm definitely slower than English. My English is actually modified. My yarn stays at the tip of my finger and I almost pick it with my needle. I also switch to crochet when my hands begin to hurt too much. It helps to use different muscles.

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

If you’re doing what I think you’re doing, it’s called flicking. I only move my pointer finger.

[@karenreynolds4324]

Thanks. That's what I'm doing. The term eluded me. :)

[@jennifertaylor7021]

You have been spinning some beautiful colors. You are inspiring me to look into spinning as well! Btw..I love your tattoos

[@jacquelinesalem2776]

All that info about switching hands is very helpful and make good sense. I've been experimenting back and forth due to some wrist pain in my right hand using English. Two handed color work does seem to flow when I've tried it. Now I'm exited about spinning to knit some color work. That seems lots more fun then just straight continental on a simple knit. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@half-caffcrochet]

My experiences learning continental after English for years is almost 100% like yours - colorwork, practice, the way you tension in each, everything!

[@lylianmae]

I started with crochet in childhood. So, when I taught myself to knit, I naturally held the yarn in my left hand. I also pulled my yarn like I did in crochet and didn't know it was incorrect for 2-3 years. Lol My son (7) is learning to knit and he naturally gravitated toward Norweigan style. So, trying to teach him the purl is going to be an adventure!

[@jessicacollins8049]

I can knit left and right handed but my tension is much tighter while knitting left handed.

[@o0mgn]

Your hair is lovely in this episode, not usually something I notice but it really suits you 😻

[@jessicaolney4900]

Thanks for the podcast Andrea! I am so glad that you talked about knitting methods today because I needed to hear that! I had double "aha" moments during your podcast. I am a self-taught continental knitter. I recently have had elbow pain (on my left) and guess that I have not taken enough breaks and stretched with my knitting, etc (started after knitting on a long-haul , overseas flight). I am in the middle of some test knits and was trying to figure out how I would get my knits done in a timely fashion other than knitting one round and taking a massive break. So....as I tend to do colorwork 2-handed, and hearing your suggestions, I tried knitting English style! It felt fine! I just had to stop tensioning my yarn with English style, as it was definitely tighter than my Continental knitting already completed. And re: the Florida short-sleeve question, I am also in Florida and have made the Weekender (original version) with short sleeves---I just picked up the sleeve stitches and knit the ribbed cuff. Though, I do knit long sleeves on lighter-weight yarns (3/4 length often) as the air conditioning does get Arctic sometimes 🤣 and for the winter and travel.

[@cherylfletcher8883]

Thought I had missed you so glad you posted

[@gratefulknitters8899]

Love your buzz lightyear cowl haha. But seriously, beautiful colors.

[@andreawadman4763]

I just had the Pamona pants pattern printed by a local print shop where i live in Vancouver, Canada, called Copies Plus. It was simple. I sent the pdf the night before and they were ready for pickup the next morning. $20 total. I had to ask Anna (the designer) for permission to print which she sent within minutes in an email when I requested it, and I just forwarded that email to the shop when I sent the pdf.

[@MandaO23]

I was a crocheter first and english style is very uncomfortable for me. I can do it but it's slow and doesn't feel natural so when I tried first learning to knit doing english style it was hard and I gave up. I tried again continental style and oh game changer for me. It feels so natural and I can knit without looking.

[@gailkorhonen8553]

As always, a great episode! I knit English style but will knit one or two projects a year in continental style. I prefer English style because I don’t have to look at my knitting.

[@annballard3540]

For large sewing PDF patterns, I go to Kinkos/ Fed Ex or Office Max. I take it on USB stick or you can often send and pick up

[@intheyellowcorner]

In the uk, the foldline and netprinter do the A0 sized printing of sewing patterns and they with check the test square to make sure its all good. Ive used both sites and theyve been great.

[@mrobertson8952]

I get my sewing patterns printed at staples as engineering prints (36x48), just making sure not to “stretch to fit” the paper. I can’t seem to do it online, but in person it’s around $8 a page.

[@24567423ify]

I learned continental knitting color work, specifically Bean and Olive.

[@TheCatlady63]

I am British and knit by flicking, I don't wrap. I knit a lot faster by flicking. If I've been crocheting for a while I can work Continental as I am used to holding the yarn in the left hand . Its all about holding the yarn for me, as when deliberately working Continental I can often slip into holding the yarn in the right but continue picking the Continental style. I've yet to master Portuguese method but I do have the pins (broaches).

[@rociochon2033]

Hi I just noticed a tattooed Bluejay on your left arm. Is it wearing a scarf??? I would to hear the story behind the tattoo.

[@intheyellowcorner]

Id love a tattoo tour!

[@vjBreit]

I also was taught English style and initially picked up Continental for colorwork. For a long time when I was going to start colorwork, I would force myself to practice by using Continental to make a little rolled brim (in the round - all knit stitch) baby hat. For most work, I now use Continental; for a mostly stockinette project, I cheat and knit back backwards, because my purl stitch Continental is just not quite as nice. So for projects with more purling, I revert back to English. I also try not to mix the 2 as my gauge can be slightly different.

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

Have you tried the Norwegian purl? It’s the only way I can purl continental.

[@vjBreit]

I have tried, but not practiced a lot.

[@saragoose]

On the "pick-up-and-knit" - I've rarely seen instructions about just "pick up" and I think that is sometimes used for a very short section where you just put the existing stitches on a needle but don't knit them. And then you knit in maybe a more complicated pattern with the new yarn. It's pretty unusual and annoying to do...

[@pegc3706]

Ewe fabric will allow you to upload any pattern from your computer. Any chance you would start sharing a sewing episode now and then? Thanks.

[@ruthswarthout1115]

Andrea love all your wonderful information. I want to knit the Douglas sweater can you mix yarn brands I find different colors in different brands that I love help please

[@carolhill1066]

I like both types of knitting and knowing both helps with colour work, and hand soreness however I’ve yet to figure out how to purl continental style.

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

Norwegian purl! It was life changing to me. ✌️

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

I practice continental when my hands start to cramp. I use Portuguese knitting if there's not a lot of lace. It's my preferred method for color work. I want to learn Brioche and I comprehend the BRK & BRP, but when it comes time to actually do it in my knitting, I'm lost. Do you have some good resources for learning brioche? Is it better to do 2 color to start or do you recommend single color?

[@elinorstalker5474]

I liked that cowl you picked up. What is the pattern?

[@greenroad4834]

Learning to crochet may help train a knitter to learn to hold yarn with left hand.

[@marlenefaull248]

Thank you. Thought we were going to miss one. ☹️but happily not.

[@apippin774]

Wow your arms look like a 3 yr old took a crayon and went to town! Fun!

[@robinross5963]

Did you remember the second color in your cowl? It's gorgeous. I am not confident in choosing color gradients. Thank you!

[@CrazyAuntVal]

Spincycle Yarns - Dyed in the Wool (200 yds/50 g) Yarn A - 2 skeins Valley Girl (purple) Yarn B - 2 skeins Light Years (aqua)

[@robinross5963]

@@CrazyAuntVal . thanks a bunch! Any hints on putting together colors for a non-jolting transition? I am obsessing over the Night Shift Shawl and the inclinations shawl but am afraid of making color mistakes. Thanks!

[@bigknitenergy]

What pattern is the dress or top you are wearing??

[@danielepoirier7237]

I just learn about short row es,after breast cancer i havé one inch différence between thé two .should i take mesures for thé smallest one or thé bigger one, my sweater are always not right fitting.

[@alip.9740]

That's exactly how I got comfortable with continental, with color work, but for some reason in color work I can keep the tension but on its own I've tried all the wrapping on all the fingers, around the hand, backward, forward to keep the tension and I struggle so much with it. I haven't tried purling continental that I would appreciate tips for if anybody has any.

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

Look up Norwegian knitting by Arne and Carlos. 🙂

[@dianacooper4314]

I email my PDF patterns to my local blueprint printing company to be printed.

[@stillarobyn]

Very similar to Andrea - I was taught (both self- and by my grandmother) to knit English, but I suffered a work-related repetitive injury on my right wrist which was exacerbated by knitting in that style. I was on medical rest and using a wrist brace for months, and I still wanted to craft, so I taught myself crochet, which requires you to hold the yarn in the left hand. From that, it was a hop and a skip to learn Continental knitting, and that style doesn't impact my wrists nearly as much!

[@daniellejohnson3364]

I never thought about that connection to crochet and continental knitting! I’m an English knitter but will do color work as Andrea recommends/so many choices!