I'll Knit If I Want To: Episode 35 (With a special guest!)

Welcome to I’ll Knit 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, thanks so much for doing these! I’m 41, been knitting casually forever but there’s always more to learn! I too live in a big old house in the north (Vermont) and we are always snuggled in wool. I am inspired by you to get out my wheel again when the kids are a little older! So the question: My daughter is 5. She’s almost ready to learn to knit I think. But she’s left handed! Any tips on teaching lefties? And children in general? Thanks so much!
2. The underarms of my sweaters always end up with holes. When I stitch up the holes it looks awkward and messy. How do you get a nice, tight underarm?
3. The Weekender was my first sweater pattern, and while I love the sweater, I feel like I don't wear it as much as I would like to because of the boat neck. I mostly own t-shirts and I find that the neckline doesn't look very flattering on me because the t-shirt shows underneath. What recommendations do you have for styling a boat neck sweater? Do you prefer to wear them with certain tops? Thanks!
The Weekender: www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
The Daily: www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
4. Peter - what do you think about when framing a photograph?
5. If you could only give one tip for better photos of knitwear, what would it be?
Bonus: styling the Golden Hour shawl
The delightful candle we are enjoying is from Wax & Wool! (Not sponsored- just really enjoy them!)
www.etsy.com/s...
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
I am wearing the Bean & Olive Sweater:
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
Peter is wearing The Spice Cardigan and Harlow Hat:
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9...
(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

[@teresayoung4145]

Thanks so much for your videos! So nice to see a hubby that appreciates and supports their spouse. Thanks for the photo tips!!

[@Maulwurfn91]

What a fun episode! You two are so cute! Here‘s what I do to avoid the holes on the underarms: when separating body and sleeves I switch the last body stitch with the first sleeve stitch (or last sleeve stitch with first body stitch) crossing them over each other, basically like a mini cable. That way you don‘t get that gap between the separated stitches. Those two stitches will still be quite loose but most of the time it’s enough to pull the excess yarn through to the neighbouring stitches to tighten them up. Sometimes, If that’s not enough, I’ll do the duplicate stitch thing with the yarn end 😉 I hope my explanation makes sense 😅

[@kyleyee5963]

Great idea! I will do that!

[@AmayaRodrigo]

That's just genius! I'll try that on my next one!

[@jolineknitsalot]

I have taught kid’s knit classes. I liked to give each child a circular knit with stitches cast on and a couple of rounds knit. Then we focus on just the knit stitch. once they can confidently make the knit stitch, I might introduce purling and then casting off once they have knit enough for a cowl that they get to wear. I save casting on until they have completed a project which gives them a good understanding of how to make a knit stitch which helps them learn to cast on. And as a Mother, I totally agree that having someone else teach your child is a great idea.

[@lauriekimmelstiel2976]

I teach knitting to both kids and adults and circular knitting is infinitely easier for all. Flat knitting on straight needles adds the complications of ending and starting rows. My method includes just knitting and nothing more. All the other techniques come later once the child or adult has mastered the knit stitch and has the confidence to tackle the other stuff

[@margerymeadow3820]

Another left-hander who is SO GRATEFUL that my mother sat opposite me and taught how to mirror knit aka knit backwards. Yes, knitting is two-handed and you can hold the working yarn in either hand BUT one hand has to be much, much smarter than the other and for many of us that hand is the left hand. I've never had a problem understanding patterns and I can knit right-handed if I don't feel like turning my work. I really wish more teachers would support learners in finding the way that works for them.

[@tammyruble7116]

I am a left-handed who is SO GRATEFUL that my mother (guess what? also left-handed) did the same. Telling lefties that we have to knit right-handed is just wrong-headed and the sign, IMHO, of a lazy teacher.

[@cbs70]

@@tammyruble7116 and ignorance. Historically, people used to believe that the left hand was evil. Those of us wired as lefties were persecuted, condemned or ostracized if we didn't force ourselves to become right handed. Fact is, we can, but there is a price to pay. A price that neither teachers, parents or society are aware of, nor do they understand. Yes, our brains can be re-wired, but it can be very difficult on a child's psyche or cause learning issues. Besides, it's pretty much the same as telling a child that they're not enough or not as good as, and "diiferent" in a negative manner. It leaves kids or adults, feeling insecure, unwanted, unloved, not enough, crushed. Society in the past never saw how detrimental it was for a child to be forced to change or "fix" what's not broken. My teachers & other parents & church rules failed me. However, I was very lucky, my mom never expressed those ignorant beliefs (mom, grandma, great-grandmom had the same issue). Mom help me learn to write & use tools (ie scissors) w the right hand. She did it thru games, repetition, drawing small symbols or basic cartoon animals (made up of circles or sticks like xmas trees slightly leaning to the side, etc). Sadly there was some the damage to certain parts of my brain done at school (ie directiona & proportional). Fortunately iy doesn't seem to have such a negative connotation. My brother is helping my niece learn to use either hand to write or perform other tasks, like using regular scissors. Fact is, we live in a world made for right handed people. Most tools are designed only for use by righties. Fortunately my mom & now my brother understand & give the nescessary tools & skills to survive & thrive in this righthanded world.

[@katem5843]

@@cbs70 I'm a natural leftie that was forced to be right handed at school. Lucky we don't live in that world anymore. With regards to knitting though, I think its easier to just knit along with the crowd so its easy to learn new stitches.

[@carriejenkins1874]

@@katem5843 I respectfully disagree. No one tells people who knit Portuguese style that they should conform to European or American style to knit along with the crowd for ease. Left handed knitting is a completely valid style and method of knitting. It’s the outdated craft that needs to evolve not people in it who need to change. I love that there’s left handed people who prefer to knit right handed like yourself. We should all be given the choice and encouraged to do what feels most natural for us. Maybe there’s even right handed people out there that would like left handed knitting!

[@cbs70]

@@carriejenkins1874 yup, you hit the nail on the head!

[@jennhanley294]

That was awesome! Loved the special guest segment, my husband takes most of my FO pics too :). Kids - as a mom and a musician who sends her son to someone else for music lessons I totally agree that having kids learn a new skill (even if its one you have mastered) from someone else is most often the best idea. It makes it more 'official' for them, especially given that the learning generally happens at a particular time and a particular place, not just home when it works. Side note - My husband was watching this with me when he saw your yarn wall in the background and almost chocked while exclaiming 'OMG is that all shoes?' to which he quickly sighed a sigh of relief and stated 'Oh, its just yarn' and carried on with what he was doing

[@elizabethduvivier393]

I LOVED this episode-- you two are the sweetest and your giggle fit was the best!!! and, you made me laught with your closing question to Peter " . . your feelings, hopes, dreams, fears" ha ha ha :)

[@HeartsandYarn]

Oh Yes!! that is so true! im on minute 6:56 of your video and I definitely agree. That is what helped my daughter too. I always tell people I am teaching that the first few rows are the hardest. you have to learn to create a slip stitch, cast on, and that first row of tighter stitches just seems like a lot when you're learning everything at once. Soo, I have started teaching them each thing separately. I also have a chant I tell my kids to say as they knit. here it is: IN( into the stitch on your left needle from the left, front to back), AROUND (take the working yarn and wrap it around the needle in-between the two needles), OUT (the needle you put into the stitch and wrapped the yarn around now needs to come back OUT of the stitch it went into with the yarn still wrapped around it), OFF (The stitch on the left needle that you just pulled the yarn out of now needs to be slipped OFF the left needle because it has been worked). So the Chant is IN, AROUND, OUT, OFF. THAT is KNITTING! that process over and over and over forever:) It really helps them to just chant that as they do each step of knitting a stitch. I also always try to show them how the stitches are stack on top of each other so that they can see how knitting should look and begin being able to read their stitches. when they know that the stitches are stacked they can start to understand and better remember the steps of working a stitch.

[@lorrie6736]

You two are adorable together! I was laughing right with you , you made my day! Thank you Pete for the photo tips, they were very helpful! I didn’t know about the thirds in setting up a photo, what a great tip. Thanks again for your video and can’t wait for your Tuesday pattern release! 🧶

[@pweir2949]

My daughter is a lefty as well!!! As she was attempting to learn both crochet, and knitting...she was in tears!!! Finally, she found the best way to learn is as a righty and all is well in the Yarn World!

[@DemetriaUy]

That’s wonderful, but no one should take from this that it will or should work for every left handed kid out there.

[@pweir2949]

@@DemetriaUy I never said that…I was simply sharing MY experience. So don’t take that from me…

[@gailbaldwin9249]

It was delightful to meet Peter and to watch your interaction. You are each so beautiful and knowledgeable and humble. 🤗

[@eleanork3692]

Great information on photography , thanks Peter & Andrea. Loved your episode, thank you

[@saraw8503]

Canon sure shot. Peter was a refreshing change of pace. Understand why you love him…he is lovable. I have to say my all time favorite photo of you and your knitwear is the Find your Fade in the show shower.

[@debraslotboom2429]

Your tips for teaching children are spot on! I have taught several children to knit and follow all of the things you touched on, great advice!

[@karincarter235]

How nice to meet your nice, handsome husband!! It was very interesting to hear all the advice on taking pictures of your knits. Thank you for sharing that. Greetings from Bavaria, Germany!

[@geraldineleonardis]

Oooh!!! Love love love this episode Andrea!!! You two are the cutest!!! It’s so nice to meet Spicy Pete! Sending hugs to you two my friend! 😘😘😘

[@MissSholia]

It was fun having your hubby for the video! I dunno but I liked so much the part where he picked a shawl. I was imagining him looking for his favorites of yours and it felt like aawww 🥰

[@janec9038]

Thank you so much for having your husband! Enjoyed this segment very much!

[@mtkatiecrochets]

I totally agree that giving someone a swatch to learn how to knit on rather than starting with teaching them a cast on results in so much more success. And. Love love love the laughs with your very special guest. Really great photography advice too, answered some questions about how to improve my husband’s knitting photos of me I didn’t know how to ask. 🥰

[@diane983]

I am a knitter married to a photographer, too, so this episode really resonated with me. It also made me laugh out loud! Thanks, I totally loved it!

[@jayleendelrio2075]

Loved the laughter and the giggles, I say bring Spicey Pete back! Thank you for the photography tips!

[@melissalampman7214]

Hi , am left handed myself, and I was taught right handed and it was too much for my brain. I gave up, and then tight myself continental knitting, and that made so much more sense for me!

[@ingriddurfee6582]

That was so much fun, so great to have your hubby join & see you two interact together.❤️

[@ladyjacquiehawey5191]

My sister is left handed. It is exactly the same as right handed knitting, just accomplished in the reverse. The way to teach it, if you're right handed, is to have the "lefty" sit facing you. This way the person can see what your doing in the reverse. Note when they're knitting a pattern it will be the reverse to a right handed person's (flipped), but it is knit in exactly the same way. My mom & siblings are left handed so I was the one to sit in front to learn as the only "righty" learning.

[@carriejenkins1874]

so glad you said this!! I agree completely.

[@ladyjacquiehawey5191]

@@carriejenkins1874 My mom also taught us English style, which is our "go to" to this day. I would recommend teaching the method you're more comfortable with (easier to diagnosis techniques and issues) and then let the student decide on the best method for themselves when they're able to.

[@lizcooney4215]

Lovely to meet your husband Andrea. You are a terrific couple! He is very natural in front of the camera, as are you. A pleasure to watch. Please have him back! ~

[@carriejenkins1874]

I’m a left handed knitter, so for continental, yarn is held in the right hand. Left needle is working in to stitches held on the right needle, which is important because we have more dexterity with our left hands. It’s very easy to exist in a right handed craft as a left handed person. Almost nothing needs changed (except the outdated handedness quips) And even better-asymmetrical shawls come out as a mirror image with the point on the opposite side, which is where we would wear it anyway. Like parting our hair on the opposite side.

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

Keep spicy Pete in the podcast. Thanks for sharing your tips and tricks, and love of learning and knitting. Your the best!

[@stephaniechauvin1787]

I'm so glad you spoke about teaching children. My daughter is also left-handed, and she just turned 7. She wanted to learn how to knit when she was 6. I tried left-handed, but being a new knitter, I struggled with trying to wrap my brain around left-handed knitting. My husband (bless him!) tried to teach himself to knit so he could teach her! We ended up trying crochet, and she really picked it up quickly. She crochets left-handed, so I now crochet left handed. I think you are right about it not mattering as far as dominance. We are finding that to be true for many things. She sews on a sewing machine with the pedal under her right foot. It took some getting used to, but she has mastered it. I will definitely try the finger knitting, because she is really interested in learning that! Thank you!

[@shannonoliver5414]

Have i told you how much i enjoy this video series? I have learned so many knitting tips and have been given so much inspiration from binge watching these. Thank you so much. Your husband has an adorable smile and it was fun to see him. 😊

[@suzannejjones4582]

Thanks for sharing your photographer/husband's expertise this episode. It was interesting and fun!

[@kr2429]

I have taught knitting to children in fourth through sixth grade for a number of years The children began to do much better sooner when I cast on and knit a few rows for them and they just concentrated on the knit stitch for a while. So I tend to believe what you found while working with your daughter is the way to go. I always taught right and left handed kids the same. The kids always tell me knitting should be in their report card.

[@jennyenglish4601]

My son went to a Steiner school (Australian) and in kindergarten learnt finger knitting and progressed to french knitting and in grade 1 learnt knitting. They made their own knitting needles out of dowel, sanding the dowel and gluing on a bead at the end of each needle.( I also have created this same set-up in my class starting with early primary students they like the whole process). Knit stitch to start with on 5mm/5.5mm needles. Casting on about 20 stitches for them. There are little sayings that do help some kids such as In through the front door, Running around the back Peep through the window, And off jumps Jack! I think it is good to find a project as an outcome. This year we do yarn bombing on the entrance to our school (small school 7 students).

[@marthaellensmith7913]

with regard to teaching a left-handed child to knit,: instead of sitting beside them, try sitting across from them. Then what you are doing looks right to them and vice versa/

[@kathrynwhittington9248]

Fun episode! You two are too cute! So much great advice. Thanks!

[@nancyprinsze2211]

I love all your designs and patterns , and even though I have been knitting over 40 years, I still learn something every episode. It was great seeing your husband today and hearing his photography tips. My husband is also Peter and an amateur photographer. While he takes so much time on trips to take photos, I am delighted to be sitting wherever, knitting. How great to merge your interests and talents with your fantastic knitwear designs.

[@sharzadweiler6206]

You guys are so adorable, you can tell how much you're still in love with each other. Anyhow, mushyness aside, thank you both for those awesome photo tips! I would love to see more Spicy Pete on your channel too!

[@dianneross2801]

Fun episode, enjoyed the giggles. I’m left handed and my mum just taught me how to knit the way she did so she didn’t have to try and reverse patterns. It was never a problem for me. I wear a tee shirt or turtleneck with my weekender and I love that pattern. Must knit the lighter version. 😘

[@crystalrogers9392]

You are the cutest couple with amazing chemistry and dynamic. I really enjoyed your introducing us to Spicy Pete. Thank you again for your Friday updates and question answering. It’s always fabulous seeing your incredible knitwear designs. Keep giggling!

[@glendabarber8242]

Oh gorgeous faux pas guys!! I had tears in my eyes too 😅

[@johannapfeiffer6676]

I don’t know why, but I was laughing hysterically, I do enough a good laugh. Thanks for the education and now I’m going to go buy that shawl….I hope I can have it done for Christmas. Thanks.

[@staceyburley195]

This was such a fun episode. I learned a lot. Thank you both!

[@chebbiereadsandknits672]

Thank you! I’m a lefty. I found some how to knit as a lefty videos on KZbin. Those helped a lot with improving my knitting. Andrea, I just finished knitting hoarfrost. Please show us how to style it. Love your patterns. Such a delight for newer knitters as they’re so clear to understand.

[@pokey3010]

You are both so adorable. I love your patterns and your husbands sweater is awesome! I bought a pattern already and can't wait to start knitting it. This was fun thank you..

[@ejd52]

That was really interesting. I hope lots of upcoming photographers got helpful info. I just enjoyed it. :D And that's okay too. I watched while making a sweet little cashmere hat for our 12 year old granddaughter and am loving how it's coming out. I knitted with Arne & Carlos and now with you. Thanks for entertaining me.

[@sunnyw4148]

Thanks for sharing your husband with us. And the golden hour is a great time to take photos of knitting with textures.

[@juliemaisonneuve8746]

What a nice episode! Your husband was very helpfull; the tips he gave where simple and easy to understand especially when you know nothing about photography like me! Thank you!

[@crc532]

when my daughter was 10, we took a mother/ child knitting class at our LYS. I took to it and never stopped, but my daughter didn't knit much until the pandemic. She definitely had that, 'I'll knit when I want to' 😂attitude and then during the pandemic, she started knitting with a vengeance and now is an incredible knitter that puts me to shame. Truly fearless. I am so proud of her and while I tried to push her a bit at at first, ended up backing off and let her do her own thing. So glad I did!

[@AmayaRodrigo]

I'm dying to see a house tour and a knitwear styling video! I love your vibe!

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

Nice meeting Peter. What a great team you make. Very cool I loved the lesson. Photographing artwork is a huge challenge that I have always struggled with throughout my career whether it was entering competitions, shows and magazine articles. They required an eye for the pleasing esthetic needed not only for my eye but for what would be “good enough” to pass for those entries. Very helpful. Its so nice to work along with your family, partners and friends. My husband always played an important role even if it’s just for another person’s opinion. 😆

[@sarabarentine8310]

I love my 50mm lens and have exclusively used it to take most of my pictures. It gives so much more depth to an image. I really need to work on taking more pictures of my work. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@mjmartin8029]

YES! Bring him back! Great Cast.

[@cynthiadelaney6784]

My absolute favorite video to date! Nothing like a giggle fit that gets you to the point of crying 😂

[@ValleyView24]

Oh my goodness!! Laughing while watching this. Crying with you 😅

[@ruthmcniff4765]

Great fun listening to both you and Spicy Pete! Enjoyed the laughter!

[@amstingley]

My daughter is 9 and left handed and started knitting about a year ago. She started finger knitting in her Montessori school and wanted to learn how to knit. I started teaching her to knit by casting on and knitting the ribbing for a hat and had her do the knit and decrease stitches. Susan B Anderson has a book on teaching kids to knit and she recommends using circular needles so they don’t get confused on flipping their knitting. My daughter has made several hats, cowls and two sweaters by knitting in the round. I always cast on for her, but she can knit, purl, decrease, increase and bind off. It’s fun to knit with her and I love it when she notices when I use different knit stitches, cables or color work and she wants to know how to do it. I cast on a few hats for her friends and my daughter taught her friends how to knit at school. They don’t knit as much as she does, but it gives her a peer group of knitters at school. I think both you and your daughter will love taking a class together and try to get another girl and mom from school to go so your daughter stays encouraged. She may view you as too advanced and it may be easier if a friend joins her. Enjoy the process of teaching her and let us know how it turns out.

[@mariepeckenpaugh543]

I love the two of you on here. And how you got so cute and giggly! I love a podcast with the interaction in between people. His sweater is gorgeous you need to design more for men. Great podcast as always.

[@christinadriskell8713]

Spicy Pete!!! I’m glad he joined this weeks episode and he gave some great tips! Would love to see him back again!

[@deejcarter2003]

I’m excited to try your new sock pattern on my hand-spun. My daughter learned by picking up my knitting and continuing knitting. With my son, him and I went to a local yarn shop and learned to knit together.

[@guylainericard9670]

Hello Spicy Pete! Nice to meet you! You two seem to have a lot of fun together and it's so good to see!!!! Thanks for all the photo tips! Will surely give it a try with my Canon camera. Love! xx

[@bryndiscurtin6481]

You guys are so great together...funny! Thank you for making me laugh.

[@bettyfrompei8036]

Hey! I did a lunchtime knitting group with grade 5 & 6 students (pre-COVID) and I started them all off with simple small knitted dishcloths. I cast on around 20 sts using size 4-4.5mm needles for each new knitter. Then we sat in a circle & went through the steps, slowly until they were comfortable. It took the pressure off getting started - no casting on or off until they were ready. It was so awesome.

[@kelipotter847]

I always look forward to your podcast each week and kind of “save” it for my Saturday or Sunday relaxing knit time!!! Fun to meet your husband today, love all your giggles!!

[@Kdbiddle]

Y’all are so cute! My hubby and I can feed off each other’s smiles and giggles too. So much fun!

[@splibragirl]

TEACHING KIDS: I taught both of my girls to knit when they were little, I found a cute pair of needles that are two different colors (this was about 20 years ago) this helped with giving them directions. ie. use the yellow to wrap the yarn, use the red to push through a stitch; my eldest is a lefty and my mother was a as well. My mom and I used the same technique to teach... I sat across from my mom and mirrored her movements (which automatically makes the person go the opposite direction, but using the same motion) This technique worked well in teaching my lefty to knit as I am right-handed. [Fun fact I was born left-handed and forced to use my right hand in grade school] Thank you for sharing all your knowledge. ♥

[@ruthhuber1223]

One of my daughters is lefthanded and the other is righthanded. I am a Continental Knitter . I taught the lefthanded the mirrored way so that she Knits and purls the stitches with her „Main Hand“and that she likes crochet too. If you cannot mirror it, you can put a real mirror on your lap and knit in front of it.The lefthanded child sits opposit you and looks into the mirror and learns Knitting the lefthanded way. My lefthanded child likes Knitting and crochet very much. Ruth (Germany)

[@wellwoman4685]

I learnt as a child to knit when my mum or Nanna had cast on for me and knitted a few rows. I didn’t learn to cast on for quite a while. I was binding on before that. Can’t wait to see now your daughter gets on with her knitting. I use to like French knitting with a bobbin

[@lanitaleis7965]

You two are adorable. Loved the photography tips. !

[@michellesetzer9366]

Cute couple! It was fun to have Peter on to hear about photography but also your banter back and forth. I vote for having him back! 😉

[@lisethomas8495]

Love this episode and your giggles Andrea! Your husband seems like such a lovely man and shared some great tips.

[@barbmckinlay3400]

That was so fun. Hope you do it again. Thanks to you both.

[@pahaman]

I think I heard of “the knitting fairy” from the Knitmore Girls years ago, but when I taught kids to knit at school I started the kids out with already started knitting projects and then after they finished a row I (Er, the knitting fairy) would come back and knit a row (to kind of even out the tension, identify and correct mistakes/misconceptions of the knit stitch), and help them see their progress sooner. My earliest knitting as a 13 year old was full of added stitches and holes so the product I got was pretty discouraging. Once students feel comfortable and confident I teach them binding off followed immediately by casting on. They usually need reminders later on, but it’s a lot easier to work with the cast on row after you already know how to knit. Learning to knit from the cast on row is pretty tricky, in my experience.

[@anhu8528]

This was so much fun! You and your husband are great together. I must say I also love your giggle fit - it says to me you are easily entertained-fun! I really liked the shawl you modeled. The colors were great. Thanks for such a fun episode!

[@lindarose712]

Fabulous moments with the Mowry’s 💕. You two had me giggling too. And the Golden Hour shawl is so beautiful- design and details- that picot border in a heavier weight - so cozy and sweet

[@sharonvanpelt6005]

Loved this special edition with a special guest. The two of you are so good together. Thank you for doing these episodes. I’m definitely going to try your suggestion for dealing with underarm holes by picking up additional stitches.

[@fionam3564]

“Don’t over complicate it” is the best advice! I’m left handed but I throw my yarn because that’s how my Nana taught me - my mother trying to teach me by mirroring and reversing instructions was not successful 🤣 Nana sat behind me and moved my hands with hers so I could just feel how to knit, then she’d let go and let me do it myself. Spicy Pete and the photography tips were great! The giggles made me smile 😊

[@OllieandMay]

So Lovely to see Peter join you, what a Fun and Informative episode, loved the tips on Photography…

[@aleiscessna5331]

It was a pleasure meeting your “ special” guest! Always an informative podcast and fun!

[@meganbrenner9359]

omg you two are soo cute together. I was laughing out loud along with you. Thanks for all the great tips and info as always!

[@bonnievandemark2928]

Loved having your husband on your video! Great tips! 👍

[@janec9038]

What a great couple! It’s fun to laugh, please have him again

[@docdori2628]

Thank you Peter for sharing your knowledge about photography! I always did my pics when its bright outside 🙈 fail 🤣 You both are so fun to watch to! Lovely couple! Thank you! Please keep going on! Happy knitting from Austria!

[@MsPenelope10]

Great episode! Enjoyed you two, laughing with you! Good info as always!

[@madelineomeara7387]

We like him! Thanks for the tips on photography.

[@michellekmoore]

Hi! I taught my son how to knit during quarantine! He was 8 at the time. We started with simple garter stitch and at the time I was knitting my Shifty sweater and he absolutely loved watching my spincycle yarn work it's magic and he was intrigued by the pattern. So, when we were at Black Mountain Yarn Shop, he picked out spincycle yarn and we CO to make a Shifty blanket (a tiny lovey type cuddle blanket). Making the cowl was bit too complicated because of the increases and decreases but when we CO a certain amount of stitches and he could work the pattern flat, it was very doable. What I LOVE about your Shifty design is that it creates such a cool, fun fabric that is much easier to knit than it looks. The slipped stitches are so much fun and those rows go by so quickly. We used the pattern as a opportunity to learn to purl but since one row with purls has the slipped stitches, there is only one full row of purl stitches every 4 rows which makes it more manageable. Plus, knitting with the spincycle yarn makes those purl rows go by much more quickly since it's so fun to see what color you will be knitting with next! He has done so well and we are so grateful that YOUR pattern inspired us and inspired my son to try something new and challenge himself! What a joy knitting is and what even bigger joy it is to share that joy with my children! (I have a 5 year old as well and he knits about one stitch-2 stitches every 6 months - similar to what you do with your daughter, he will see what I am knitting, get interested and then he knits one stitch and says he is done hahahaha). Thank you for creating such incredible patterns and for sharing your knitting knowledge with all of us in these KZbin videos - you are a gift!!!

[@nancygillarddoran7213]

The cutest couple ever! What a sweet relationship!❤️

[@gizmofox5995]

Left-handed knitter here! I learned to knit "right-handed", and really, I don't think hand dominance is as important in knitting as a lot of people think. I use both hands to manipulate the needles and form a new stitch. Once you have muscle memory built up, it really won't matter which way you learned to knit, but learning the "normal" way makes it a lot easier to follow tutorials when you are learning a new stitch.

[@DemetriaUy]

I’m also left handed and my experience was COMPLETELY different. Since everyone is different, we should not be teaching any children against their nature. That’s what they used to do with handwriting in the dark ages not that long ago. In case you wonder, fast forward a long long time, now I can knit in both directions, but that’s because I ended up figuring it out on my own.

[@jeanbeicher2420]

I’m left handed also. I learned to knit continental. Holding the yarn in my left hand was much easier. But I also tend to hold the right needle steady and move the left needle to create the stitches.

[@justlivinwithyarn]

I first taught my daughter at age 7 to crochet because the 2 needle thing was too much (of course I had to teach myself to crochet at the same time). Then after a year or 2 we moved onto knitting. Started with garter stitch dishcloths, just knitting a square, no increases or decreases. Then, knitting in the round (a hat) with purls and decreases. She caught on pretty quick after learning the basics.

[@trailsniffer]

So sweet! Loved this episode!

[@thekindles1183]

You guys are too cute!!! Loved this episode and the ambient lighting shenanigan's with the candle, haha! All the best, K

[@amandamoffitt724]

You two are adorable! Thanks for the information and for making me laugh 😊

[@tallgrass000]

How fun this was! Thank you! I enjoyed Peter’s knowledge regarding his photography experiences. What a great guy you have, Andrea. Hope to see him on future episodes. It would be interesting to hear his perspectives on being the husband of a successful knit wear designer. The journey you two have shared undoubtedly has made you the great couple you are. 💕

[@tracyaa1081]

That was delightful. You are a sweet couple. A Martha Stewart bic lighter commercial came on in the middle of this podcast and I am not kidding. Such fun. 🔥

[@teenera3064]

Spicy Pete was very natural in front of the camera! Another great episode! 👏

[@KateMH_]

I always teach new yarn crafters (knit and crochet) after I started a project and then I just hand it over to them to work on! The beginning part of a project is so fiddly that new crafters get frustrated easily but if they just work on a project that I already got started they can really gain momentum!

[@Stacey.B]

Enjoyed Spicy Pete giving some pointers for pictures. For sure he should come back!! It was fun and informative! Thanks Andrea!!❤

[@kimcunningham2107]

Cutest couple ever and both of you are amazingly talented. 🤗❤

[@nanno8483]

Having Pete on was so super fun!!

[@Stumpybear7640]

Hi Andrea. Your knitting is amazing, your husband is so sweet! 💛💙💜

[@catherinecunningham7126]

Great episode. I was grinning the whole time Pete was with you. I LOVE how he makes you giggle. You two are so adorable together. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ What were you talking about? Oh right, knitting and photography. 😉😆😂😍😍😍

[@monicas1419]

Another great podcast! I always learn something and it was nice that “spicy Pete’ joined you. Loved when you started giggling and couldn’t stop!

[@marylannan3288]

When I taught my daughter’s students to knit, once they were using needles there was a great little rhyme that helped them “ In through the front door Wrap around the back Out through the window And off jumps Jack!”

[@jmdes8]

This rhyme is what I used to teach my grandkids, they really "got" it with the rhyme.

[@amandaniemann9903]

My mom taught each of my sisters and I to knit at 8 years old. She would always CO 40 sts or so in cotton for a wash cloth and knit 2 rows before handing it to us to learn. We didn't learn casting on until we could knit and purl comfortably.