I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 76

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 button bands. I am currently knitting the Douglas Cardi and am curious if there is a reason that you prefer to knit the button band separate and then attach it, versus picking up stitches and knitting it directly on. Thanks so much!
2. Hi Andrea! You inspired me to head to Rhinebeck for the Sheep and Yarn Festival! I’ve been knitting for a year and a half now and would consider myself an advanced beginner (I’ve done a half fisherman’s rib cardigan, made a few sweaters, many hats, etc) and I signed up for a workshop at the Festival! I signed up for the Beginning Fair Isle Knitting workshop and want to be prepared. What would you suggest for practicing and getting prepped for a workshop? Thanks so much! I adore your videos, patterns, and basically all you produce :)
3. Love your DRK EVERYDAY SOCKS. Would you please explain why you decided to rib the bottom of the foot and not just knit it. I, as many others, were always told one always knits the bottom of the foot because feet are so sensitive. Love all your patterns and your Fridays put a smile on my face. Thank you.
DRK Everyday Socks:
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/d...
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
4. Hello! I absolutely love your alpenglow sweater and I am so excited for the KAL! I am new to colorwork and having some trouble with catching my longer floats. I can always see the contrast color peaking through the fabric which is especially bothersome in high contrast colorwork. I have resorted to not catching my floats and just being careful with the sweaters, but that isn't really a sustainable solution. How do you catch your floats? And are there any strategies to limit the amount that contrast yarn pokes through the front of the fabric? Thanks for your help! Can't wait for the alpenglow gathering on the hill!
• How To Knit: Trapping ...
5. What do you do with knits you no longer use/wear? For example kids clothes they have outgrown or gifted items just not to your taste? Keep them as keepsakes? Frog and reuse the yarn? Donate? As my kids grow I am trying to downsize and in a dilemma!
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
I am wearing Birds of a Feather shawl:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/b...
With my Studio Tunic:
sewliberated.com/products/stu...
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9gF9SixkdQwmS7
Sign up for the DRK Newsletter: eepurl.com/diPxsr

[@Indorm]

Oh my gosh, that shawl 🤩

[@warriorthu]

I recently made the DRK everyday socks for my husband, who has size 15 2E feet. I had to grade the pattern up two or three sizes, and I'm happy to report that he loves the fit (after spending his whole life wearing ill-fitting store-bought socks)! That's how you KNOW this pattern is legit. :)

[@dreareneeknits]

Wow that is awesome!!

[@marielaiten6760]

I just enjoy and learn every time I listen to your channel. Keep on doing it!thank you

[@dreareneeknits]

Happy to hear that!

[@kimcunningham2107]

I just love you, Andrea...not only have you helped me immensely with my knitting quandries but you have peaked my interest in sewing also! Wish you'd show us your entire outfit at the end of your videos because I'm always inspired by your style. Love it!!! Thank you for your brilliant guidance!!! 🥰💖💕LOVE everything you create.💜

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much Kim!

[@sueprice4082]

I have been knitting for over 50 years and love your tips. Trust me, you know a lot of stuff about knitting that even after all my knitting years, I am finding so useful. Sue UK x

[@chet1051]

LisaR - I agree wholeheartedly with your concept of a ribbed sock 🧦! It seems like most socks I've knit ( unless there's added elastic ( not so cozy) throughout the yarn , start to sag especially if just wearing socks . I feel a bit warmer in the ribbed sock also - maybe it catches some air between the ribs?😉 I recall a very good friend and my best craft buddy20 years ago , asking why on earth I d ever knit a sock ( found the yarn and a vintage pattern on eBay:) I was intrigued -! Then I took up spinning , weaving & intricate beading, pottery , decorative painting , sewing - along with some teasing that I'd need a pair of clogs and a denim skirt soon 😉 I look back at those days and am so grateful I had the time to learn what I did ,and That energetic , positive youth never hesitated to jump in to the most complicated over my head projects - whether or not they were finished (- it was a challenge teaching myself to tat lace took weeks of a leaflet and myself , a tatting shuttle and an accidental movement that formed the stitch . As long as we try to keep open minds particularly the younger ppl like yourself , we can grow in our own practices... I wish I had this platform of the internet decades ago ! I absolutely have enjoyed every class I've taken in person with you Andrea - I attend with new knitting friends these days - my old buddy did take up quite a few of my "weird - why would I..." and it makes me smile . In parting , I was one of the " should have gotten to bed earlier " at one of your Vkl in NYC .... you made sure I was caught up if I started looking sleepy and thought I could hide at the back of the class - Brioche :)! Many thanks 😊 For all you've brought to this art/ craft & community- It's a great accomplishment ♥️

[@constancemcconnell2128]

I'm knitting your Gib (2) sweater for my buddy Mark, in Brooklyn Tweed's Imbue (Cloak), and I love everything about it! Your pattern is exquisite, beautifully written with excellent video support (my first time with a tubular bind-off....maybe my last!). And now I've discovered this KZbin channel and am delighted by your honesty and humor and deep knowledge. Thanks for all your time and effort, you are inspiring.

[@monicalyn18]

Another button band option, I just finished a cardigan that that button band was worked with the body of the sweater but on smaller dpns. So same end result with a vertical button band but worked at the same time as the body so no seaming. It was a little cumbersome as you went along but you got used to it and I did feel a little like a magician using dpns and circular needles at the same time. 😂

[@sirkalouca6764]

Thank you so much for answering the float catching question!! I'm one of the repeat submitters on that exact question 🙋‍♀️and I really appreciate your honesty, candidness...and your suggestion!! Love your patterns, your videos and really appreciate you sharing your time, tips, passions and wisdom 💕

[@suzfodor]

I have made the DRK socks a few times. I think a sock that sags down in your shoe and doesn’t fit is much less comfortable than the DRK ribbed sock that hugs your entire foot including the arch. It is a great pattern!!!!Thank you Andrea.

[@lynnknight2192]

I'm starting my 3rd pair of Everyday Socks and it's the 1st pattern of socks I've enjoyed enough to actually finish. I find them very comfortable and they 'stay up'! Great pattern.

[@crocheh]

Ooh the shawl is beautiful! I like how you have the different-but-same yarns together.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you!

[@amgood2678]

Thanks for another great episode, enjoy listening as I'm getting ready this morning! Philosopher's Wool method of catching floats helped me so much. It explains how to do it while knitting or purling Fairisle. I think it's tricky finding the original videos, but there is at least one video on youtube which shows it.

[@shelbyrose2791]

ladder back jacquard is a glorious technique to learn! best way to hide high contrast floats.

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

Came here to say this!!

[@Richard_Szobi]

Is great technique I'm using it now only thing is that is a bit bulky

[@lainieepstein7753]

As a new spinner, I love your color and fiber choices. If you rewind your bobbins of singles, are you reorienting the twist so that when you ply, you spin in the same direction you did singles? Love your Everyday sock pattern, they should be Everybody sock patterns as they fit everybody and make great gift socks.

[@lisaanderson135]

I made 4 of birds of a feather and cry baby is the color way from Hedgehog Fibres… I know this because it is my favorite speckled yarn ❤️ I am looking forward to Rhinebeck and my Alpenglow is about halfway done, and I am so excited 😆

[@kileyanderson6998]

My favorite method for catching floats is when I am knitting holding two strands together for each color, only catch with one of the strands! It camouflages the contrast color really well!

[@saralennertz8229]

Birds of a Feather is in my queue and I'm very much looking forward to knitting it with some yarn from my stash. I have a variegated mohair and solid fingering weight that I think will work well together. Casting on will be my reward for finishing a few WIPs.

[@jacquelinesalem2776]

The 3 ply is looking good. Glad to know you think rewinding is worthwhile. I get lazy and will now have that little reminder on my shoulder cheering me on. Thanks for including your spinning journey.

[@mcoknits856]

I was interested in your comment about button bands. Unless I am working a shawl collar that is integrated into the button band, I make my button bands in single crochet. It is so much easier and gives a firm, stable edge with stronger buttonholes.

[@jenniferpetersen120]

I totally spotted your Ember mug! My husband just got me one and gosh it’s lovely. Cheers! Love your videos.

[@mccluretranslation]

I used to live way up north (in a sub-arctic climate) and the extra squishiness under the foot from all-around ribbing really helps with insulation!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@misschiversstitches5887]

I would consider myself to have sensitive feet and I actually find my Everyday DRK socks more comfortable than my other hand knit socks. I love them. Thanks Andrea.

[@sharonkennedy8612]

As always, love your videos.

[@marta_makes]

Your drk everyday socks look amazing, I must try to do them soon! ❤️

[@DCrockZ131]

Love to see your creative energy Andrea...I am a knitter and baker too...🤗

[@dreareneeknits]

😊 thank you

[@PatientFarmer]

I'm gonna be working on my mending basket! The boys keep it full! 😅

[@margiefarley6540]

Thank you so much. Hope that you have a great weekend.

[@seasonseasthk]

From Alexis D: thank you for the inspiring Q and A. I’ve never tried spinning but your videos will probably make me one eventually because the colors you create are so inspiring. I love the idea of toning down the neon with a little grey or beige:) knit on! And thank you!

[@lylianmae]

I am making my handspun Weekender is BFL combo spins.

[@dianegiannini8968]

So enjoy your podcast. I am loving spinning now that I have finally got it. So I understood every word of what you were talking about when you spoke about your spinning. Six months ago that would have been Greek to me! Also, so excited as I got your SILs book on Brioche Knitting. Looking forward to creating some swatches. I have done some brioche in the past but always ended up with errors in it. I think knowing how to fix that will be awesome. I am also gluten free and my husband is keto. I am the baker of the family so that is a challenge but finding recipes that work are always a win!

[@cassandras3465]

I’ve made several pairs of the DRK socks and I love them! The ribbing on the sole doesn’t bother me at all. The fit is amazing and it’s such a fun pattern to make ❤️

[@o0mgn]

I love how you knew the yarn name from 6 years ago, (crybaby) I can barely remember last week never mind that far back... haha

[@Katepwe]

The Loopy Whisk has some great recipes!

[@dreareneeknits]

Yes they do!

[@jessicaolney4900]

Thanks for another episode! I'm also making the Douglas Cardi so your explanation about the button band (I planned to follow the pattern ayway, though I don't like seaming 😂) was really interesting and sold me on the seaming method in this case. I baked as well: some chocolate brownies from scratch with a hint of mint for my 12-year old's birthday (his choice). And my project bag with the uncaked hanks of yarn for my Birds of a Feather has been staring at me from afar....I can't wait to get some WIPS done so that I can cast on. Have a great week!

[@juliegogo2941]

Reminds me of the historic knitting belt! Thanks

[@Moorandmist]

Pleeeeeease come to the UK and do some classes. It would make me life!

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

So, for floats, I always recommend catching floats so that you can't easily slip a finger in. This is pretty critical if you knit for children and babies. For a baby, you don't want to float more than 2 stitches. I generally don't like to float more than 5sts for adults. Also, depending on what color is floating on top, you can make one color pop or more. I also make sure to pull my floats towards the right, away from my working yarn. I've never had an issue with floats popping through. I *could* see this being an issue if you're using yarn that's too thin for the needles. As for what to do with handknits that kids have outgrown... if they're still in good condition and its a loved item, pack it away and save it for their children. The hand knits I make for my nieces get packed away or loaned and packed back away. They're heirlooms. This is particular for sweaters, stuffed toys, dresses, etc. Hats and mitts tend to get donated to the school which I'm fine with. I think its really important to keep things from your kiddos childhood... particularly the handmade or ultra favorite. My folks did that for me and my brother and we've both had friends beginning in our teen years that were envious and wished they had stuff from their childhood. Its always kind of sad hearing them recount tales of beloved items that were just given away because they'd "outgrown" them.

[@Foxy807]

The reason contrast yarn floats are showing through is because you're catching your floats at the same place. I.e if you catch your float every 3 stitches on row 1 make sure you catch them every 4 or 5 the next row. Or start catching the floats a stitch or too later in the row if you want to stick to every 3 . I hope that makes sense! haha, that was hard to put into words. Theres definitely a tutorial on here somewhere

[@miekevanreet2544]

Have a nice day girl

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

As far as floats go “The sockmatician” has a youtube channel whose speciality is double knitting. He has an advanced way thats I’m not even close to doing because I still have only done slip stitches, and intarsia. Haven’t explored charts enough yet. But I watched his video about catching floats he does an inside layer. It keeps the entire floats as an inside feature. Its seems very advanced to me , because all thats advanced stuff I’ve not explored yet. HOpe this was ok to put in comments.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

I most often knit ribbed socks when I knit for someone else, that way, I know they will fit.

[@julierines1100]

I recently came across a pattern that has a reverse stockinette sole referred to as a princess sole

[@QueenAnneKnitsandSews]

Do you have a Lendrum original? How many wheels do you have in your herd?

[@joycepastore3860]

About taking a class described as “beginner” - I took a class at my LYS and a couple at VKL NYC a few years ago where there were folks who already knew the technique and were flying while I was struggling and got behind so I stopped. That also happened to me with some virtual classes, but the techniques were much more advanced and I just wasn’t ready for them.

[@jessicacollins8049]

Omg im from Michigan too. Lansing or Ann Arbor?

[@jessicacollins8049]

You could check with nursing homes to donate yarn you aren using

[@10amTracy]

Did you just get that Lendrum?

[@dreareneeknits]

I've had it for a while! I love it :)