Beth MacDonald Stone - Episode 6, Rhumb Line Sweater, Needle Storage & the Bermuda Gombeys

Where you can find me:
Instagram - BethMacDonaldStone Ravelry - BethMacDonaldStone
WHAT I’M WEARING & PATTERN HIGHLIGHT:
Rhumb Line Sweater (my design)
using Harrisville Designs Daylights & Nightshades
Contiguous construction
1x1 colorwork (not rib and not brioche)
Gauge is 23sts x 21 rows in 1x1 colorwork
OFF MY NEEDLES
Turtle Dove II - designed by Melissa Clulow. Using Handmaiden Fine Yarn Maiden Hair color Stardust held double.
Mellow Vest - designed by Irene Lin. Using CaMaRose Snefnug color Black and Gepard Garn Teddy Bear color Black. Using Jul Design Closure
WHAT I’M WORKING ON
Bermy Basic 24 (my design) - uses La Bien Aimee Felix color Violet Amethyst held double. Currently in testing along with 18 st gauge
Vanilla Socks. Using the rest of the Woolens & Nosh Advent Skein
Snowy Forest - designed by Midori Hirose. Using Woolfolk Luft color L2 and Onion Silk & Kid Mohair color 3002
Discuss short row and deciding on placement of turns
NEEDLE STORAGE
Wild Strands needle holder purchased at Chelsea Yarns
Ikea Alex Drawer storage unit
Enjoy the Bermuda Gombeys!

[@sandybassett4901]

Thank you for all you share with us who have never experienced Bermuda! StitchedbyMimi

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you so much for watching! Bermuda is a special spot!!!

[@sherryperry67]

Always enjoy organizing ideas, thanks for sharing!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you for watching! ❤

[@deborahderden4860]

Needle organization: 4” D-ring binder and zippered pencil holders with clear windows. I have all fixed circulars. I leave them in the plastic packages they come in since the numbers on the needles are harder to read. Chiagoo needles are my favorite also. I use one bag for each size.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Great idea!!! Love that! Thanks! ❤

[@susiehanna8617]

Love new sweater release, gorgeous! Thanks for all the storage tips and sharing your system. Blessings for quick healing and uneventful procedure tomorrow. Love seeing your homeland.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! Home and recuperating. All good, thank you so much for your good thoughts. ❤

[@jacquistyles4276]

I’ve always been confused and nervous about short row shaping. Your explanation has made it so much clearer and I feel I’m ready to knit a pattern with this in it. Thank you ❤

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

I'm so glad! And relieved :) I was worried my explanation was going to create further confusion. I have to think hard every time to make sure I'm getting the optimal placement of the turns/GSR's. Really makes a great difference overall. Thanks for watching!

[@shanamatteucci3980]

My vote is for a “Package of Yarn Choices”. Thank you.❤

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you!

[@casuarinagirl8067]

What a visually stunning episode Beth💕 so enjoyable! I love great organisation 💪🏻 I’m so lucky being a mid pandemic knitter I only knit one project on cheep horrible needles and then jumped straight into Chaigoo interchangeable’s and I bought them all when I knew this craft was going to be a deep love for me. All the connectors and adaptors and bits n pieces 💕💕💕 love drawers too, built our home with storage just the way I wanted. I’m a control freak who adores things in their place, saves so much time (and stress) and looks pretty too 🤣😂 I hope all went well proceedure wise and VKL was fun. Thanks for sharing, Karen.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Sounds like we are very like minded with storage needs 😁. It's so satisfying to have everything in its place! Thank you for watching! ❤️

[@Meredith36]

You are so talented! I love your designs. Thank you for showing us around your workspace. Happy knitting 💚🧶💚

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you!!!

[@maryannpenner9286]

The Rhumb Line sweater is striking! I literally laughed out loud when you were showing your drawer and then mentioned your child’s teeth! We’ve all been there! Thank you for sharing some Bermudian traditions!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

I'm so glad! Got to store the old teeth somewhere right?!?!? 😂😂😂 Thanks so much for watching

[@maxx6050]

Good podcast, thanks 👍🏽

[@kdgeckoknits274]

You are so organized. Yikes to my needles stash 😜, much of which sits in a desk drawer, all sizes, all cord lengths. I organized, then I get chaotic.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

🤣🤣🤣❤

[@debbiebolt8827]

For the new pattern, maybe you could offer all nine individually and then “bundles” of 3,5 and 9. That way people could choose the yarn weights they most frequently knit with. I really liked your podcast and the sharing of your organization. I’m in Toronto so also enjoyed all the “local” references 😊

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Oh fantastic! Such a great city! Thanks and your suggestion for the Bermy Basic pattern is great. Super helpful! Take care & keep warm! I am getting frequent reports that its brutal in TO these days weather wise. 🥶❤

[@karenparker9113]

Hope all goes well next week. Enjoy VNL! Great sweater weather in NYC though!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you!! Yes it looks like the temps are really going to drop this week, hopefully they will rebound by the following! 🤞❤

[@ruthdennisKnits]

You live in Bermuda so of course when you said rum line I immediately thought Jamaican rum, my silly thoughts. I’d love to put Rum Line on my wish list. 😎

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Yes and we have lovely Bermudian rum too - check out Goslings Rum (far better than Jamaican rum, but I am possibly biased 😉). You might also be familiar with a recently popular drink called a Dark & Stormy? That's a Bermudian drink using Goslings Black rum. Old traditional drink here that just made it across the pond in the last few years. 😋❤

[@cyndykoerber831]

I would love a vest... enjoy seeing you always. Great explanation on shaping! cyndy.. cold in nebraska

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thanks Cyndy!!! Stay warm!!! ❤❤❤

[@MikiCrespo]

Your office is amazing 🗃️

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you!

[@KNIT_LA]

Thank you Beth! So much good information in this one- especially appreciated short row notes!!! Have fun in NY!!! Dancers were wonderful- so great they are keeping their tradition alive.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. Thanks for watching ❤

[@knittingpossect]

Great episode! I loved the tour of your workspace. I tried to buy the needle case and the notions bin and could not find either! ☹ Looking forward to seeing you soon. 💕 Will be thinking of you next week. xo -Kate

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

I should have looked them up before including the needle cases in the podcast. It seems like just yesterday that I bought them and never would have thought it was so long ago and that the maker had stopped. Urgh! There must be something similar. I'll keep my eyes peeled and revert back. Thanks & see you in a week and a half!!! yay!!!

[@lisagilmore4519]

Loved the designs…a late Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 🎆

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! You too!

[@lauriejarboe6087]

I like the idea of an e book type of collection for the new sweater design. What a wonderful idea along the lines of the Musselburgh hat!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thanks so much!

[@lgm204]

Always love your podcasts. I send good thoughts for next week and enjoy Vogue Knotting!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you so much! All the best to you as well ❤

[@roxannetarjan1411]

Great episode! Take care of you. Sending lots of good energy. I so love that you share you amazing Island with us. ❤️

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you so much!

[@sharonburr9880]

Oh I just loved seeing the Gombeys . Thank you . The Rhum line sweater is fabulous :)

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thanks for watching!

[@tacistudio]

Love all of your designs and this one is no exception. I have seen the button gauge before, I always think I should order one and keep forgetting. I’m just starting to knit the Starry, Starry Night and I just posted the colors i chose on IG. I can’t find my needle size for the collar and we are stack in the house with a terrible ice storm ( here in Oregon) but as soon as I get the right size needle I will actually start it. So excited for this one 💙💙💙

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Yay! Fabulous!!! Good luck with the storm. Stay cozy and warm at home and thank goodness for knitting eh?!?! 😉❤

[@deejcarter2003]

This new sweater is so visually striking.🥰 I’m excited to try it out.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Wonderful! Thank you!

[@user-bd7mm1pc8o]

Another master class Beth! I always learn so much from your videos. Thank you! All will be well...enjoy New York!❤

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it! ❤

[@pegc3706]

Beth good luck on you procedure. Enjoy NY. Thanks for sharing the Gombeys...priceless!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! And thanks for watching! ❤

[@twisteddyekitchenmyfiberjo4577]

Great episode. Really love your knit designs and have them saved in my que. Lot's of projects to complete before I tackle anything new.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Wonderful! Thank you for watching! ❤

[@lisawierzbicki4994]

Another great episode! I especially liked the look into your needle storage! I love seeing how other people organize their things! Have a great time at at VKL!!! xoxo Lis

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! 😊

[@Lisa_Tennant]

Love this new pattern! Have already purchased a copy, and added to my rapidly growing queue. Many thanks, and keep up the great work!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you!!!

[@kimsechrest2202]

Another great podcast Beth. Thanks for sharing your storage ideas--always nice to see with other people do. Looking forward to your Bermy sweater patterns coming out. Have a good trip & a successful procedure. Happy travels and knitting.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thanks so much!

[@robynstacey9959]

I just started watching your podcast, fell in love with yoir sweater and just purchased it. I love the colour and design

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thanks so much 😊

[@triplesss7229]

New podcast for me, and I don’t think I’ve made your patterns. On the one that will be many gauges/yarns, I personally would like all 9 options in my one pattern. That way I can knit my stash, many sizes, and the options are multiple! If you sell individual patterns, it would be hard to decide what to purchase. Just my thinking.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! Super helpful! ❤

[@paulettemcguinness6469]

Thanks for sharing….good luck to you❤

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you!

[@susancormack2618]

The new pattern is so unique! Love the colour choice. Thx for the organization part of the podcast. I too like structure, everything in its place. I also enjoy learning about Bermuda culture. It may be humid in Bermuda however in Calgary today we have a cold snap with -29 centigrade. There are plusses and minus with everything. Thx for another great podcast Beth. Enjoy your trip to New York.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! Take care in Calgary and stay warm!!! ❤

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

I've been eagerly awaiting this episode. I love seeing how people organize their things and this was fantastic. Yes to shallow drawers! I have none. Hmmmm Might have to rectify that. Looking forward to seeing all the iterations of the Rhumb Line and starting my next one!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Glad you enjoyed it! And yes - shallow drawers are AMAZING! An organizational dream 😂😂😂

[@sandramccann-xj3hi]

Really like the new Rhumb Line sweater. I'm not sure if making it without the turtleneck would be successful as I think a lot of the beauty is found in the lineal look of it. I'll probably wait to see what the best looks like. But I really appreciate your tour of how you store your stuff. I like order as well, so when everything has a place, I'm super happy!! Happy New Year!!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thanks! I think that's exactly what I was hung up about re neckline. I think the linear funnel neck is really integral to the design. Thanks for helping me finish my thought! It takes a village 🤣 and I love that!

[@sandramccann-xj3hi]

@@bethmacdonaldstone clearly I meant vest! Massive thumbs, teeny keyboard! 🤦🏼

[@user-kr1vd8pk9n]

Happy new year

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

You too!!

[@OllieandMay]

Another Great episode Beth. Love the idea of the German short rows but I’d have to see it or read a pattern to get my head around it. Best Wishes for your procedure and Have Fun and Safe Travels too NY.❤

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! ❤

[@thekindles1183]

I loved seeing your workplace. I agree with that case and the flap doesn't keep all the needles. I find myself losing them too. I'm working on a boucle yarn too, and it's not fun. So soft and comfy, but not fun! Love the end and their dancing. All the best, Kimberly

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

So true to both! Thanks for watching & glad you enjoyed the Gombeys ❤

[@apb229]

Striking! Just had to buy it!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Hope you enjoy knitting and wearing it! Thank you! ❤

[@rosemaryc9093]

Another though for the 9 patterns, in addition to individual, bundles, could be an ebook.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thanks! Yes that might be the simplest...

[@judithmuscroft8177]

Wow! I must get the Rhumb line sweater. I am almost done the Trompe L’oeil capelet and as I worked on it all I kept thinking was “ how can I find a sweater pattern that does this 1x1 colour work”? And here it is! My colours are navy and a tonal grey/blue. This an answered prayer! I’m so excited!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Fabulous! Hope you enjoy the pattern!

[@deborahderden4860]

I would suggest that you market this new sweater pattern as a complete package. If it doesn’t work that way you have the option to present them later as separate patterns. Your “hook” is that this is a complete basic pattern with multiple options. As a single pattern for one gauge doesn’t make it very different than the many basic patterns that are already on Ravelry. The other issue is the price. You need a price that is reasonable for a majority of people. More people buying at a lower price will probably yield more money than a higher price with fewer purchasers. Just some thoughts.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thank you! All great points to consider!!! ❤

[@deborahderden4860]

@@bethmacdonaldstone I can’t wait to try this pattern. This bundle will be a great resource for those of us who want to do a little customization on our sweaters.

[@tiateri541]

When you started describing how you like to do your short row shaping, I was confused. But the more you described it, I realized that’s what I did on a bolero jacket I knit a few years ago 😀. I wanted my bolero to be much shorter in the center front, and gradually curve down at the sides to meet the length at the back. When both front and back were at the correct lengths, I picked up all my wraps, and then knit 1/2 inch of moss stitch. Just so you know at least one person understands what you meant. Now back to the video…

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Awesome! 😉 Thanks! 😅 I was worried I was just confusing matters!!! ❤

[@tacistudio]

Talking about organization I make a little Knit and Crochet toolkit and I keep one in each of my project bags. I would love to send you one for you to try and tell me how you like it if that is ok? 💖

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Wow amazing! Sounds great, I'd love to try out your tool kit, thank you! Let's email more on this - please drop me a line at [e-mail] & thanks again!!!

[@karynzlatkis]

At first I couldn’t visualize what you were saying about the short row shaping, but half way through your explanation I totally got it and it does make sense, will try it! I usually do half of the short rows right after the neck line and then just before splitting for the sleeves. I think it fits me better because I have a slight hunchback. Do you think it makes a difference? Love hearing all about your design process and love your esthetic 🥰

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Wonderful! I was worried that I was muddling up my explanation rather than simplifying. So glad it ultimately made sense to you. Great idea about putting a second set of short rows before separating for sleeves. I sometimes do the same and its super helpful esp in tandem the back of the neck. Thank you for watching!

[@dlindsay913]

Thanks for sharing everything you do! Hope your procedure turns out A-OK. Great storage tips. Would love a link to some of those storage goodies. Will have to do the sleuthing myself. (Especially the little fold-out plastic travel container you use! Did you get it at a knitting shop, art store, or container store? And the black storage container on your desk?) Wonderful you can go to the Vogue event. Enjoy!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Thanks! So for the little storage gizmos - I bought the little one that goes with me everywhere from Espace Tricot. Last i checked, they didnt have them on the website. Worth enquiring? Its fantastic and holds everything I need. Maybe try the Container Store? As for the circular stacked storage thing on my desk, that was from Amazon. Just go onto Amazon and search circular small jewelry organizer and it will pop up. I have these at my desk and beside my seat on the couch. I also have them for small daily jewelry in my bathroom and love them all. Thanks & hope that helps!❤

[@dlindsay913]

Thank you so much for taking the time to reply and the helpful tips!@@bethmacdonaldstone

[@shamszakhour6076]

Beth, I really love the saddle shoulder line on this sweater. But, is there a way to remove that front fold/pleat that occurs around the neck? I know that would be an issue for me but I don't know how to minimize it. thx!

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

I think the trick here is picking a yarn with more drape. The Harrisville Daylights and Nightshades are pretty firm but many of my test knitters used other yarns with far more drape and you can see that buckling under the neckline can be hugely diminished if not entirely gone. Hope this helps ❤

[@apippin774]

For the moldy smelling case set it out in strong sunlight. Do you have a dehumidifier in the room?

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Yes will do if and when I want to use it again. Thanks

[@quil10it]

When you travel to NY for longer stays do you carry on your needles case or check it? I would hate to loose all of my interchangeable set in one fell swoop.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

I know... and I worry about that too. I've done both and just cross my fingers!!! ❤😁

[@peggyeagan9108]

Love your podcast. What is the name of the purple plastic notions case and where did you find it?

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

I dont know the name and I bought it YEARS ago from Espace Tricot. I dont see it on their website - maybe ask if they can point you in the right direction? Its super handy! Good luck ❤ That said, I wonder if the Container Store might have it. Worth checking...

[@cathykerkhover1984]

Can you share where we can find the little purple notion case and the wild strands needle case. Thank you

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

I bought my Wild Strands needle case from Christina at Chelsea Yarns, not sure if she is still carrying them. If not, maybe she would know where to source? I bought my purple notion case from Espace Tricot and sadly cant see them anymore on their website. Maybe they could help as well? Both are super great cases. Good luck!

[@deborahderden4860]

What are the last two storage containers you showed called so I can look for them on Amazon?

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Conbola Jewelry Organizer on Amazon. Or just search "circular jewelry organizer". ❤

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

Do you have a how to about your mannequin? I was so happy to see someone have the kind I have. Do you have any how to or hints on getting it to be a duplicate me? Love your videos and work its all very inspiring. 😊. Totally in love with the Rhumb Line sweater. I love the lines and I wondered if you were a sailor when I saw the name. lol sailors know, lol ⛵️I’m the first mate to my captain husband. We used to lived aboard our 40 ft Valiant sailboat before we were married. I have to get that sweater pattern. 😊

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Oh fun! Nice to meet another sailor! I sailed dinghys and raced Laser's competitively as a teen. My husband is a landlubber and at the same time of us getting together, I started my interior design business. Sadly the sailing took a backseat and honestly I havent now sailed for years.

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

As for the mannequin - I bought an inexpensive adjustable one from Amazon and did my best to replicate my body shape with the different adjustment points. Its not perfect but good enough to be super helpful. I think the key is finding one with as many adjustments as you can (and can afford - I think they can get very technical and very expensive, not worth it...) and just play with it and a tape measure. Good luck! Its such a handy tool! Oh and I do have to adjust it every once in a while - bodys change... ❤

[@Seamlessknitter]

Do you use German short rows in your new Berma design?

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Yes I do - at the back of the neck for optimal collar shaping. ❤

[@Seamlessknitter]

Thank you. I like them better then wrap and turn.

[@dorajohnson2809]

I store my needles in a very similar way. Such a waste of time to spend time looking for something! :) For the Bermy Basic, what about offering an eBook option for those who want all the gauges, with some sort of discount? Just a thought. I can see myself wanting multiple gauges because so often I want to use a yarn and search Ravelry by gauge to find a pattern. Could you share the Amazon link to the circular storage tower that you use for stitch markers, etc.? I searched but couldn't find anything like it. I will be thinking about you for your surgery next week. I had the same surgery in 2019 and had minimal downtime. ❤

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Here's a link to the circular storage tower. I LOVE THEM! I use them also for every day earrings too. Super handy! www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08MX63KFG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[@bethmacdonaldstone]

Great idea re eBook. Thinking of mixing both an eBook and also singular patterns - best of both words for people and everyone's different needs. Thanks!

[@dorajohnson2809]

​@@bethmacdonaldstoneI would definitely purchase that way!