Christmas Special: Answering ALL of your knitting questions

A Christmas Q&A episode all about the knitting questions you have been asking me in the past 2 months. Support me on Patreon: / nimbleneedlez
A couple of weeks ago, I asked you for your feedback and questions you might have about me, my knitting, or knitting in general, and oh boy, did you deliver. There were just so, so many questions and I thought I'd pour these all into one episode that is maybe a little bit different than usual but hopefully entertaining as well. It's Christmas, after all, and maybe a podcast/vlog kind of episode could be fun. Enjoy!
0:00 Introduction:
0:40 Most frequent questions
8:34 Knitting project questions
20:593 General knitting questions
42:24 Questions about knitting as a business
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[@NimbleNeedles]

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New Year. Hope you enjoyed this chatty episode for a change and see you in the next year! (PS: sorry, the subtitles in the second half are patchy. I didn't have the time to complete it yet. Would have needed another hour)

[@et1016]

Bless your heart for many truly means bless your heart. ❤️ Honestly, some people can make anything ugly.

[@lindseywhite3371]

Sending you lots of good wishes for a very Happy Christmas and a healthy and prosperous 2023. Thank you for this, and all of your videos, you bring me so much joy and knitting knowledge. See you next year xxx

[@ShannaCarlson525]

Really glad you did that last question! I took German in high school and college (probably 5 years total) and can barely remember the basics. I think it’s really impressive that you can teach such a technical subject in a second language. Speaking of, do you know any other languages beyond English and German? Do you think you could teach knitting in… say… French?

[@youknowthatgirl8710]

Merry Christmas !!! I have been knitting for 40 days, Yes ..I said 40 days . I have crocheted 50 years, I got tired of it because There was no challenge in it anymore. I’m so glad you are here ! I am learning so much ! Thank you for all your information, I would have quit if I hadn’t found you. I couldn’t find anyone willing to explain it so clearly. I enjoy it so much, Keep up the excellent videos !!! Have a wonderful New Year !!

[@annabelle7123]

Interesting questions and well-thought, mature answers! Wish you had happy Christmas :) I was here mainly for tutorials so I didn't know about your blogs and patterns (nor the fact that this is your job!) I will check out later. P.S. I love your short tutorial videos! It's understandable that you don't do longer ones, socks or sweater tutorials. I heard it's difficult to get the angle but perhaps it's possible after some practice? Just an idea for the future :) I don't follow video patterns anyway, only watch techniques/sticthes so will be waiting for more!

[@TheSuzberry]

I’m from the Southern US. When someone is unnecessarily critical we just say, “Bless your heart.” Which translates to “mind your own business.”

[@NimbleNeedles]

ah..love that!

[@Cuisinenomade1]

Although that double standard or double face in the US and other parts of the globe do not really help. Being polite and not say the things directly and honestly is to me worse than actually calling out somebody for being an idiot. It is better to say the truth right up front even if it is not "polite". I may not be the most popular but if someone is being a jerk freely, then that is not a problem.

[@sassysuzy4u]

The problem with this saying is that in the North West US and Western Canada where I have lived "Bless your heart" actually means we recognize and appreciate what you are trying to do, whether we actually appreciate the end result or not.

[@cherylhaupt4692]

I love it! “If they don’t pay your bills, pay them no mind….” 😊

[@fairy-dust_8083]

In Kentucky it can either be used sincerely to show sympathy or it can be used in a snarky way to disguise pity as sympathy. It depends on context and tone.

[@karenalbery2773]

Haha knitting might be for grannies, but all those grannies learned to knit when they were kids!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Word!

[@OlafsonN]

I’m going to keep saying this, everyone in Iceland learns to knit in school. It’s current and it’s for everyone. All the best to you this season.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Didn't know that...but kind of makes sense as knitwear is important on your lovely Island :)

[@patricialcarpenter4090]

That sounds so nice. In the U.S., even 50 years ago, knitting isn’t/wasn’t taught - and I grew up where winters were cold and long! I had to teach myself. You are very lucky.

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@patricialcarpenter4090 , Exactly! I lived in NJ on and off throughout my life and knitting was part of the curriculum of the Home Arts course when I took Home Economics as my "major" in HS, when I lived in CA. 😛 💖😺

[@patgentry7268]

Norman, I see your channel as 50/50 Life Coaching/Knitting Instruction. I like it for both reasons. Because you are analytical you don’t put a topic down with just a few words, or examples. Rather, you come at tasks and situations from several angles, and with a calm acceptance that your way may not be the only way. Gentle leadership, not didactic regimentation! Everyone loves the biography of a successful person, and you are no exception! Thanks for the story, and all the best in the New Year. We’ll be here! (I’m near San Francisco, knitting on a collar/scarf thing with Angora/Wensleydale/Glitter wire. Making it up as it shines out, and thinking about it flying to Europe next week on the neck of my friend. )

[@patricialcarpenter4090]

Agreed!

[@viviandukart7878]

Norman, what a beautiful person you are!! I am listening to you while I am knitting my first scarf, and it feels that you are my new knitting friend. You are very smart and totally down to earth. Thank you for sharing “you” and your experience in knitting with us. 🙏

[@arlenebirch]

Amen!

[@XatxiFly]

What I really like about your teaching style is that you give advice without being prescriptivist and explain the consequences of things. Instead of "do this, not that!" you'll say "here's what I find happens if you do this, so for this purpose I prefer to do that, but you can make your own choice depending on what you prefer." It's exactly the kind of thing I often find lacking in arts education (don't even get me STARTED on music pedagogy and how many students have their love of music needlessly ruined by it). An educator isn't just someone who shows off their master technique for you to copy, nor are they someone who insists you learn in exactly the same way they did - an educator, in my view, is someone who adapts the way they communicate their trove of knowledge to their students' needs, and that's exactly what you do. As an arthritic autistic I have come to realize a lot of teachers of all sorts seem to assume levels of fine motor control and proprioception that I simply do not have, as well as a learning style that does not work for me. Practicing a technique is meaningless to my brain, even frustrating or physically painful, until I know how to look for the results it was designed to create and can adjust and learn from there. I have a much better time in yoga when the teacher explains how a pose should feel, because simply trying to arrange myself into a copy of someone in an entirely different body tends to result in underwhelming stretches and unnecessary strain. I feel more confident on woodworking equipment, which like most other things in the world was designed for much taller and bigger-handed people than me, if I've been given detailed information on the risks of kickback on a given tool instead of just being told to "adopt a wide stance." For a lot of new skills, I often have to "work backwards" a bit and get exposed to the details (not just the product) of a more advanced form *first*, and *then* go back and try to learn the fundamentals. This is related to motivation, of course, like most people probably wouldn't bother practicing triple steps over and over if they didn't already like the idea of swing dance. But personally I don't just need a reason a skill is theoretically leading to something cool, I also need to be able to absorb enough information about the skill at a higher level that I can imagine myself doing it, enough to put the fundamentals in a rich context in my brain, which is what they need to stick and to make sense to me. I might even need to actually try things I'm "not ready for" myself, not out of some arrogance or impatience but because it genuinely will help me understand the purpose of whatever beginner technique drills I'm being told to start with. Unfortunately a lot of teachers actively discourage the exact sort of information gathering that helps me learn best, warning that it's unmotivating to "bite off more than you can chew" when in fact it's the cautious linear approach that usually kills my motivation quicker. This is why I love being able to freely peruse advanced knitting videos that I may or may not totally understand as a beginner. What I do get is good information, and what I don't get is good information about something I might later want to look up and learn! And for what it's worth if you ever get into doing non-tutorial project vlogs or anything I'd totally watch those too. My interest in knitting began when I decided I wanted to make some gloves. Specific gloves. Specifically, fingered Cratchit gloves with cables in fingering weight yarn knit in the round on size 2 DPNs. 😂 I then learned enough to understand how chaotic a choice that is for a total beginner, but it was only after trying and failing something absurd that I became interested in making my first chunky garter stitch rectangle, so I don't regret it at all. I still enjoy learning about new techniques and I accidentally got a bunch of my friends into knitting just by doing it around them. Er, sorry, all that is to say, I also appreciate how you'll often include both an easy and a more advanced version of a technique! I like the analytical understanding you share for how different approaches affect the work, and I like how you blend accessibility with thoroughness. I like being able to both navigate to a quick beginner reference and absorb a broader context. Thanks!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you for sharing this elaborate feedback and all the background story! 🥰❤️🙏

[@ThundermansThunder]

I don't know what happened, but when my father died almost 6 years ago, I completely lost all incentive and motivation to knit, until fairly recently, which drew me to this channel, what appears to be a year and two months after this video was posted. I have been facing a lot of other challenges in life that may have had something to do with it, but I am certainly not going to analyse it to death, because, ultimately, it doesn't matter. I am now feeling it, ready to pick it back up, refamiliarize myself with things, and start knitting again. Things are going to come up that takes us away from our interests for a time, if we are responsible adults, because it is just an unavoidable reality of life. Knitting is one of the most honorable, rewarding endeavors for everyone who is interested, as are all of the thread and yarn arts! I learned to crochet and do a little embroidery as a boy, and got a lot of teasing for it, not only from other children, but from adults, who should have known better, as well, which hurt, of course, but I never let their their narrow minded inhibitions stop me. i didn't learn how to knit until 8 years ago, and I am not the most experienced, but I go at it fearlessly! If I am not feeling motivated to engage in a creative hobby, I just set it aside for something that is motivating me. Eventually, I want to be able to design patterns, not just follow them. I know that it will happen, whether it be tomorrow, or years from now, but it will be just fine, regardless. If you try to force creativity, rather than express it, you are most likely to lose it, for the moment. I love your common sense approach to everything, Norman, and your soothing voice, too! 🥰

[@fmcsweeney9809]

Thank you for this episode, it was good to hear you talk about ageism, this idea that being older is something to be embarrassed about is ridiculous! It’s a privilege to grow old & I’ve learnt so much from my friend who is teaching me to knit, & not just about knitting 😊

[@NimbleNeedles]

Exactly, you name it, a privilege and something to be proud of, never something to make fun of!

[@abstutheit]

I love you! Thank you for pointing out the ageism and sexism in denigrating what has traditionally been "women's work." Old grannies have been through a lot are are tough as nails.

[@AmandaMcCarterWrites]

Norman: I have to knit in complete silence. Me: Glad I don't have that problem. I like having something to listen to while I knit. Also me: /misses two brkyobrk stitches while listening to KZbin. Doh! Thanks for all that you do, Norman.

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

I like watching youtube while knitting, especially knitting videos. So frogging is part of my hobby, sometimes I pay more attention to what's on the screen then what I'm knitting 🙂

[@elsieb3176]

@@ingeleonora-denouden6222frogging just means you get that many more hours of knitting for the same price of yarn!

[@LostKat]

@@elsieb3176 INTERNAL SCREAMING 🫠

[@NimbleNeedles]

Haha..well at the knitting meet ups I only knit ribbing and the like for that very reason 🙈

[@taniaruns]

The attraction to your channel (what attracted me to you, anyway) is 1. You’re a man who knits (I actually spent an afternoon looking for crochet KZbinrs who are men because I was just curious about it) 2. Your instruction is thorough and concise. You get to the point. (I hate KZbinrs who ramble without purpose and say the same thing 3 different ways. ) 3. You’r enthusiasm for this hobby is infectious. 4. You’re very likable! (Not boring!). I crochet a little. I don’t even own a set of knitting needles but I have watched a ton of your videos already. I still learned a lot just by watching now I’m interested to try knitting!

[@teresaclark-kasch9088]

Hi Norman! Thank you for being such a kind and generous teacher in my novice year of knitting! Yes, I love your technical way of breaking down a stitch, it has been a game changer for me! I'm looking forward to being with you in 2023! Many blessings to you and your family this Christmas!! Teresa

[@Jacelyn5440]

Thanks for this video, Norman. I am thankful you chose English to do your videos in. You have helped me understand better and do some things. Thank you, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@renatedundysmarrello3369]

thank you for the lovely insight into your passion for knitting.

[@audreyhankins8765]

I currently live is the Midwest. I just learned to knit. I made a scarf for a friend. I just learned a week ago and an so proud of my self. Ty for your videos. I have crocheted for 50 years. I was 4 years old

[@traceyseymour2652]

I found your channel a few weeks ago. You are a wonderful teacher, not only about knitting but about life. Thank you for sharing your love and wisdom to us all. I have been knitting for many years but there is always more to learn. Carry on being wonderful, much love to you ❤

[@bhards]

Merry Christmas Norman! From a granny in the USA who's best friend in the 4th grade was a boy who liked to knit! 😸🎄🎇

[@gina2797]

This was so fun! Happy Holidays and Happy New Year! Love to you, Norman, and thanks for all you do!

[@janemarriott3389]

I’m so glad you post in English!

[@judystruck6510]

Thanks for all you do. I have been knitting for about 70 years, however, with your help, I have become a better knitter, and am enjoying it even more. I loved seeing your 20 year old socks with leather stains and particularly liked that the socks were used while you were dancing. So fun! Keep up the great work!

[@snowpixxie6673]

You, too, have a lovely Christmas, Norman. Thank you for all your videos!

[@lechatbotte5178]

No Norman, you didn’t do a special vlog to answer kindly to all our questions. Because, first of all, you are kindness itself and we all know it ( but of course, it can be a reminder for newcomers). And you did it because you just cannot wait to wish everybody a very special festive time. It’s in your genes, Norman, you cannot help being kind ! 😊So, let me just add this special thought for you, my Kindness : have a wonderful time for Xmas and the New year, with all my best wishes for wonderful things to come for you in 2023. Alsace loves you greatly !🥳🍾☃️🎄✨🥂🎁🎉

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you for your kind words. Happy new year!

[@zmannranch5637]

Lovely episode, thank you! Your technique tutorials are THE BEST, and it was fun to sit back and listen to this episode while knitting on a sock. Merry Christmas to you and yours!

[@cindyfrye3026]

Norman, thank you for that episode. I am so happy you decided to make your channel in English. Being from the USA, I have only one language, poor English. I do remember seeing some of your older videos. I specifically remember a couple that you made wearing a hat, you said it was due to covid you hadn't had a hair cut in a while. I know that feeling well. I was 'almost' desperate in the spring of 2020 to cut mine myself. I would have except I promised my stylist I would never do that again. I have learned so much from your tutorials. I started watching videos on how to knit late last year. I was most impressed by continental knitting as I have arthritis and repetitive motion injuries to my hands from years of computer work at my former job. Happily, I am retired. I am a crocheter who knits. Soon, I want to be a crocheter and knitter equally. I totally know what you mean about wanting no distractions when you are knitting. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I am looking forward to your next episode.

[@ooohlaa13]

hmmm as for me, I watched haircut tutorials ad infinitum during Covid, and now do cut and color my own hair. Living on SS checks, it has really helped me, I can spend the money on other things. And ... I actually get compliments on my hair every time out go out and about. Of course its because its lavender, but well done. It is not very layered, just a bit, but it still takes a lot of trial and error to get it right. I would always come home from professional cut and start with the scissors at the back so I figured why not do the whole thing? Fun and Cheers!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@ooohlaa13 , "Of course, it's because it's lavender..."😱😹😹😹 💖😺

[@ooohlaa13]

@@debracisneroshhp2827 and don't forget well done because of all the great you tube instructors.

[@cindyceraolo4676]

Merry Christmas Norman. I’m glad you are doing these videos in English. I hope you have a nice Christmas and Happy New Year! I like having a mixture of tutorials and chatty episodes so we get to know you better.

[@stephenwick743]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, Norman. My knitting has gained much refinement through your instruction. Thank you.

[@SigalAlon]

Thank you very much! Happy New Year 2023!!!

[@jenm4721]

I really enjoyed your video and hearing more about your story! I think you're a natural teacher. Putting yourself in the mindset of a learner helps you be the great teacher you are. Love your tutorials too!!

[@et1016]

I absolutely adore you. You have a fantastic attitude!! Who the hell gets to tell you how to live your life? No one and good for you!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Exactly!! Merry Christmas 🎅

[@misspeacchy]

Thank you for this delightful episode and sharing yourself with us. You are my go-to in knitting techniques. Wishing you great joy in the coming year.

[@valzahnzahn]

People thinking knitting is only for grannies then call me a granny!! Grannies are sweet and fun to talk to

[@robinkearney4411]

You’re an inspiration to the knitting community, Norman! Thank you for your time in answering questions and sharing your personal journey☺️

[@helenrieck2343]

That was awesome Norman, thank you and happy Holidays!!

[@michigansews3115]

Norman, this was delightful. Thank you for giving us a look at your life and mind. That's very generous. And thank you to all who asked the questions we're all interested to know

[@larainetott]

Thank you for all your tutorials and hard work making them. I only learnt the basics when I was young. I do many crafts but occasionally dable I a little knitting. I have found they way you explain things very helpful. Will be starting the New Year with some knitting planned . You have given me the confidence that I can do it . Hope you had a good Christmas and I hope you see the new year in with smiles and laughter

[@SherryOram72]

Merry Christmas Norman. I hope you are enjoying the festive season. Wishing you and all your loved ones lots of happiness, health and love for the upcoming New Year! Cheers my friend 🤗🥳🇨🇦

[@bigbunny3868]

Norman, I have to say I *LOVE* your sense of humor! Gentle, but not any less on point or direct. You are a delight!

[@ritagraham6703]

Wonderful vlog! Looking forward to many more in 2023. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 🎄🍾🥂

[@tl4214]

Happy Holidays!! I really enjoyed watching this video. I realized some things about my own crafting, as well as different experiences others have/had. Your YT channel always gives me an opportunity to learn in different ways, and today is no exception! May your new year continue with success and creativity! I always look forward to your content. Thank you!

[@catnip...]

I've only just into knitting. I was shown as a kid but got very fed up with what I was only shown and that was English style and fed up with removing my right hand off the needle. Then in February this year I bought a magazine to get a quick replacement crochet hook that was in the pack with a set of tiny straight needles and some yarn. The yarn bit wasn't a problem as I crochet and have loads but needles, I can't remember where my mum's needles have gone since she pasted away 1st Jan 2015. Since the mag had these needles I tried again, I remembered how to cast on, the thumb style and could cast off, but had a go and nothing over 45 years had changed my mind, It still annoyed me throwing the yarn. Then I remembered going to the Knit and Stitch show in London and someone was knitting Continental style, so I looked it up on here as to how to do it. I have since February knitted 3 hats, 3 scarfs, a Rowan Fair Isle Patch Christmas Blanket, and friday finished a jumper that was partly from a pattern on line and my own. The jumper is knitted bottom up, front, then back and then arms wrist up and all sewn together. I knitted up bottom up, then the back, picked up stitches around the neck and turned it into a polo neck, picked up stitches around the arm holes and knitted down to the wrist. I've shortened the arms too as I always push my sleeves up because they can get destroyed as I'm in a wheelchair and can get caught as I'm self propelling myself. I'm getting some more yarn to knit this one again but in the circle bottom up to the armpits but adding a panel across the fron and back with Fair Isle, then put the back on hold, finish the front then the back and bring it back all onto the same needles to finish the top. Here's the odd bit, I do not what so ever understand knitting patterns! I worked out the jumper from looking at the picture and seeing it in my head and knitted it. I'm frustrated because I want so much to understand knitting patterns, so I can just knit! My mum could understand them but she's no longer here which is also upsetting that I can't ask her. Thanks to this Continental style I can knit. I use 2 strands at the same time when doing Fair Isle One colour left hand the other I'm now throwing and flicking with my right hand, Although I think that's also to do with being a drummer and over the years learnt to write and paint with either hand. Yes I do take my knitting out with me, and I do not give a hoot what anyone says! When people had bad comments about me changing from being a drummer to playing the bagpipes and these people I used to know for years, one was very nasty in what he said to me that I had let down the drummers side! I've not spoken to him since, other than saying to him, well, I'm better then just a drummer, that I now play the pipes too! Yeah ok that was boasting but he really had a go at me! So I threw it back at him! Pipers and drummers around me that heard what I said all clapped! I then punched the air! lol Back to the knitting, I have been looking for knitting groups near me that I can get to and get into. It's hard because I 1st need disabled parking, and then the next problem is access, most places have steps, no ramp, narrow doors and can't get my wheelchair through doors. I just told my GP today regarding an appointment she arranged for me, but she said you didn't go. I told her, to contact them and ask if they access! I told her the gate from the pavement was too narrow to get through! Then if I got past that, there's 5 steps!, then the doors, then 4 steps inside before reaching the reception! Luckily I called before hand to ask, they said no, they don't have access! Worse part and didn't really want to say this on here for all to read, this was to have counseling for depression that a this building hasn't got disabled access and this is 2024! My GP today was shocked, so now they're trying to find somewhere else that I can park and have access in. lol Since being disabled I've been able to do what I used to do, piping and drumming, so knitting has really helped and I want to learn more. All my life I've been learning, I play the Bugle, Trumpet, Drums, Bagpipes, Clarinet I learnt in a week! Oh that's one thing that helps, once seeing being shown learning,etc I want to know more. That's why It's annoying that I need that translation as to say to understand knitting patterns. Thank you for all your uploads hints tips etc. 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤❤❤❤❤❤❤Not forgetting how amazing your English is! 👏👏👏Oddly as I wrote this last bit, you started to talk in German 👏👏👏Brilliant. xxx

[@NimbleNeedles]

Oh wow! Thank you for your elaborate comment and sharing your story! 🥰🥰❤️

[@Prairiesentry]

I love that you admitted to all the challenges you face as a knitter (frustration at a certain technique or project) But also as a person. I find knitting as a sort of therapy that occasionally aggravates me, but also excites me. I'm glad I found your channel. Happy Christmas!!

[@cherylhaupt4692]

Excellent episode! I especially loved hearing you speak German! Merry Christmas to you! 🎄

[@annehamflett5554]

A very happy and successful New Year to you, Norman. You have a lovely voice and I could listen for quite some time! Also, I am just happy it is in English! I’ve learned a lot, you are a natural teacher, I would say. Thank you.

[@lynnetaylor8974]

Great episode Norman. Thanks.

[@kristind.8379]

Thank you again for such a thoughtful video. It is so interesting to get a view into how you work and your analytical way of thinking about knitting. Unless I am traveling, I usually knit for very short periods during the day. I’ve found that socks are great for my type of knitting. (We are all different, and I love that.) I hope you and your family enjoy the holidays.

[@GaminGawdess]

Happy holidays and thank you for all you do!!!! I love the nuggets of knowledge you share and see you in 2023!!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy holidays!

[@christineborgatti3760]

Always good to see you.

[@leannastoufer6333]

Thank you for this, Norman! I'm wishing you all the best this holiday & new year season! I love to knit wherever I am. When somebody makes a "judgey" sort of remark, I ignore it. I get to practice my hobby (which feels ever so much more creative than staring at my phone, which is what I see most people doing in public). There are times that I love trying other crafts, but I seem to always come back to knitting. 💛

[@madelinecohen4246]

Norman, this video was awesome! Thank you for taking the time to answer so many questions. It gave me a lot of food for thought and I got to know you a bit better 😉

[@hopebuchholz4272]

Merry Christmas and i wish you all a bountifully bless New Year! I am so happy i found you and your amazing videos. Thank you so much for doing them. I am a visual learner so your videos help me understand things much better. I find folks interested in what I am doing when I am knitting, crocheting and hand-spinning yarn. They ask questions and find it fascinating. I often bring my project to the hockey rink while my sons are at practice and i actually have 2 young girls that have become incredibly curious with what I am doing so i am teaching them how to crochet and their parents are stunned to find their normally can't sit still or focus children sitting still and totally concentrating on what they are doing. I am so happy to see young children want to learn something unique and see them get so excited when they are able to master the lesson taught that session. Keep being you and doing amazing things as you are keeping so many of us excited about this ever expanding craft. I really appreciate you and your talent. God bless you and all!

[@maaikepowell6009]

Thank you for everything you do for the knitting community Norman - it very much appreciated! Have a Merry Christmas and Happy and Healthy New Year 💕

[@NimbleNeedles]

Merry Christmas, Maaike!

[@merkinidgit]

There are chiropractors who specialize in hand/wrist manipulation to release the nerve impingement of carpal tunnel syndrome, for anyone who doesn’t follow your advice to stretch and take breaks. They can’t always prevent surgery but they can’t help once the surgery has been done, so it’s recommended to consult one prior to going under the knife.

[@MichiaMakes]

Dear Norman, Quite simply, YOU spark joy! Thank you 🙏🏻 so very much for sharing your time, your stories, and your expertise with us.

[@baeticat]

I'd love a video on knitting pain and how to alleviate or prevent it, Norman! I hope you had a good Christmas. Ooh and I loved your German speaking! It has such a lovely cadence.

[@belidoriabelidoria3346]

I just recently decided to take up knitting again after a 20 absence and I came across your video channel. I am enjoying learning about all the techniques I never knew before! Even though I have not actually started to knit yet, as I want to watch more of your videos first, I went ahead and purchased your sock pattern on Etsy. I love the colors in it and it looks like a perfect sock to knit. I won't be starting this as my first project, however. I am planning on making a scarf and matching slouchy hat first just so I can ease back into knitting in general. You are a fun person to watch so thank you for sharing all these great videos!

[@marybarrow4337]

Thank you, Norman! Happy New Year!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy new year!

[@misty4274]

Happy, healthy and prosperous 2023 to you Norman. I'm thankful that I found you! When I was younger I paid a lady that had a yarn shop to teach me to knit only to have her tell me she couldn't teach me because I was doing everything backwards. Thanks to You Tube and you, I learned that what I have been doing is Continental Knitting; self taught. Thank you for sharing techniques in your posts makes everything so clear for me. This is a great way to end the year thank you!!! Happy Knitting and Happy Blessed New Year!

[@fraumotz8033]

Happy New Year🎉🥳, I am a beginner in knitting. I just wanted to thank you for your great tutorials,opinions and being such a good teacher in knitting.!!While knitting my socks I love watching your videos from day one 😊🤩 Thx for your work and personality 🫶🏽Thank you so much ✌🏽

[@jbknits]

Thank you so much for your insight and sharing your knowledge with us. Happy holidays to you and yours!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy holidays!

[@jeaninegunn4118]

Norman, this was so interesting and gave me a chance to get to know you a little better. Collect the questions year long and repeat next year. Have a lovely holiday with lots of personal knitting time!

[@lauralbriar]

Hello Norman - I have knit all my life (started at age 4 when my father taught me). I enjoy all your videos and have even purchased needles that you reviewed (Knitter's Pride Nova Plantina) - but this video I had to write and thank you for because of the very first question you reviewed - why would anyone care what other's think of thier hobbies or ideas? You are such a balanced and caring person and you explain this so well - I wish there were many more people with your ideas and thoughts! A very Happy New Year to you in 2023 and thank you for all you do!

[@daniellebissonnette3304]

I'm sure I have commented this in one of your previous videos. I appreciate your candid responses to viewer questions. Most of these questions I would never ask, however knowing what is required to run a KZbin blog makes me appreciate your videos even more. I love how deconstruct knitting techniques and provide options to fix common problems. It always seems like when I struggle with one technique, you have already made a video that provides solutions. As a side note, my fix for being good at continental purling was to knit a huge, simple flat piece that required a lot of stockinette stitching - it helped me with purling faster and more consistently, as well as having more even tension between knitting and purling. I find knitting is both a humbling and highly rewarding experience. Thank so much for everything that you do, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

[@aminavarga5944]

Thanks Norman, for this very engaging video, wishing you happy holidays and a happy new year!

[@cassandrabrown6440]

I’m so happy that your videos are in English (as English is my only language). You’ve had a very interesting journey through life. I enjoy your videos. Happy holidays. Looking forward to your next video.

[@duizeltjeeekhoorn6890]

This was really nice. I have been following you for quiet some time. Very usefull information, told in a very kind way. I started knitting when I was 7 and now I am a grandma! I used to make my own patterns. That is in the past, after I suffered from a stroke ( which happened when I was knitting, but that is another story) Luckily I can knit again, not as fast or as good. But I still enjoy it. Making my own patterns is gone, sadly. But in the past year I slowly started to adjust patters again. So I still make progress.

[@JA-jb6ob]

Thank you. Good Q & A video. You answered well & thoughtfully. I haven't been knitting long but I've come to the right place for instructions. Currently, having fun working on an afghan comprised of leftovers from various yarn projects.

[@3rdand105]

Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year! I particularly enjoyed your response to the question about knitting styles. There are a lot of them, and some of them don't exactly have a name. You do what works best for you, and so long as the end result is good, the style of knitting doesn't matter. I can't think of a single person who can look at a sweater and ask "Why was this done in the English style, when Portuguese would have been better?" In my case, I accidentally taught myself Norwegian knitting, after failing to keep my index finger extended for any length of time, and I recently combined that with lever knitting (my right needle doesn't move much). I did that because of Mozart; he was proficient, partially because he kept his hands quiet, and I find I'm a little more productive if I keep motion to a minimum. I wish you all the success in the world in the coming year!

[@ursulatilley9532]

Merry Christmas Norman! I loved your magic trick of turning money into yarn! As soon as the words passed your lips I ran to my husband to share how I to can do magic!!! Thank you for the tutorials and the best knitting *joke* Have a blessed Christmas and New Year to you and yours ((HUGS)) from Michigan

[@vickiprosser7501]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Norman. I would love to see an episode on the best way to sew a project together, like a sweater, and the best way to end and start a row when you know you're going to be sewing it together.

[@NimbleNeedles]

i have already tons of resources on seaming on my blog, here, and over on my youtube channel. As for selvage, the best selvage for seaming is no selvage ;-) (at least in my opinion)

[@vickiprosser7501]

Thanks Norman. I actually found your video on seaming later.

[@bethliebman8169]

This was a fun video (of course I knit all the way through it). I have really benefitted from your instruction and advice. The most revelatory thing you showed was that you manually adjust and tighten or even out your stitches as part of your finishing process. I never thought of this, and I have been knitting for 60 years. I think I just thought that blocking would take care of any unevenness. It is such a simple thing to make adjustments before blocking. Thank you so much for this technique. I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday and a happy new year. I look forward to more videos in 2023.

[@jeanhallada5292]

Lovely way to spend time after shoveling and cleaning our alpaca barn in the cold and snow.

[@NimbleNeedles]

you have alpacas?...i am jealous!

[@clemenciarodner2339]

You are such a lovely person, Norman! Thanks for the charming chat and the same advice. Have a happy Christmas!

[@NimbleNeedles]

you, too, Clemencia!

[@kathykimsey4019]

Merry Christmas Norman!! I love watching you and your tutorials are where I go first when needing help. Blessings

[@NimbleNeedles]

Same to you!

[@heathersgoinnuts]

I give you alot of credit. I could never be in front of a camera. I used to sell my crocheted and knitting items on Etsy for 12 years. I was on there since the beginning when they weren't that saturated with sellers. I had to stop because I wasn't making much money. I went back to college and stopped both crocheting and knitting for over a year 😲 I went back to knitting just recently. I have three works in progress but getting them finished slowly. Two ten-stitch blankets and one sweater. I am determined to get them finished. The sweater is for me. I usually knit and crochet for other people and do not have alot of things for myself. Well keep up the good work. Like I said previously, I could never get in front of a camera.

[@NimbleNeedles]

it sure did some persuation for me as well>.

[@juneknitsville9549]

Happy holidays and happy 2023, Norman. I love any kind of video that you do. Thanks for all your hard work; I have learned a lot from you.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy Holidays, June!

[@aggiedeemcgeough3853]

Merry Christmas Norman. I love all your videos and thank you for sharing/teaching all of your fabulous knitting techniques. I learned so much and gained confidence since watching your videos a year ago. ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

Thank you so much!

[@RychaardRyder]

so many points brought up!

[@libertylady64]

Thank you Norman and Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy holidays!

[@ombrettad5749]

Covid had many silver linings for me and your channel is definitely one of them. Thank you Norman for all your work and teachings. I exclusively knit during the Winter season as during the Summer I spend most time outdoors. I re-started knitting two years ago and found the best channel (yours) right away (there are no coincidences). You inspired me and since then, I have knitted presents for my whole family and they are all wearing my scarves, touques and mittens which are essential protective wear in our cold Canadian winters. All the best to you and your loved ones for the New Year and may 2023 bring you more health, joy and prosperity. Vielen Dank Norman. 😀

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy new year!!

[@Jedapoo]

I think my favorite thing about you is your self confidence(and your teaching style, and your sense of humor). Thanks for the video and Merry Christmas!!

[@NimbleNeedles]

Wow, thank you! Merry Christmas 🎅

[@frida507]

It's nice to mix it up a bit as well. I enjoy when you show some of your other projects, like the intarsia socks, sweaters and stuff. Maybe that could be an episode? To "show off" some favourites items you made and maybe talk about your inspiration and design choices.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Maybe..tho..I dunno..I'd like to foster creativity not everyone knitting the same stuff 😅

[@juliastone7521]

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas and will have an amazing New Year! Norman, I LOVE your sweater!

[@kamiliasnyder77]

So glad found your videos. Life got busy and I have not knit for many years. Now retired I have come back to it and your videos have been a great help to me. You are a very good teacher.

[@NimbleNeedles]

happy you are back and merry christmas, Kamilia!

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

Norman, I love your personality. You are so accommodating to your subscribers. This was a lovely way to wrap up the year. Have a wonderful and safe holiday. 🎄 Thank you for all that you do and see you next year. ❤

[@NimbleNeedles]

you too, and definitely see you next year

[@melaniebissonnette8608]

Merry Christmas to you and your familly for Montréal. Thanks for your work !

[@DessMelissa]

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Hope you have a nice one. Personally I really like these chatty videos and the variety of videos you have been offering lately.

[@mrsparhamsclass]

Norman, my grandson and I are becoming knitters. He asked to learn on a recent trip to a craft store. Here we are, looking for another view on all the techniques you so beautifully present. I, myself, am only a beginner, but with your help and the interest of my grandson, and a very charming independent knitting shop nearby, I anticipate getting better and better. Thank you for doing what you do. We did sample several other knitting content creators, but not once we discovered your materials. Merry Christmas.

[@nannasallynelson3990]

I always enjoy listening to you. I don't follow all your tutorials as I too have been knitting since I was about 4 years old. My first item was a 'scarf for daddy'. As I was one of 8, he recieved a lot of these... I can imagine a Lost & Found room at the railway station full of Wonky Scarves that daddy's of knitting children 'lost'!! These kind of personal info videos are great fun, as I really like to know more about the people who's work I enjoy - creators, actors, authors and more. Keep up the great work. I have tried getting a blog etc going and I understand the hard work involved.

[@veronicaeguiguren134]

Reslly many many thanks I love your videos and tips mostly because you are very wise and experienced knitter, thanks for helping us on this amazing yarn road

[@annemariebarrieau8075]

I really enjoyed your video, as always!...I am happy you showed your beautiful gloves.... the ones with the expensive yarn( I forget the name),,,, but I had watched a video last week where you talked about this yarn,,,,, so interesting, so to stumble on this video today and that you showed the completed project was so nice..... You do an AMAZING teaching job!....thank you so much! From Toronto Canada!

[@nmrowdy4605]

Merry Christmas, Norman! I sincerely hope you have a blessed New Year. You are such a well-rounded and level-headed young man. Your sound advice has improved my knitting.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Merry Christmas! and glad my videos could make a difference :)

[@yarnpower]

Wow, all great advice! I really like 'If they don't pay your bills, pay them no mind". You are the knitting friend we all wish lived next door!

[@elisam.cotrina5907]

Thanks for this video, Norman. And for deciding to do your blog and channel in English, and for all the hours you made me company during pandemic and all the things you have taught me. Happy 2023

[@NimbleNeedles]

My pleasure!

[@debrajackson4413]

loved learning more about you

[@lauradibble6074]

Thanks! Norman, I have been knitting for about a year and your videos have been instrumental in providing me with technical support at times I could not get to a local yarn shop and they are good company while I knit. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! I look forward to future content.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Glad to help!

[@suzkstein]

Your philosophy is the best❤

[@patricialcarpenter4090]

Thank you, Norman. Hopefully your Christmas was lovely, and your New Year’s will be happy and safe. You DO teach well! It is a surprise you have not done this before. Thank you, Patti C.

[@NimbleNeedles]

Happy new year!

[@karendavis7278]

Loved this episode. Love your tutorials also. I just learned icord bind off. Your tutorial was extremely helpful. Thank you

[@NimbleNeedles]

that's great to hear. Merry Christmas, Karen

[@marthaterhune2156]

Norman, I've recently found your videos. I agree with many others. The tutorials are great for when we need help, but this more conversational video was excellent and fun. Thank you and Merry Christmas

[@NimbleNeedles]

Merry Christmas, Martha!