DRK March to May KAL Q&A #1

Thank you so much for tuning in to my first (very low-tech) Q&A OF the KAL! 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 of the KAL!
In this week’s episode we cover:
1. What advice can you give about counting the number of stitches on your needles? I’m working on the Shifty sweater right now, and seem to recount stitches over and over again, with slightly different numbers each time. Any suggestions about enjoying the process of counting more would be great too!!
2. Favorite Interchangeable circular needles?
3. Do you have some tips about designing, especially about doing the math for other sizes? The class I took was from JC Briar - jcbriar.com/classes/manage-th...
4. Are you an English or Continental knitter, or do you chop and change between the two depending on the project?
5. Ease: I am always confused about ease in sweater patterns. Is it built or do I add it? If my bust measurement is 40, do I pick the size closest to 40 or pick 40+ease? Some patterns make this clear but not most! Please pick this topic!
I'm wearing: www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Sweater Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
Shawl Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
Sign up for the DRK Newsletter: eepurl.com/diPxsr
Row Counter: cocoknits.com/collections/too...
Knitting Needle Organizer: www.magpiefibers.com/themaxwe...

[@morelsonthetrail6920]

Enjoying going back to the beginning on your Friday Q&As.

[@beenakano7981]

I love, love, love your detailed explanations to these questions. I am a beginner knitter and find I am learning SO MUCH by watching your Q&A videos. Your gentle and moderate way of speaking makes it very easy to understand the details of your answers. Thank you! P.S. I taught myself Continental knitting and Norwegian Purling right off the bat. My hands feel so relaxed with both of these and it gives me that nice meditative flow. KZbin videos make learning knitting so much easier than ever before. At age 62, I’m finally realizing my lifelong desire to learn knitting. Thanks, again, Andrea.

[@lnapa]

Thank you so much Andrea, for creating this Q&A video. I'm a huge fan of your patterns, and have most of them in my library. I find your designs to be very wearable, attractive, and suitable for people of all ages and sizes. You are a generous and lovely person, and I appreciate you!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so very much!

[@christinaheesakacowden-wut3809]

Hi there. I have a trick that I do, when counting stitches. When I count, I not only count, but at the same time I visualize the number in my mind, like a flip chart kind of. :-) When I forget the number, because I get interupted or so, I still have the Picture in my mind of the number. I have a very photographic mind :-)

[@juliemaisonneuve8746]

You make things very simple and easy to understand! I just love your patterns! Your awesome!

[@jeanlong1400]

This was so much fun! Thank you for sharing. Looking forward to next week :)

[@knottypinepodcast2562]

This was amazing Andrea! Thank you for sharing, I'm going to be so looking forward to every Friday now👏😆

[@susanmaguire3792]

This video was wonderful! I learned great tips to make my knitting more enjoyable. I happened to be wearing my Velichor too! Love that sweater. I'm looking forward to learning more about this art. Thank you

[@friendshipjoy9841]

Thank you for this episode! So informative! I love all your patterns and have just finished the Spark Cardigan. Wow! LOVE it!!!! Both the pattern itself (easy to follow and understand) and the finished product.

[@bethknoedelseder2429]

Thanks for the helpful tips. I love your designs.

[@kellyhuston8009]

Thank you for posting this! I sometimes miss reading your newsletters, but because I’m also subscribed to your channel I saw this video. Gotta go pick a pattern and some yarn.

[@alisonharris7130]

I'm a new knitter and just found you here. Already have a ton of your patterns in my favorites on Ravelry. This was very informative watched both. Thanks

[@planojan7778]

I learned English but it frustrated me somewhat and I would go long periods without knitting. I took Lorilee Beltman’s class on Craftsy and learned continental and it changed my life. I turned into an avid knitter and always have something on needles now. (I just checked and it is listed as a $12.99 class on Craftsy right now!! Love this format! You are a great teacher!!

[@dreareneeknits]

I have heard great things about Lorilee's class! I am so happy you found the way of knitting that brings you the most joy. Thanks for sharing your tip!

[@kreopelle1]

Thank you for answering my question about counting stitches! I am excited to try out the strategies you suggested, and already feel more confident about keeping track of where I’m at! ☺️

[@dreareneeknits]

yay! Thanks for asking it, Kayla!

[@midwestvegan2787]

This video auto played while I was knitting a toe in a sock and I really learned a lot of good tips on sweater sizing! ❤️☺️ Thank you for doing this

[@dreareneeknits]

I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

[@lmurton4233]

great video! interesting Q&A, thanks!

[@nadiak9099]

A free alternative to the red rubber heart is those thick rubber bands that hold vegetables together. I cut one in half and tada! Does the same job. Thanks for the great tips!

[@dreareneeknits]

Great tip!

[@wendywax2282]

I love chia goo as well. Their bamboo needles fit onto the red cords as well

[@PeruvianCook]

Andrea thank you for explaining the part of the measurements you are the best.

[@dreareneeknits]

So happy you found it useful!

[@margreffle]

I use ChiaoGoo interchangeable needles only. I wish someone had told me to only buy the 4" needles. I honestly can't imagine why one would pick 5" over 4". Thank you for doing this, it was fun to watch, and interesting as well! 😊

[@chet1051]

I love your designs ! I've often wondered why it seems that I haven't heard any Indie designers mention using Design a knit or Cochenille design programs . They're made for machine or hand knit designs . They can be used to customize or to design and digitize from scratch. Both the shaping and stitch patterns are integrated . Prices aren't inexpensive, but grading wouldn't be an issue - even with complex color or other stitch work ...

[@kat1984]

I prefer 4" tips for the same reason. I also love the chiaogoo twist shorties, I can knit in the round for the entire sleeve so my gauge doesn't change

[@2tinytreasures]

Feel so pro when I at least have the same tools as Andrea 😂 ok maybe one day I’ll be as creative to design...until then...buying more of your patterns

[@QuzieSuzieQ]

I am a continental knitter and I learned how to knit English doing color-work with both hands. So funny to hear this worked for someone else!

[@katespin99]

Wonderful video Andrea. I loved the talk about ease and your hints for counting. I have used markers but not a row counter. I’ll be using that next time. Thanks.

[@dreareneeknits]

So happy you enjoyed it!

[@johndeirdre1984]

I totally agree with you about wishing someone had sternly directed me to interchangeable circulars. I have so much $$ invested in straights! I would be at my weekly “Learn to knit”class at my LYS, and one on my friends would say..... look at this pattern. Let’s make this one. I would wholeheartedly agree, choose colours and then think..... "But do I have the right sized needles?” I have always lived in the country, so ..... long drive if I was wrong. So I would buy them, only to return home and discover that I already had them. Now I have several sets. I seem to enjoy my ChiaoGoo sets for lace and cables and my Addi click set for straight knitting. I am actually using my Addis for the Moonwhistle KAL. I love those smooth tips!

[@maureendesmarais6955]

totally agree that colorwork really helps learn Continental.

[@britdowson8324]

Very informative and helpful. Thankyou

[@dreareneeknits]

So happy you found it useful!

[@nammyg7052]

Hi Andrea I too love Chiagoo interchangeable as well as Lykkes they are my favourites too. Recently I have discovered Addi Flex needles as a replacement for four needle knitting which I could never do. They are great for socks and I’m sure anything else small you would knit in the round. Thanks for this video it’s very informative. 🇨🇦

[@dreareneeknits]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@lisethomas8495]

Hi From Lise in Sudbury Ontario Canada. I love your patterns and really enjoyed this video

[@onesweetlife2469]

Great tips!

[@haileystanton4446]

Just got by Chiogoo 4" needle kit and I love them so much! I'm working on a hat that I normally would have done a halfie version of magic loop on (pull the right hand needle all the way through the project so it is like a long free "arm" and work to end, pulling through at the end again). I'm doing the hat on my 8" cable with the 4" needles and it is perfect! Thanks so much for the tip, didn't even know shortie circulars were out there!

[@dreareneeknits]

Wonderful!

[@karenstrachan287]

When you were talking about the four inch needles, it made me think of my newest set. I got a set of the Knitters Pride in the new Mindful set. They have both complete sets of the 4 and 5 inch sets. I love my Lykke and ChiaoGoo interchangeable sets but the 4 inch sets are only partial and the Knitter's Pride set is available in a complete set from a US 2.5 (3mm) to a US 15 (10mm). They are not quite as pointy as the ChiaoGoo but they have more of a point than I expected them to have.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing! My Chiaogoo set came size 2-15 (US), and they also have half sets.

[@pdcler]

I know zero about grading (besides appreciating a job well done) but a podcast I enjoy had some great resourses. It's called Knitting The Stash. Episode 89 has grading info.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@willowmallow]

I also find 4" Chiaogoo more multi-purpose and mix with a shortie on my LHN to make small circumference [short cable] knitting quicker and easier, then magic loop right at the apex of a hat. Also, because the switch from small to large cables is [inconveniently] at 5.5mm, I found when knitting aran/worsted wt, etc, sweaters that I needed small-to-large cable adaptors [around £3-4 for pair] so I could do neck ribbing on small-size tips/cables, then just used adaptors when switching to larger tips for the main body, saving the faff of changing cables! It took me a while to work this out so I hope someone out there finds it helpful! :-)

[@QueenAnneKnitsandSews]

A (sewing) needle gripper also works well to grip your interchangeable tip when attaching the cord. They are inexpensive and can be found with the sewing notions in most craft and sewing stores (Walmart even has them!)

[@dreareneeknits]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing!

[@laurimadler5644]

I use my leftover shelf liner bits. I serge around and put one in each bag. Extras in a jar so I can find them....lol

[@mireiaescale4291]

I love your designs and I follow you since no so long. Maybe it is not a question about this be video but I wonder what pattern is it the sweater, are you wearing. I love it. Also, thanks for all your tips. They are so helpful. 😍

[@michaelsylvia8129]

Your awesome andrea.

[@laurelstieg9375]

Chiagoo and knitters pride gingers for me..I also started knitting English and learned Norwegian knitting from Arne and Carlos...thx for great tips and tutorials..😊👍🧶❣

[@dreareneeknits]

I learned how to do the Norwegian purl from them and love it!

[@heatherr9201]

Me too... on needles and learned knitting both the same! 🧶

[@knitfirstaskquestionslater5531]

This could have been written by me! Same, same, same! Although, if I’m honest, I didn’t actually learn Norwegian knitting from A&C...I made myself learn continental and then found out that I actually do Norwegian style, as I hold my yarn up against the needle. I could never manage it holding the yarn far away. I thought I was cheating. Turns out, I was just upping my game :)

[@annettefranklin158]

Every Friday at what time? I love this

[@margaretelias1821]

I love your podcasts. I was wondering where you purchased that knitting counter. Stay safe and well.

[@dreareneeknits]

The row counter is from Cocoknit!

[@kathleenkaar6557]

I always try to have both continental and English knitting projects going so that I use the muscles differently and avoid repetetive motion injuries. I usually have a crochet project going too, for the same reason, and all with different sized needles/hooks and yarns. Knitting ergonomics 🥴

[@itsallaboutlight]

I like short tips also.

[@elizabethbooth924]

Hi from Port Elgin Ontario Canada

[@Angela-gr4vi]

I love the short tip as well. Long tips don’t work for everything

[@alexandrafradet8351]

Love knitting your sparky sweater :) for my next project I’m looking for a cardigan or maybe learning about brioche 🤔 do you think your beach cardigan would be a good choice to learn new things? :)

[@dreareneeknits]

I view every pattern as an opportunity to learn a new skill! The Winter's Beach Cardigan is great for learning how to cable without a needle, afterthought pockets, and reading knitting charts :)

[@victoriaclark1020]

This was really helpful on all the questions answered thank you! Echoing the other comment that yes way too many ads for an 18min video, some of which are unskippable, took away from the enjoyment of the video somewhat. Hopefully you won’t need to have so many ads in the future 🤞🏻

[@dreareneeknits]

I got those figured out so they don't play during the video anymore!

[@thatellen]

I adore you, Andrea, but my experience/enjoyment was marred by the annoying ads that I couldn’t ignore completely because I was multitasking. Anyhoo, I, too, love all my Chiaogoo interchangeables, & for those with nimble fingers, their new shorties are fantastic for ME for sleeves & mitts.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for the feedback! I figured out how to remove those ;)

[@ashleyribbe4518]

sometimes, i did focus the counts into while knitting is correction numbers without counts and i did keep go around without counts if i get not think straight-go-around went unequal counts, i didn't think how a word math correct myself. Is that I didn't notice a word math as amazing as use my head with picture without a word math, that is true to you before?

[@TracyOsteopath]

Thank you so much for these videos. Catching up. :) On a randomish note - what webcam or camera are you using?

[@dreareneeknits]

I'm pretty low tech over here! I just use my phone and headphones :)

[@hilaritysmailbox580]

This was very enjoyable and I learned a lot! May I ask where you got your frames for your glasses? I have been looking all over for frames that are large like yours. Thanks if you can answer.

[@dreareneeknits]

They are RayBans!

[@joannecrate1486]

I just finished the throwover, sparky and spark sock. Lol So....... decisions decisions. I’m planning a shifty for a Christmas sweater. Love your designs and the fit on me. 👏🙏🏼💕🇨🇦

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much! I am so happy you enjoy my patterns!

[@zsuzsannabeard7840]

Hi Andrea - I love your weekly Q&As! Where did you purchase the little red heart fastener, and by what product name should I search for it? Thanks!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you! The red heart is from Chiaogoo! You could even just use a rubber mat for opening jars. And I think someone else left a tip saying a wide rubber band works!

[@zsuzsannabeard7840]

@@dreareneeknits great - thanks so much!

[@pork_chop]

I get so nervous when (air) traveling with metal knitting needles. Do you put your ChiaoGoo in carry on or checked luggage? Have you ever had trouble with security?

[@dreareneeknits]

I travel quite a bit and always bring my needle case full of needles (like I show in the video) and have never had a problem carrying them on. That being said, I believe there are specific countries that will take them away. If you are in the US and flying domestically, you should be fine. I've also had no issues flying to Europe, Canada and Australia.

[@annaminman]

You talked about favorite needles in metal. I recently gauge swatched a project on metal and wood and couldn’t get gauge until I switched to bamboo. I was off by 1/2 a stitch up or down on metal in worsted weight. I didn’t want to chance the sweater the wrong size by using needles that didn’t give me gauge. How critical is getting exactly on gauge?

[@dreareneeknits]

I would use the bamboo that gave you the correct gauge! It is always best to be as close to gauge as possible to get the desired outcome.

[@robindecker681]

What do you use for a notions bag and what do you keep in it?

[@dreareneeknits]

I have lots of different notions bags, but they always contain scissors, stitch markers, row counter, waste yarn or embroidery floss, and a tape measure! (And usually chapstick and some bobby pins.)

[@juliannebaroody1043]

What is the great sweater on the dressmaker's dummy behind you in this video?

[@dreareneeknits]

It's a new sweater being released next month ;)

[@kaylaking7272]

Thank you for this! What yarn did you use for the Vellichor you’re wearing?

[@dreareneeknits]

For the MC (white) I used Biches et Buches Cashmere/wool blend and for the CC I used Spincycle Dyed in the Wool!

[@kaylaking7272]

Thanks! It’s beautiful. I think I’ll need to add this to my project list!

[@lmor3309]

Was wondering the same question, thanks for asking!!

[@melanieperron5804]

Hello Andrea! This is the 1st KAL I'm doing with you and I don't know if you always do that but I really like the little videos idea. This is fun! But just so you know, the video kinda stops abruptly in the end. It it supposed to?

[@dreareneeknits]

LOL - Yes! I am a bit low tech over here and my phone ran out of space without me knowing it! I am sure they will get smoother as I learn more ;)

[@melanieperron5804]

@@dreareneeknits No problem at all! It's just funny 😄

[@alicegonyar8631]

Can you please tell me which set of the needles you use? Are they the 4 inch, or the really short ones? Thank you!

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi! Yes - I prefer 4" tips!

[@lynncharlesworth8561]

HOw do you track your swatching?

[@dreareneeknits]

I use yarnovers or knots in the yarn tail to remind which size needle I knit the swatch with. Besides that, I just toss them in a basket or pin the current ones to my swatch board.

[@roxanezamora396]

Does anybody know where I can find those Chiagoo heart grippers. I can't find them!

[@lydiassweatt]

I just use broccoli rubber bands. The width gives plenty of grip.

[@dreareneeknits]

Hmm I got mine from Amazon and have since seen them as some local yarn stores!

[@geraldineleonardis7318]

😍😍😍✨😘

[@dreareneeknits]

Geraldine!!

[@geraldineleonardis7318]

@@dreareneeknits ♥️

[@alicehayden4118]

Newsletter link did not work, Andrea.

[@dreareneeknits]

Hmm - I just clicked it and it worked. Maybe try again?

[@jessicastuppy4554]

is the JC Bryer It's all in the size? a class or is it a book?

[@dreareneeknits]

I took the class at Stitches West about 5 years ago. I would head to their website for more info on any current offerings!

[@jessicastuppy4554]

@@dreareneeknits thank you

[@creativeblessing5775]

Hey friend andrea i want to join the knitalong i want to no which one. Of your sweater patterns are easy to knit let me no thank you.

[@dreareneeknits]

Hello! If you head to my patterns pages you will see a list at the bottom of the details called "techniques to indulge in," that include all the necessary skills used in that pattern so you can determine for yourself which feels best for your current skill set (or what you have been wanting to learn ;))!