E10. Every Stitch Counts ~ 2024 Goals, Leveling up my knitting

My name is Charlotte, and I am the maker, knitter, and individual behind "Every Stitch Counts", based out of Washington state. On this channel I primarily make knitting podcasts for my other fiber and handmade loving folks. I talk mostly about what I have finished, what I've been working on, what I plan to be working on, and any other crafty or hobby driven en-devour I find myself getting up to! Sometimes, I also make vlogs, as well as other crafty, lifestyle and hobby related content!
In this episode I do a deep dive into the knitting goals I have set for 2024. I went big and tried to plan out pretty much the entire year. We'll see how much I get through. I talk primarily about all the patterns I am planning on making, and how I will be utilizing my stash for a lot of it. I hope you like it and are getting up to lots of fiber related activities :) Until next time. Remember, every stitch counts!
MENTIONED PATTERNS
STEEKING ~
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
JAPANESE PATTERNS ~
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
NORWEGIAN SOCKS ~
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
ARAN SOCKS ~
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
STASH BUSTING ~
Cabled Cardigan
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Maurizio Sweater
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Parrenial Sweater
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Carbeth Cardigan
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Champagne Cardigan
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Tonight Top
- www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
SOCIAL MEDIA:
IG ~ @everystitch.counts
Mom's Fiber IG ~ @Kerrys_Fibers
Sister's KZbin ~ / @sanahae_

[@geecassandra]

Hey Charlotte, thanks for sharing your 2024 plans. It was motivating to see your skill-stretching projects at the same time that I've been pondering and planning my own. Regarding the Japanese patterns, check out Mel Makes Stuff! She has a few videos where she shares her experience reading and making Japanese patterns. As for the steeking, I would highly recommend whipping up a quick baby sweater as a low-stakes way to try out this technique. This really helped me get over any nervousness of cutting into a full-sized adult garment. Can't wait to see what you make!

[@StarfireReborn]

Istex Has A Few Patterns I've Seen Mentioned Here. They're The Main Creators Of 'Lopi' But Not The Only Ones. If I Steek It Won't Be Colorwork First 😂 It's Very Simple "Looking" I Can Mess Anything Up. Keep Up The Learning And Journeying 💞

[@carolynbjerk7514]

Briggs and Little has very reasonable priced wool yarn. It’s a bit rustic but is very sturdy and wears well. I order it from Maritime Fibers

[@brucemooney1277]

Good luck with your knitting endavours, Charlotte! May 2024 be a year of experimentation and discovery for u xx :)

[@everystitch.counts]

Thank you so much!

[@saramerrick3539]

Thanks for sharing your goals. It made me think of mine -- this is the year I learn brioche, make my first cardigan, and use handspun for a shawl.

[@edinacole6382]

Generally, Japanese knitting patterns don’t have many words. They use pictures which is why it’s “easy “ for non Japanese speakers to knit from.

[@bigblackdogfiberarts]

Selbu Patterns by Anne Bårdsgård for instructions to make Traditional Knee High stockings from Norway. Bonus, you have lots and lots of charts to play with for other garments, too.

[@mama_knitter]

You could totally steek a regular cardigan too, I just did it on the Eva cardigan by PetiteKnit, didn’t want to purl anymore! ❤

[@mama_knitter]

PS the Selbu Patterns book by Anne Bårdsgård has a basic pattern for stockings and socks and then a ton of colorwork charts so you can design your own.

[@jilliankonig2759]

I'm beginning to believe that if the yarn is the star, the design of the sweater needs to be streamlined. Details like cables and lace get lost in a variegated and flecked yarn. I am currently making my second Sea Glass sweater from Wool and Pine. It's a good stash buster and looks different when made be each knitter's stash.

[@amandarenshaw2940]

I feel you would like the Tydal stocks by Skeindeer knits. She is a Norwegian designer living here in the UK. She also has lovely steeled garments all with a traditional but modern Norwegian look. I love her Selbu Coat so that may be my first Steeked project. Kate Davies also has steeked patterns

[@RunWithHooksNYarn]

Crazy sock lady has some free vanilla patterns. They are for fingering and dk but if you are doing aran, you could just remove like 8 stitches from cast on and it should fit.!!!

[@RunWithHooksNYarn]

That pretty black and white speckled yarn would make a beautiful weekender or no frills sweater. ❤❤❤

[@mairead5891]

You have some fabulous ideas! I too love Lily Kate France's designs - she could be described as a knitting prodigy, I believe she published her first knitting pattern when she was nine years old! I would advise you to make sure you have more Debbie Bliss yarn than you think you need. Here in the UK her yarns are notorious for being short on yardage, as I have found to my cost. Made a baby blanket and matching accessory with Rowan wool/cotton, bought by calculating the yardage required and it was fine. Made another one using Debbie Bliss wool/cotton calculated exactly the same and ran out before I'd even finished the blanket! 😮 When I went back to buy extra the sales assistant said it was extremely common for people to come back for more with Debbie Bliss yarns.

[@sanhay4197]

While knitting a black champagne cardigan (as I don't have black basic cardigan), just bought black yarn for tonight top and purchased few japanese patterns to knit next I feel seen. 😅 I've actively tried to force my instagram to steer away from the same few patterns and found already designers I never heard of before but love.

[@lizzyp1414]

I can read the Japanese katakana for the Daruma store patterns; the first pattern you linked is simply called "Shetland Knit Vest" and the 2nd pattern that you showed in the video is "Herringbone Side Ribbon Vest"

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

You might ask Arne & Carlos for a recommendation on the Norwegian socks. Tayler of Wool Needles Hands is soon starting a KAL for people who want to design their own sweaters.

[@anitabechtel5180]

Love your knits. I live in Samammish so is fun to find a local knitter. I also love both yarn shops on Bainbridge. Dangerous stores.

[@daveterryprehara576]

Check out “Knitting Knee-Highs” by Barb Brown. Unfortunately she recently passed away. Her patterns might be in Ravelry. Love your podcast! Terry from Knutsford, BC, Canada 🇨🇦

[@janhatfield76]

Hi Charlotte! I just found you and its nice to meet you. I agree with your idea of the hype of certain patterns and designers due to podcasts and social media. I try not to get sucked into the knitting trends.

[@maureenwilliford8985]

The Carbeth cardigan says right below the name that it’s made with sport weight yarn I think, so, double check that before buying more yarn. I agree with your wanting to retrain your brain to not need to buy new without any project in mind just because there is so much eye candy out there to tempt you when your stash is at hand. I had to do the same. Somewhere along the line I began to realize that a lot of the knitting podcasts I had been faithful to had drastically changed from really being about knitting to being one giant commercial for whatever latest dyer, designer, or accessory maker was gifting them things and providing a discount code to encourage their audience to purchase and it was a hole I was allowing myself to be sucked into. I stopped immediately. Anyway, I like the way you think and, as a side note, I love the rug on the wall behind you. Looking forward to seeing your next project.😊

[@terinaobrien8245]

Hi, just subscribed to your channel, LOVED this episode and will be catching up on others. I too love Japanese patterns and have knit two of Rievive’s designs, just finished the To Draw sweater and knit the Etranger for my daughter a few years ago. Have also knit the Irene Lin cabled cardigan and love that so much that after watching am keen to knit again! Also, about to swatch for the Cloud sweater…I don’t have the patience or want to spend the time on figuring out the Japanese patterns so do look for English versions and there are quite a few now. So am inspired to at last knit either the Carbeth cardigan or jumper but also really want to make a cabled jumper. I admire your attitude to your stash, I have a ridiculous amount of wool which sometimes stresses me out and other times makes me very happy! Two of my daughters also knit and so I feel a little justified😅. Anyhow, thanks for the inspiration, looking forward to more episodes!

[@saskia_makes]

I also have steeking on my knitting goals for this year! I’m planning to make the Valldal Damekofte from Sandnes Garn. The front steek seems pretty doable to my but I’m quite intimidated by the sleeves. I’m excited for the challenge however - looking forward to how this goes for you as well!

[@tinamaher5938]

I totally agree with you on the echo chamber of knits. I like more interesting designs and I’m not afraid of purling. On the steek idea, check out the Maja cardigan. It’s worsted, scandi, and it’s free! It was my first steek project and I Loooove it. Good luck on your goals!

[@StarfireReborn]

I Have That Pattern, But The Second I Read "steek" I Was Petrified And Forced Myself To Forget It Exists. I've Been Seeing It In My Files And It's Really Calling Me. 😅

[@heatherlynnewest]

Yes! I love this. I was just thinking about this. I want “edgier” knits and less country-chic.

[@adriennerichter8971]

Hi Charlotte. For Norwegian stocking lengths you might try to contact Arne and Carlos, two Norwegian knitters on You tube, who have knitted knee length stockings for their folk costumes. They may be able to help you.

[@everystitch.counts]

Thanks for the suggestion!

[@alicelunden585]

Love this episode in every way! I live in Finland and Finnish and Japanese designs have some 'similarities' or a kind of 'common' way of design expression in general. I look forward to the next episode. 🙂😍

[@everystitch.counts]

So cool!

[@soniaboudeau2140]

Hello Charlotte, ravie de vous revoir. Très inspirant vos vidéo sur la matière et ouvrage. J'aime beaucoup votre façon de penser. Bel tricot, portez vous bien.🖐️🌹

[@connieb6161]

I absolutely LOVE every single Japanese design you shared. Looking forward to seeing what you create!

[@everystitch.counts]

Thank you so much!

[@MissElvaNa]

Really don’t make sock using none sock yarn. Even around the house they will wear out very quickly. It’s a waste of time and yarn. Make other thinks mittens of hats… there are plenty of small projects to think of🤗

[@lizzyp1414]

Also be careful with the alpaca in the cable patterns! Alpaca can be very drape-y so it doesn't necessarily give the best stitch definition for cables. Definitely swatch first.

[@everystitch.counts]

Ok thanks!

[@thegrynne]

Why not hold two different colourways of the Noro yarn together and knit the Carbeth? I think that would nice in a marled fabric, and the pattern should be easily modifiable if your gauge is slightly off.

[@user-ou4xm7wh3l]

Hi Charlotte, another great video and very inspiring. Looking outside the box is where we get some amazing fashion. Have fun on your new endeavors! Also, that beautiful merino and silk yarn would look beautiful as a hat, cowl or gloves. I would be worried that you won’t get much use out of them before they breakdown. Again, I thoroughly enjoy your videos. Looking forward to what’s next!

[@everystitch.counts]

Thank you! You too!

[@idaelbk3419]

Thanks for sharing your knitting thoughts :) I love to steek and steek everything if I can :) For er first project though, I would go for at yoke design so you don't have to steek the armholes and/or neck. Those parts can be a little finicky. I would knit a lettlopi yoke cardigan for a first steek. Happy knitting.

[@everystitch.counts]

Great tip!

[@lottaknit]

Drops have several free knee-high sock patterns also in English. I used one to get the stitch numbers and drafted my own motifs, so much fun.

[@curryg1]

Hi, can you tell me the name of the sweater you are wearing. I love it.

[@julylo755]

I want to know too!

[@everystitch.counts]

I am so sorry it’s not one I made! It is a machine made thrifted sweater I have had for a really long time!

[@karenberg4903]

This was great! Thanks for the inspiration for knitting 2024!!

[@SS_S.]

I really dislike the fit of boxy oversize tops or drop shoulders on me. That rules out most popular patterns. I'm petite and busty, and I only look good when tops fit my upper shoulders with no ease, a bit of negative ease over the bust and positive ease over the torso. Unpopular opinion: I think boxy and oversize shapes encourage lazy designs, and a lot of designers are just lucky that's the fashion right now. Give me a set-in sleeve or compound shaped raglan any day.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

Agree completely about the infectious nature of “popular” knit patterns. Gets very boring, and many aren’t too impressive to me. 🤷🏼‍♀️. Or maybe I’m a grinch! 😂😂😂. I live in La Conner, not far north of you, a great knitting area. 😊

[@StarfireReborn]

The Problem With Popular Patterns Or What I Call "Fan Knits" Is That So Many People End Up Knitting Them, The Designer Gets Maybe, Cocky? Or Greedy? Then All Their Patterns Start To Feel & Look The Same. 🤷🏽‍♀️ My Opinion.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

@@StarfireReborn that may be (give them what they want), but I suspect it’s more like there’s only so much you can do with a string and two sticks and the human form for daily life. Everything old is new again, so the differences in most designs is really small and the craft is SO popular now, there’s bound to be a lot of repetition. I guess part of the trick is the hype!! 😜

[@StarfireReborn]

When I Started Knitting There Was No Size Inclusivity. I Don't Begrudge People Desiring That Feature, But I Must Divulge An Honest, Yet Controversial Opinion. I'm Sick Of People Just Expecting A Designer To Do It Automatically.

[@tjbuttsful]

Don't forget, cables eat yarn, and garter stitch eats yarn... just saying...

[@StarfireReborn]

Too Many Patterns And Too Much Stash Yarn Gives You Analysis Paralysis... Ask Me How I Know. 😮‍💨😆