Ep. 13 The Fruitful Hands Knitting Podcast

[@TheKnittyKats]

Oh my goodness you two! I can't believe you mentioned me in your podcast.... YES!! we can be friends. You are adorable. My sister and I went to a knitting retreat at Lake Junaluska NC. We landed in Knoxville and went over those beautiful mountains. Katy.. I can't believe you made your sweater in High School. You are so fortunate your lovely mother taught you to knit. Dianna - 12 kids? I have no words. I don't know how you did it. Blessings to you both... Enjoy your Attic 24 kit. ♥ Julie of The Knitty Kats. I now need to go back and watch all your Episodes. Hooray.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Julie, thank you so much for watching and commenting. I love watching your podcasts and thank you so much for reminding me about Attic 24! Can’t wait to start on my afghan this fall those colors will definitely get me through the grey winter here in Kentucky. Your friend, Diana❤

[@the3milestitcher]

Diana, I really love your hair. I had slightly wavy hair when I was little. Then it went more or less straight, However, after I had a hysterectomy with ovary removal too, my hair started to go curly. I'm creeping up on 70 now and I've grown my hair quite long and it is very curly. I quite like it :)

[@gillmatthews5869]

You look so joyous in that pink. Such a happy and uplifting colour

[@trudydelich2920]

Once again, a so enjoyable podcast. I really like when you talk about some of the techniques that help knitters along. I am a long time crocheter, just starting up with knitting the last couple of years, and while crochet will probably always be my "first love" I like the idea of having two different ways of producing fabric with yarn because of resting muscles with different techniques. Thank you so much!

[@suemercer9859]

Lovely to see your smiling faces again. I’ve often purchased from wool warehouse as well. At times I’m able to buy things cheaper than here in Australia and certainly they have a large range of yarn that I can’t get here. A real find xox

[@cwanlin128]

Diana, I too have curly hair, and I learned to embrace it about 10 years ago when I had neck surgery and could no longer blow my hair straight. My hair is much shorter than yours, but the curls are so much easier to style! Good for you! I love your Salty Air Tee. It is on my list! I just purchased La Bien Aimee's yarn at the Flock Festival in Seattle for it. Can't wait to make it. Kaity, I can't believe you made a 16-hour venture with 2 little kids in the car!! WOW!! Your sweater is beautiful!! Quite a talent to make that in high school!! I really enjoy your mother/daughter podcast and the calmness you both provide.

[@Mystic.breeze]

That pink really suits you! 🩷🩷 the colour.

[@crittermomof2]

I love ordering from The Wool Warehouse! I'm always happy with what I get from there. I just ordered a bunch for my grandson's Christmas gift -a crocheted Noah's ark.

[@bethhoskins3737]

Diana, your hair is beautiful!

[@catardif4158]

Thank you for another lovely podcast. - My tip for swatching - I knit one long swatch with eyelets for all the needle sizes I try - and I don’t cut the yarn. I then knit the garment with all the other balls I have - keeping the swatch ball for last. Then I start to knit from the other end of that swatch ball. If I need the yarn from the swatch after all, I’ll unravel, skein it, wash it, let it dry, and finally knit with the now re-smoothed yarn. Works for me! 🎉

[@thefruitfulhands]

Brilliant!!!❤~Diana

[@elizabethryan9633]

Thank You for another fantastic video! I live in Ontario, Canada and have been ordering from Wool Warehouse for a few years now. They always have Drops yarns on sale including Belle for all the Tolstas. I really enjoy your spending time with you working on my Felix cardigan

[@sabinebauerle7655]

The pink looks awesome , really suits you.

[@madlyngay9764]

Just an FYI……..Sun Dragon Tips and Tricks in Brevard, NC has a podcast with great tutorials for the Ranunculus. Rebecca who owns the shop explains everything from choosing yarn, knitting the collar, etc. all the way through to the bind off. I’ve knitted 9 Ranunculi, and always still always refer to her tutorials. Love your podcasts. I live in Florida, but I’m originally from Ashland, Kentucky, and went to Eastern Kentucky University back in the late 60’s! Talk about “older than dirt”! 😂

[@bek-bek-bek-bek]

You both look so fresh and cheery today, thankyou for your presence (presents!!) ❤ Kaity for the ankers, you could, if you have two needles circulars for the sleeves knit on them at the same time from each end of the ball. That way you can make sure you get to the same spot on each sleeve. it isn't as messy as it sounds. re blankets - Have you considered putting all your knit swatches together and patching them in your Grannie's whipstitch style together? Would be a great memory blanket too of all the different projects made! Diana I hope you are able to successfully (😅) refocus that energy of starting to feel better and wanting to do All The Things into your knitting and creating those precious christmas knits for your grandies. Slow and steady does it. I know it is hard, you'll heal faster and better if you allow yourself to rest. You can do it! Love that your family is involved in the show, and supporting you all, no doubt just as you have supported and encouraged them.. What is that saying about 'reaping what you sow?' Take good care, and REST. Without guilt!!

[@hollysweany4234]

Thanks for your podcasts. I enjoy them so much. Right now I’m finishing the last sock for my sister’s Christmas. I made her a box of socks. Have 12 pair so far 🧶❤️

[@thefruitfulhands]

What a great sister you are and you must have a wonderful sister so deserving of such a lovely gift. I’m hoping my sister doesn’t see this, she’ll think I’m a slacker! ❤Diana

[@marcybrown691]

I am older than dirt and I remember Minnie Purl. lol ❤️

[@kimplumer2122]

Your sweaters are beautiful! On your Ranunculus area without the holes, you could take a piece of yarn and needle, from the back loop one stitch and pull it open to create a hole.

[@bek-bek-bek-bek]

I thought the same thing!

[@thefruitfulhands]

I will definitely give it a try!! Thank you for the wonderful idea!❤~Diana

[@frunzid1]

Great episode ladies! I just used that Stylecraft DK for the first time a few months ago. I got mine from Love Crafts - 24 skeins for $60 including shipping! I made 6 baby sets (jacket, hat, blanket) for a local charity event. The yarn was just fine to work with - I had absolutely no problem with it all. I'm sure you will like it and the blanket will be beautiful! I hope you are well on your way to a speedy recovery Diana!!

[@abigailmorrison5946]

Thanks for showing the Elwood- I needed a baby sweater idea for my 3rd child that’s coming in January! Love the shawl collar

[@dianewilliams2450]

I love Stylecraft yarns! I am working with the Batik and also the heathered dk. Both are lovely. Wool warehouse is fabulous. Less than a week to Virginia. Really enjoy your podcast.

[@dianaballard154]

Thank you ladies for another awesome podcast! I also have natural curls, but have usually worn it short. I decided to grow it out and embrace the curls…experimenting with styling! Yours looks really good! Your projects are lovely. I too am one who has not knit a ranunculus, but would be interested in knitting one.

[@serenityinstitches8236]

What a great way to remember which needle size you used for your swatches…adding in the # of yarn overs that corresponds to the needle size! I don’t know how many swatches I’ve made & had to reknit because I forgot which needle size I used. Thanks for sharing! 😊 Christina Portland, OR

[@cyndylee544]

One more comment to add....when you were talking about casting on over two needles held together for the neck of your sweater....that is something I have done when making socks for myself. I have thick ankles in general and now that I'm older I have some swelling, so I began doing that when casting on for my socks (the cuff) and then knitting with the size needle I'm actually going to use for the sock and you really can't tell. It works great for me. I'll also keep that in mind for working other areas like the neck where you want a looser/stretchier cast on. Good tip!

[@thefruitfulhands]

I will definitely keep this in mind for my socks as well! ❤~Diana

[@Proudmom9091]

I love the color choices for your salty t

[@cyndylee544]

I am also working on the Salty Air tee, but not done yet. I can't wait to wear mine as well. Your's is a very lovely pink and looks great!

[@jofrench2674]

Oooh YES. Wool warehouse and Lucy of Attic24. A great combination. Stylecraft yarns are very affordable in the UK and Woolwarehouse has great reputation for overseas delivery (and in the UK). 😁 Lucy often does a crochet along each year of her latest blanket and Woolwarehouse put up the colour packs.

[@agillsfo]

OHMYGOSH!! I saw her podcast also and immediately ordered the urn for the Sunny Log Cabin Blanket! I live in NorthernVirginia and my big bag came here in 3 DAYS!! So…I’ve started it already! Good luck with yours-you and I are doing the exact same blanket!! Keep in touch! Hugs to you and yours-Angela Gill ❤

[@agillsfo]

I’m also making the Tessellated vest but can’t stop with the crochet-and I have never even liked crochet! But this is addictive! Angela

[@thefruitfulhands]

I can not wait to start my blanket! I need to get a few things off my needles first. Great minds! ❤~Diana

[@larajean1]

Great episode! When you said you made it in high school...I was thinking... 3 years ago? Ha! You look so young to me.

[@brendastewart4384]

Love this episode! I’m working on a Salty Air Tee in Linen Quill the color Rosewood. I bought it on sale and it is definitely an economically great knit. It is just taking me so long because of the fingering weight. It is hard for me to work for any amount of time on it because it hurts my hands. It is a lovely yarn and the pattern is very well written and accessible. I am determined ❤to finish it!

[@thefruitfulhands]

You’ve got this, sister! Slow and steady wins the race!❤Diana

[@findingthejoyalways]

Love your podcast ladies … I’m also recovering from a day surgery too so I’m Knitting and having a cuppa with you both 😊

[@thefruitfulhands]

I hope your recovery is going well. ❤Diana

[@findingthejoyalways]

@@thefruitfulhands I have had a little bump in the road also but praising Gods mighty hands for a wonderful result 💕💕💕💕

[@ruthlovestoknitpodcast]

So glad I came across you ladies. Really enjoyed knitting with you. You have got me excited to do a premiere for my podcast too. New subscriber x

[@alovelyyarn]

Oh my gosh! You bought an afghan kit too! Lol. I love your curly hair, Diana! Also, a knitting get-together would be so fun! Someone just recently mentioned The Knitting Kats (is that the name? I know it's something like that) to me on one of my episodes. I'll have to check that one out.

[@thefruitfulhands]

I did!! I can’t wait to start my afghan trying to wait until the cool weather of fall and winter kicks in before I start it. I’m really trying to embrace my curls hopefully the cooler weather helps with the fluff factor. I would love to have a knitting get-together in the future. The Knitty Kats is the podcast that I mentioned in this podcast, Julie’s a jewel. ❤Diana

[@Tricia123B]

Summer knitting TIP: much like a Bowler or Gymnast I use Talcum on my hand so help yarn not stick to me. I also saw this be used in Knitting competitions 😊 ☀️ 🧦

[@uldall19]

Hej from Denmark. Japanese Short rows, is also a nice way to do it.

[@erinred5295]

I have been pleased with Stylecraft yarns for three afghans and several easy care baby sweaters over the last five years. It washes well and remains soft.😊

[@PamKnitsToo]

I watched The Knitty Kats and Julie is just terrific. I ordered the Dahlia Blanket and just started it. The WoolWarehouse and Attic 24 are wonderful ❤. Love you two ladies and I can’t believe your mother and daughter. You’re so great together ❤

[@kimcarter9227]

Diana, your natural curls are beautiful and your hair looks great! I noticed it right away. Glad you are recovering, best wishes.

[@carolchilders2028]

I just want to knit too!!! 😊

[@labraknit]

Great episode again. Love your bright pink sweater and curly hair. Continue to heal - it’s so hard for those who are used to doing so much. I never hesitate to tell someone “I made that” :)

[@graceyj7996]

Another great episode and Diana I love your hair! All the WIPs are amazing and thank you for sharing 😊

[@kimplumer2122]

Wool Warehouse has all the Drops yarns and they have sales, shipping is not bad at all. And they send it in the beautiful organza bag.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Good to know!❤~Diana

[@stephaniebenson2501]

The curls and the pink sweater are both awesome. You both are looking beautiful.

[@BarbaraColes-fw5mz]

Another lovely episode. Thank you for spreading knitting joy around the world 😀

[@maryannlasky6522]

Thank so much for another wonderful podcast! Love your content!, 🌺💕🌺💕

[@klaskelangford8324]

Your sweaters are beautiful! The pink is stunning. I have ordered from them three times now and have not been disappointed in their yarn. I have ordered sweater quantities and sock yarn: find they have great sales. I'm in Canada and have never had to pay duties on it. They are super fast: love their yarn!

[@MrsBEHorne]

How lovely to watch your fab episode while I work an Italian Bind Off. It looks good but it’s a slog! You’ll enjoy crocheting with Stylecraft Special. I only use that for my blankets. It goes a long way and the colours stay bright. Wool Warehouse is the best for yarns of all kind, it’s my go to online store. May God bless the work of our hands, ladies ❣️

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments. I can not wait to begin my blanket with the Stylecraft Special yarn it feels so good in my hand. I think Wool Warehouse and I are going to become good friends. 😂 Blessings on your day, ❤~Diana

[@thebooknitter]

Your curls Diana are lovely 😍 I do admire how many proyects you have finished so far I do love the choice of color for the Anker tee mini

[@mynorthknitcorner]

Thank you both for a wonderful episode! Always a joy to knit together with you! Blessings from Norway💖

[@PeaceLoveHarmoknit]

Love this episode! How cool is it to find something you knit in High school, fun!

[@anne-mareehern]

Thank you girls, for another lovely podcast, so very enjoyable and heart warming.

[@AHandKnitLetter]

I always love knitting with you ladies!❤

[@ruthannbull6515]

Love this podcast. The sweaters are so sweet! A KAL sounds wonderful.

[@pattihensley1159]

Would love to do a KAL., so fun! Love that pink on your sweater Diana!

[@louannyoung8434]

Radial by Nell Knits would be a great beginner tee. It has a gauge of 20 stitches on DK weight yarn. The pattern is so well-written and comes together well.

[@CeeCeeCrafts]

Thank you for another fun podcast. I would definitely join a knit a long. I wish is had friends or a friend who knits/sews. Sadly, today many are not taught the joys of making items with your hands.

[@sandracroley9784]

Hello from Canada 🇨🇦 😊. I'm 62, and all my life have had thick wavy hair...found out about 5yrs ago that if I do things a bit differently I have very curly hair! Wish I'd known this 40yrs ago! I have some pink Linen Quill tucked away somewhere...I think ill use it for a Salty Air tee 😊

[@thefruitfulhands]

It’s crazy what a little product will do for your curls. I never knew!! Pink linen quill will speak joy to your day friend, cast it on! ❤~Diana

[@magpie195]

Hi ladies, another interesting podcast to enjoy- thankyou! I like the idea of a Ranunculus KAL, I see so many of them on the podcasts and am amazed at how different they all look no matter how many someone has made - all very unique. I am yet to dive in but am very tempted. Beautiful colours of Stylecraft SSD you have brought Diane and I am sure you will enjoy making a precious blanket with it - until recently I mostly crocheted and have made a lot of blankets from this yarn and it makes up beautifully and washes well and also very easy to wash. Luckily I can buy it in Australia but have also brought from Wool Warehouse because they are very quick and cheap with postage and I’m afraid Australia Post can be very slow!! I use up all my scraps in Jelly roll blankets - pattern by Kay F Jones ( in Ravelry) so I love the yarn in crochet but it is also great to knit with. Take care - Kathie🌸

[@thefruitfulhands]

Good to know Magpie! Thank you, ❤~Diana

[@labethbrewer]

Spending my friday night watching y'all!! Diana-your hair looks so pretty! I've got sooo many curls but in the summer here in the Maritimes, I just end up wearing it up because it just poofs!! I'm interested in those tips you got!

[@amywilliams7010]

I have done both and love each for different reasons.

[@judycarlsonlayton8458]

Hello from Montreal Canada

[@thefruitfulhands]

Hi Judy!! ❤~Diana

[@deborahperry2303]

Another lovely podcast!

[@traceywojcicki8207]

Love your salty air tee, it is on my list.

[@Woldenburn]

I love the idea of a Ranunculus knitalong in September or October! I've been wanting to make one after seeing all of Amber's beautiful versions. I've had Andrea Mowry's LYS cardigan pattern in my library for ages. I'd love to knit it at some point. I actually just need to knit more cardigans in general. I wear my thrifted cardigans constantly in the colder months and it would be so nice to have some handknit ones to wear instead.

[@alip.9740]

That's funny I've done the same thing, not wear much of my knitted things early on. But I live in Texas so it's uncommon to wear knits even in winter. So I felt awkward being the odd one out. Now everybody knows I knit, (and spin) and I've taught or tried to teach a lot from church to knit. It's become a thing I'm known for 😄. One friend stuck with it so that was an answer to prayer!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Sounds like you hang out with some wonderful people!!❤~Diana

[@lanaparker293]

I think the anker tee is also good for a beginner sweater knitter. It was for me! I’m working on the second one…….Christmas gift for someone? Probably!

[@carolroy5435]

Your hair looks great Diana!!

[@TheSablelou]

Haven’t even had a chance to finish your latest podcast but wanted to tell you I am casting on my first Christmas knit and it is the beautiful Cable and Rib Wrap thanks to you! Where has the time gone! I’ve had this sitting since your first podcast!

[@thefruitfulhands]

So excited for your Cable and Rib Wrap!!! I hope you love itT❤Diana

[@sharonb.fowler4284]

Hi, Hello from SC, your podcast is just wonderful!!! I would be interested in a kal with the Ranunculus/Love Note. Take Care!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you Rachel! ❤~Diana

[@kymdelmar9304]

Re live chat - you have to use the KZbin app to have the live chat bar show up

[@thefruitfulhands]

Good to know!! You guys teach us so much. Thank you! ❤~Diana

[@una3766]

Thank you both for another lovely podcast. Can I please ask the colours Diana is using in Rios for the child cardigan? The grey colour with the brown speckles (is that Rios too?). It is a perfect match with the brown ribbing colour. ❤🧶❤🧶Edit: Sorry, I just realized you gave the name of the other yarn on the last podcast. So it's Mad Tosh dk in the colour No Farewell and the contrast colour is Malabrigo Rios in the colour Glitter. Love it!❤🧶❤🧶

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yes, Una those are the colors in my Elliot sweater. They are really lovely together. ❤~Diana

[@lynnmcentire4014]

Yes Debbie Bliss does have silk yarn

[@carolroy5435]

Hi Ladies 👋 Carol from Medicine Hat 🇨🇦

[@thefruitfulhands]

Hey Carol!❤~Diana

[@debweiss470]

I agree Tolsta Tee is a great beginner project! Also TinCan Knits has a new free app with 9 free patterns for beginner knitters and beyond-worth checking out! I want to do the Ranunculus KAL if you decide to go for it. Diana, what size needles did you use for your latest? I can’t figure out how to swatch for it-the fabric seems so different than any “normal “ sweater. I want to use fingering weight yarn. Any recommendations are absolutely appreciated! (KnittyKats name is Linda-she finally remembered to tell us in Episode 3.)

[@monica4705]

Such beautiful knitting AND beautiful knitters! Kaitlyn, I think you will have plenty to finish with your 93 grams, because if a man's pair of socks can be knit in. just under 100 grams, I think your daughter's little arm's are shorter than the length of a man's sock, right? And definitely smaller circumference. That's just my pea-brained way of thinking about it.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Monica, excellent deduction! I’m with you and your pea-brain. 😂❤~Diana

[@una3766]

would also love to join a Ranunculus / Love Note kal in the future. And I hope I am available for the next premiere. How do I know if one is coming up? Is it an Instagram announcement? Thanks and best wishes, Una 😊😊

[@thefruitfulhands]

Una, Kaity usually puts a notice up on Instagram and also if you are a KZbin subscriber she puts the podcast up as a premiere and then it will show on KZbin as coming up in the future, at whatever time it is set to premiere. I hope that makes sense. ❤~Diana

[@susanhess937]

Another great podcast! Do you have opinions on super wash vs. Non super wash on your sweaters? I wish I had your curls.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, Susan! I really love a woolly wool (non super wash) but I have definitely come to understand that a super wash has a place in my wheelhouse because, reality. Some things need to be more durable and not have to be handled with the same care a non super wash does so I have learned to embrace the super wash. I sweaters for some of my children and grandchildren I definitely use super wash.❤~Diana

[@alip.9740]

Could you talk through how to be a test knitter?

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yes, I’ll try here but hopefully remember to talk about it on the next episode. I follow all the designers I like on Instagram and that’s where I found the testing call for the Manhattan Vest that I am currently testing. I filled out a form and submitted it then the designer selected testers from our applications and the sizes they we were interested in testing. The designer sent me an email and and the rest is history. 😂 ❤~Diana

[@loriflaglor5686]

I have the same frustrations with swatching! I sincerely try but the swatch never matches the garment and different sized needles have the same gauge. What’s with that?! I have only recently made one Lovenote and no Ranunculuses. I’min for a KAL!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Seriously Lori! I have no idea what is up with that. Hopefully someone on here will have some insist as to why my/our yarn has a mind of it’s OWN!😂❤~Diana

[@lanaparker293]

I’m older than dirt!

[@kimcarter9227]

Where in Virginia did you visit Katie? I love about 45 minutes east of Richmond.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Kaity and her family were in Richmond, VA visiting great-grandparents. ❤Diana

[@kimcarter9227]

@@thefruitfulhands next time she visits, there is a wonderful yarn shop called Dances with Wool just on the outskirts of Richmond in Midlothian. Debbie, the owner is super nice and the shop is just lovely and full of yarnie goodness ❤️

[@netty062]

I want to make that 09 Shrug by Debbie Bliss, but the pattern is no longer available, so if you have the magazine Fall/Winter 2008 I would love to buy it from you.

[@vickistanton9078]

I just checked and it is available on Ravelry for $6!! I have added it to my queue. Good luck and happy knitting.

[@thefruitfulhands]

You all are the best! Thanks Vicki! ❤~Diana

[@lanaparker293]

Was that the Wellman’s in Louisa?

[@thefruitfulhands]

YES!!! I loved that store so much. When I was back home last year I went in Wellman’s and it still smells the same!!!❤️

[@lanaparker293]

Isnt it wonderful to go home?@@thefruitfulhands

[@Golden.5555]

And Hee Haw

[@elisemenz9387]

I know who mInnie Pearl is!!!! 46 yo 🎉😂 dirt