Ep 46: Oslo Hat, Grayson, Engi, Alpine Bloom, Anker Tee, Field Sweater - Mostly Knitting Podcast

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

Have a wonderful trip to Japan and make memories. The new cast on looks great. The Alpine Sweater colours aŕe very nice. Knit the second sleeve of the Field Sweater finished on the plane. The hats are are so well knitted. Take care ❤😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Rosemary. Japan was wonderful - great memories. :)

[@ajanetreiber5773]

You are quite right about accidentally knitting in reverse!. I had almost finished a long cardigan when I spotted a little hole in the front quite a long way back. Couldn't figure it out at first and then I realized I had put down my knitting mid row, but then reversed direction when I picked it up. That made a difference of two rows on one side. However, I was using Tilde yarn from Hillesvag which is woolly and hairy and I decided it really didn't show so I didn't pull back many many inches. But I won't make that mistake again!

[@mostlyknitting]

It is so easy to do! I am glad it was workable for you and you didnt rip back. :)

[@aprilhigham5917]

I love, love, love the colors you have chosen for your Alpine Bloom sweater!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much April. :)

[@alisonreeves7414]

I did the half and half wrap. In fact I’ve done two, one in Malabrigo and the second one in Purl Soho linen quill, kettle black and dark denim. The linen quill was definitely the nicer wrap. Much more robust, though still drapey enough. It was beautiful and a present for my friend last Christmas. A very relaxing project to knit.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you for the info on your Half and Half Wraps. I am looking forward to starting mine. :)

[@gailfirenze4760]

Have a wonderful time in Japan. It’s one place I would love to visit. You’re in the air as I’m watching your latest KZbin. Christmas blessings also Tash. Thank you for all your wonderful clips. I wish I was as clever as you with my knitting 🧶,however I’m learning slowly. Blessings and journeying mercies, Gail 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Gail. Learning is a journey and I continue to make mistakes along the way - even for things I have already learned - and then forgotten again. ;) Christmas blessings to you too. Xx

[@Macasmum]

Enjoy your trip. Lovely knits and I really appreciate your tutorials and tips. Your yarn math is a real help ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Susan. :)

[@carolbyrne3241]

I just love your alpine bloom, it’s stunning and your field sweater looks amazing. The colours for the stripe sweater are so lovely and I think they will look great together ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Carol. X

[@joanne5263]

I look forward to Thursdays for your podcast each week. Your Alpine Bloom and Field sweater are stunning and I think your color choices for the Stripe Hype sweater are lovely. Safe travels to you and the family, and I hope your knit shopping is fruitful. Enjoy every moment.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@maryannbergeron9531]

I am looking forward to starting the Alpine Bloom and definitely appreciate the tutorial you created. Your work is beautiful. I love your Field Sweater and totally agree that I will be making a second one. Enjoy your trip to Japan ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Maryann. :)

[@maryannbergeron9531]

@@mostlyknitting I just purchased my yarn for my second Field Sweater. You are such an inspiration to me. ❤️

[@hawthorngrove3629]

Oh wow, to see Foo Fighters live would be amazing. Michelle from Tassie

[@mostlyknitting]

Hope so - we are in a line to get in now. Crazy busy here but at least I have a seat. :)

[@bluejay5531]

Love your hats! the red one is a fabulous color on you!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Barbara. :)

[@melissalampman7214]

I like the yellow, and the burgundy together😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much :)

[@elaineclyde7485]

Love love love your podcast. Very inspirational.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@sydssong]

Great colors for the Stripe Hype!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. I might tone down the pink a little but otherwise happy with the colours. :)

[@susiesparkesactor]

Wow your Field sweater is gorgeous, Tash! I am in awe of your knitted dresses, they are beautiful. Hope you have a fabulous trip!!! 😃

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Susie. :)

[@constancemcconnell2128]

Tash, you look gorgeous in your Field sweater and it will be lovely to finish that 2nd sleeve and have it to keep you warm in Japan. And, your Alpine Bloom is beautiful too; I love it. I think that caramel yarn is terrific with the deep magenta for your stripes....fun to have all those colors in your stash. You seem so buoyant and bubbly today....have a fantastic trip to Japan!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Constance. 😀

[@MoonlightYarnCompany]

Love your color choices for stripe hype and also love that it’s a stash busting yarn selection! Win win!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. 😊

[@melissalampman7214]

The Camilla Vad sweater, looks so good on you the colour suits you! It will be perfect for 🇯🇵. I am happy you are sharing about the hats, I have the Oso hat pattern, I need to make my boys new hats, and they don’t like them too big, so I think I might cast on 112 for them. Or I might do the purl soho rib hat, as they don’t like a big rim. Have a great trip to Japan, I hope you treat yourself to some Noro yarn, and other Japanese yarn while you are there, all the best,Melissa from B.C., Canada

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Melissa. I recommend a 1x1 rib if your boys want fitted hats. It will stretch as much as needed but isn’t overly large. :)

[@tacistudio]

I hope you have a great trip and fun Christmas holiday with your family. Merry Christmas Tash. 🎄🎅🏼💖

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Taci! You too! 😀

[@bozicaviotti3594]

Hello! I wonder if you can make a video how to knit with multi-color knitting?? Your videos are as educational and good as you make them!❤️❤️❤️ Thanks for another very good episode. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! 🎄 Greetings from Sweden

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi there. Thanks so much. I can definitely do a video on how i knit with two colours in Fair Isle Knitting. I have done some videos on catching floats in Fair Isle but nothing on just how i knit colorwork. Thank you for the suggestion. :)

[@thosetwinswhoknit]

Hi from Rachel! I love your Olso hat!! The bright color and length of it are both so beautiful! It was nice hearing you shortened it a bit too, I did on mine and found it to be a lot better of a length than the pattern suggested.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Rachel. I’m pleased to hear you redid yours to get to a length that you were happy with. I look forward to seeing it on your next podcast. :)

[@Ruby-wise]

Thank you for beautiful inspiration! I’m just getting my courage up to knit my first Mussleburgh hat..😬

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Ruby. You can do it! :)

[@anneallen9947]

Yes! Those colours look fabulous for the stripey sweater ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you!! 😊

[@mariamclauchlan8180]

My husband and daughter are off to the foo fighters tonight! It will be so interesting to her all about your trip as I’m hoping to visit my son (in Osaka) in February. Thanks for all you tips and tricks. Safe travels 🧡

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Maria. I hope they had a good time at the Foo Fighters. Trip to Japan going well. :)

[@sammy1269]

Love your Alpine Bloom jumper, the colour suits you really well! I think the colours you've chosen for the stripe sweater look good, also it's so satisfying to use yarn from the stash. Hope you have a lovely time in Japan and find some yarn there too

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Sammy. :)

[@AnnieM-54]

Hi Tash, I Enjoyed your podcast as always. I think you have a great eye for colour. I especially love the two that you are using for Alpine Bloom. I think the navy looks fabulous next to your skin. As for the stripes I like them all except perhaps the geranium which seems a bit strong to me? It looks like I’m the only one who thinks so. Have a wonderful time in Japan.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Annie. I do have some light pinks that might work better. :)

[@ericacatlett8412]

For the stripe sweater... I really love that you are stash diving. And 1991! I am amazed you have enough yarn for a sweater! I do not love the red with the burgundy and pink... I feel like it is very flowy with the yellow and blue and pink and green and then bam red. Is there a secondary option for the red? If you do use it, I think it will flow based on the pattern. But it wasn't my favorite. I truly enjoy your podcast. Thank you for being you!❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Erica. I am definitely still mulling over my colors for the Stripe Hype. I like a lot of them but the whole combo isnt quite working for me. I will definitely use a lot of stash but i dont mind if i have to buy one color for it to work harmoniously. Thanks for your lovely comments. :)

[@marilys3549]

The red looks sour with the other colors but that could be the camera or my phone. Really like the alpine sweater, like the ribbing better than the pattern for the neckline. ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Yeah, it’s a funny one. I am not a huge fan of the lace trimming. Thanks for the feedback on the colours. I think I am going to switch out the pink as it is fighting a bit with the red. :)

[@casuarinagirl8067]

Fab as always Tash. Woohoo you’re on holidays 🎉 have a wonderful adventure and happy knitting 🥰

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Karen. :)

[@dostopitnow]

I love your sweater dresses. I have thought many times about doing this with sweater patterns.

[@mostlyknitting]

I recommend it. They are rhetorical most comfortable outfits. :)

[@michelleann4259]

WOW patons totem! That’s a blast from the past lol. I have a jumper my mum made me when I was in my 20s (I am 60 now) ok so it’s a little tight but she has been gone for many years and I just cannot give it away! I have many jumpers she made for me and quite a few she made for my daughter when she was little (she’s 28 now) I store those in a zippered bag with a bar of soap. Maybe one day she will pass them on to her children. Love the dress. Do you know how hard it is to find a sweater dress here in Canada? My daughter wanted one. Finally found one on line but not great quality. And hats…I saw one today for 28 dollars and now add another 8 bucks or so in tax. Really, it’s nothing special. Home made is so much better and certainly lasts longer. Have a great holiday!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Michelle. You are right, commercial knits just aren’t the same quality as the ones we can make with beautiful yarn. :)

[@dmiller8089]

Hi Tesh, love watching your podcasts as they are so informative and inspiring. I would Love to see you do a tutorial about short row shaping. I have no idea how to go about it…especially when the pattern doesn’t have any. Thanks for all the help you provide and the beautifully knitted garments. D. Miller

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. I am happy to do one where I add short row shaping if there isn’t any. :)

[@dmiller8089]

@@mostlyknitting Tesh thank you for replying so quickly, I appreciate it. i’m trying to figure out bobbles on the snow wonder pattern. I thought I was a pretty decent knitter, but I am struggling with that and the Judy‘s magic cast on. I usually don’t comment on podcasts but I really do enjoy yours and I know you help out so much with your tutorials. I hope you enjoy your trip! Merry Christmas in advance.

[@meliabellaknits6835]

Have a lovely trip! I’ve seen a lot of folks using single strands so sparkle held double recently for hats! Grocery Girls and Chelsea Yarns have been as well.

[@mostlyknitting]

Great idea!! Thanks for the tip. I hope I can get to avril but not sure there will be time…

[@KnotablueKnits]

Have a fantastic trip!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Allyson. :)

[@BrendaBeckett-ob8wf]

I think your colors.will look great for the stripe hype sweater. When I made my salty air tee, the yoke was getting kind of long so I omitted one of the lace repeats. I think it would make a wonderful dress. Have a great trip - I’ve always wanted to go to Japan.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much for the information on the Salty Air Tee. That is really helpful to know ahead of time. :)

[@anneallen9947]

Thanks Brenda. Good to know about that. I have just started the lace section today so will bear that in mind

[@sonyabarnes7098]

Your Field Sweater is so elegant and the colour looks amazing on you. Also, the colours for Alpine Bloom are totally gorgeous together. I wonder if the pink in the stripe top might clash with the red when your arms are down, maybe it looks more different in real life. I spotted the Mountain Everlasting Sweater pattern by Littletheorem which I thought might be fun with leftover mohair. I'm really enjoying your videos, have a great holiday ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. Thanks for the suggestion to have the pink and the red near each other and see if they clash. I will definitely check that before starting. :)

[@olgoatlady3233]

You are one of my favorite knitting podcasts All your FO's are lovely and I appreciate your insight and advise : ) For the yarn choices for the Stripe Hype, did you take notice that Veronika chose lighter hues for her sleeves? It seem to tones the sweater down a bit and adds interest. . . .and the sleeve and body stripes aren't completing with each other. . . probably doesn't matter with smaller stripes but these larger stripes?. . .

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for your lovely, kind comments. That is a good point about the sleeve colours. My blue is pretty light but my pink maybe a bit bright. I will have a look at other pinks i have in my stash. Thank you so much for the feedback. :)

[@shelleycollett322]

Love all of your projects especially the Field sweater. Stunning colour on you. Undecided what my next big project is after Calypso. Too many choices…Palate cleanser baby knitting for my niece at present. Warming up here in NZ. Have a fabulous trip!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! Enjoy your baby knitting. :)

[@hildaandrews8150]

I’m still thinking about colours for my Stripe Hype, having nothing in stash to choose from. Your stash colours will make a lovey sweater. Thank you again for the tip on making short rows between the rib sections of the Anker. I changed it a bit by doing M1 instead of yo and I did the short rows in rib so I don’t have extra sockinette between the rib sections. Now I have a long wait until I can wear it in Southern Ontario 🇨🇦. Have a great time in Japan!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. Great idea doing the short rows in the rib. :)

[@SwamiMommy]

A lot of people I follow have said the Oslo hat was too big and they would make it smaller next time

[@mostlyknitting]

I think i felt that right away at 112 sts and after a few rows, ripped it out and restarted on 104. When i make the mohair one with smaller needles, i am expecting my gauge to be a bit tighter so i will try 112 sts with that one and see how i go. :)

[@gaematthews3757]

I love your field sweater and the colour you chose. I would like to knit it but worried I would struggle with the grains part of the pattern. Have a great time in Japan.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! Have you seen my video on the grains. It is fiddly but not that hard to do. :)

[@gaematthews3757]

I found it after I posted my comment, thank you, I'm thinking about it and wondering if I'm up for the challenge! @@mostlyknitting

[@LidijasOriginals]

Hi 👋 your knitting is really lovely. Hello 👋 from Toronto, Canada. I noticed you talk about blocking a sweater that you are still knitting. How do you block your knits? Would you do a video for us? I have never heard of blocking a work partially and am not sure how that works. Thank you, and enjoy Japan 🇯🇵

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Lidija. I can definitely do a video on blocking mid-project. I do it all the time (full wet-block) so next time i do, i will do a video on it for sure. :)

[@vivianpowell1732]

Since you love knitting hats, I'll mention a great, classic hat pattern for you to consider. It's the Soft & Cushy Hat, a free pattern designed by Jake Canton and featured by Purl Soho on their website. It's basically a (Knit 1, Purl 1) ribbing pattern, but one where you (Knit one below, Purl 1) on every other row. The resulting fabric is thick and cushy, and very comfortable. The pattern calls for worsted weight yarn and a US Size 8 needle. The photos show the hat knitted in a solid color, but I knitted several inches in a contrast color at the beginning, so that the turned-up cuff is a different color from the body of the hat. The Soft & Cushy Hat is now my favorite basic hat pattern to knit.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for the suggestion Vivian. I have looked it up and it looks great. I have put it in my favorites and keen to give it a try. :)

[@vivianpowell1732]

@@mostlyknitting I think you will enjoy both the process as well as the product for the Soft & Cushy Hat, as I have. If you decide to knit a two-color version, with one color being for a turned-up cuff, note that I knitted 3.75 inches in the cuff color before joining the main color for the rest of the hat. I made the Adult Small size. Thank you for replying.

[@alisonreeves7414]

Hi Tash - when you say you are blocking mid projects, are you steam blocking or dunking the whole thing in water and pinning out? I’m knitting a hat and have no idea how the yarn reacts to washing as I didn’t swatch first (Musselburgh). I’m also going to change colour as I’m worried the one skein won’t be enough and that’s all I have (if I block that may change my mind if it grows). I’m also wanting the same colour brim as the hat so I’m guessing I change to the second colour for 3inches (brim) then back to first colour (3 inches for brim) then back to second colour (body) to end? My brain hasn’t been computing this hat at all 😮. Great video this week, you’ve quickly become one of my favourites. X

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Alison, sorry it has taken me so long to reply. I wet block things completely when they are on the needles, the same way i would as when washing the finished item. I figure it is going to be washed by hand eventually so may as well give it the same treatment so i know how it will behave in the end. With the Musselburgh, because one half is placed entirely inside the other, you could pretty much use any yarn that isnt crazy different at the very end of the hat. This will be at the tip of hat on the inside and wont be seen at all, not on the brim or anywhere. The hat wont be reversible but it sounds like that isnt a look you are going for anyway. I hope that helps. I'll mention it on the next podcast and show what I mean with one of my Musselburgh hats. :)

[@Fran-yh8vy]

Hi, I was just wondering if you ever heard back from the designer of the Grayson hat in regard to the decreases at the crown and if not how did you do the decreases. I was thinking of buying the pattern, I was looking for a 1 x 1 ribbed hat on large needles. I really like yours and like the yarn you used, thank you.

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Fran. I never did hear back. This seems to be a theme which is a bit of a shame. But good to know in advance. To be honest, i couldnt really recommend the pattern. It is a lot of money for not very much, in my opinion.

[@Fran-yh8vy]

ok, thank you for your reply.I like your choice of yarn, i will just get that yarn and attempt to just do my own 1x1 rib hat and choose a decrease at the crown from another pattern. Thank you and love your youtube channel and appreciate the in depth reviews of all your patterns and yarn and honesty.@@mostlyknitting

[@anneallen9947]

I'm starting Salty Air Tee today while watching your video. Thanks for another enjoyable episode. A question about your tubular cast off. Do you do a sewn bind off on the final round or the several row bind off?

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks Anne. I do two rows of double knitting, then separate the knit sts onto one needle and the purl sts onto another needle and graft. I use techknitters blog - the link is in the Description box. I love it - i think it works really well. :)

[@anneallen9947]

@@mostlyknitting thanks Tash. Will have to try it out sometime. It looks lovely on your sweater

[@Kristelle396]

Hi Tash, Happy Travels and enjoy knitting in Japan. I am wondering where you purchase your Linen Quill. Ever since the half and half wrap got popular, I have been intrigued by the yarn. Do you get it locally or from an overseas supplier or direct from Purl Soho? K. (I'm in Melbourne, Aus)

[@mostlyknitting]

I got it from Purl Soho directly. They had a 20% off sale so that helped. The shipping wasn’t outrageous actually. Also after my first order, they gave me a $25 USD voucher. :)

[@Carol-Malinois]

Let's talk Christmas..... If I remember correctly, you used to live in the US. Which feels more natural? snow or no snow for Christmas?

[@mostlyknitting]

That is such a funny one - my childhood was of course hot and summery and as a kid, if we were at my aunt's house, swimming in the pool with my brother and cousin. However, all of the Christmas movies we watched were wintery and the traditional Christmas food we ate was ham and roast pork and Christmas pudding - very wintery foods. We did add prawns (shrimp) as the one cool food. So when I started having snowy Christmases in New York, that felt totally right and normal as that was what i had been seeing in the movies and the food felt more appropriate. I didnt have my family there but the season felt appropriate. I guess i havent answered your question except to say "both" for different reasons. It will be interesting to see what it is like in Japan leading up to Christmas. We get home Christmas Eve. :)

[@mongrain8934]

❤❤❤

[@deborahderden4860]

Pink and red are too close in color. I think the colors are all intense and may end up “fighting “ with each other.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Deb. Thinking of swapping out the pink for a light one. Thank you so much for the feedback. :)

[@filomenamendes-hb4to]

Enjoy your trip & don’t work too much on your 🧶.. ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks Filomena. But knitting is fun, not work! 😆 I’m doing a bit here and there but it isn’t the focus at the moment, of course. :)