Ep 48: Alpine Bloom by Caitlin Hunter, Manhattan Hat, progress on Anker Tee -Mostly Knitting Podcast

[@catallsopp]

No need to apologize; family noise is second nature to many of us, plus it just adds to the charm of who you are, and we're so lucky to be invited into your home as you share your knitty adventures! Everything you knit and share is GORGEOUS and your podcast is as delightful as you are. Enjoy the rest of your holiday!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! That is such a lovely thing to say. x

[@adelaideknits]

Your Alpine Bloom top turned out stunning Tash. The colours are so vibrant

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Julie. x

[@lavetakucholtz4139]

You don’t need to worry about your background noise, it wasn’t bad. The boys were having fun, that always is a pleasant sound. I would like to see how you do your color work. Lovely podcast

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. I will definitely do a video of how I do my colorwork on my next sweater. :)

[@gailfirenze4760]

It’s lovely to hear the kids in the background. It’s so natural. Another inspiring KZbin. Thank you so much. Glad you weren’t in Japan when the earthquake hit. Blessings Gail.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! I know, Gail. We were so fortunate. x

[@renamessenger6397]

Nice to hear the boys background noise- reminds me of times past in this house. Love the knits you have shown us. Simply beautiful

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@edinacole6382]

Hearing your son and his friend is a lovely sound :) The sound of happiness

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Edina. I agree. :)

[@louannhawkins4569]

I agree! Family Life is so important, and when it’s happy noises coming from the garage, it’s fine! Happy knitting!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Louann! I am so happy he has such good mates. :)

[@susanhess937]

Love your yarn colors on the Alpine Bloom, and the sweater is just gorgeous.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Susan. :)

[@MikiCrespo]

Your Alpine Bloom is absolutely beautiful 🌸💙

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! :)

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

Your Alpine Sweater has turned out great and it looks so good on you. The hat in blue is beautiful but I personally like the rounded shape or a floppy finish. The Anker is looking good in the chosen colour. The Magnolia Sweater is a beautiful knit. Thank goodness all the holidays are over and life is settling back into a rhythm. ❤❤😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Rosemary. I like routine as well. xx

[@michelleann4259]

Beautiful Alpine bloom. Could you do a future tutorial on how you do your stranded colour work? I find mine looks puckered a lot of the time

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Michelle. For sure. Next colorwork pattern I make, i will make videos of myself with the way i do it to make sure the floats are long enough. :)

[@Mckee4055]

For those in North America, Galt House of Yarn carries some of the Sandnes Garn yarns.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you for mentioning. Always good to hear of more suppliers. :)

[@VeeZee2194]

And knitting loft in Toronto.

[@TricoteTaLife]

Ciel means sky ! Nadia from Paris

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you Nadia. :)

[@BrendaBeckett-ob8wf]

I love your Alpine Bloom! The colors really work with the pattern. I knit the Knotty gloves way back when as well. And they are the only gloves with fingers I’ve ever made. I hardly wear them and should pull them out. I love seeing your friends from the vault.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Brenda. I love hearing that you made Knotty. I am definitely going to give them some wear this next winter. :)

[@ritaglenn6287]

Hi Tash! Amazing how fast you knit beautiful garments!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Rita. The school holidays definitely helped. :)

[@rhondacutler6712]

Your Alpine Bloom is really lovely. I agree with you about how well-written Caitlin Hunter's patterns are. Fjolla is next in my queue. I did splurge and buy the MYak lace weight for it, as I am using it in another project, the stunning Smilga Shawl by Inese Sang, and it is glorious to work with. I love your Anker Summer Tee in the bamboo (mine, in cotton, is finished and is drying after blocking). You shouldn't feel the next to apologise about the background noise. It's wonderful to hear your sons enjoying themselves. Anyway, enjoy your time off from work and thank you once again for a terrific podcast.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Rhonda. Looking forward to seeing your Anker Tee on ravelry and your Fjolla when you cast it on. :)

[@vikkiknight2]

Thé hat looks great with the top peak! Lovely colour.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Vikki. :)

[@susiesparkesactor]

Oh wow your Alpine Bloom looks like a delicate stained glass window - absolutely gorgeous! The colours are beautiful!!! I’m doing a really fun cowl KAL which has a choose your own adventure aspect to it. There are sections of lace, texture & cables and each section has a choice of a beginner, intermediate or advanced level of difficulty. It’s a really clever design! It’s with the Stitches and Cream podcast. Thanks for another great episode, I’ve been working on a cute little cardi for a friend’s baby due in April whilst watching. 😃🧶

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Susie. I am so glad you hear you are enjoying your knitting at the moment. :)

[@carolbyrne3241]

Wow what a lovely packed episode, I loved it. I also loved hearing life going on in the background, it’s is somewhat comforting ❤. Loved the alpine bloom on you and the contrast colour is gorgeous. I also plan to knit from stash this year but I said that last year 😂 so we will see. Thanks for your views on some designers, it’s refreshing and interesting. Have a good week ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Carol. I love your comment about knitting from stash and how that worked for you in the past. That sounds very familiar. ;)

[@Elizabeth-sj2qy]

Thanks for another great episode Tash! The background noise wasn’t distracting at all. It’s awesome to hear teens having fun. I love Those Twins Who Knit too! Love your colours for the stripe hype.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Elizabeth. :)

[@salomeelizabeth6026]

Lovely informative show, lovely knits and plans.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! :)

[@thebikerwhosews111]

Did you have me in mind when you mentioned the slipper socks, Tash😉😁 I squealed with delight when you mentioned walking and knitting them as this was the pattern I had in mind when I embark on my walking adventures! I downloaded the pattern last week and am just waiting for some yarn to arrive before I start. Great podcast, as always. Ali 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Ali. I hope you enjoy knitting the socks and walking. :)

[@AfCan3]

Excellent Alpine Bloom !!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@trishcostello813]

I showed your Alpine Bloom to my husband, he says I should knit one! Another for the list. Always lovely knitting from you. Family noise, always good😀. I did keep thinking it was one of our pets clunking around at first. My skimmer socks need some maths as they don’t quite fit, I am between sizes.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Trish. Are they a bit short/long or a bit narrow/wide (or both)?

[@trishcostello813]

@@mostlyknitting Almost wide enough if I do the correct measurement but too big in the toes🤣🤣 I shall sit down and do some calculations when all the Christmas and New Year champagne has gone. I have had this pattern for ages and decided to do them after seeing yours.

[@mostlyknitting]

I hope you find a way to work it so they fit better. :)

[@Dina21976]

Ciel is sky in French Loved the episode Tash

[@Stumpybear7640]

I said these exact words when I heard her say about ciel😂

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks Dina :)

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks Linda :)

[@Stumpybear7640]

​@@mostlyknitting lol I remembered French class back in the days when dinosaurs roamed the earth. I'm quite proud of myself😂

[@mongrain8934]

What a great hour I just spent watching this episode while knitting! The pattern and yarn you choose for your projects are beautiful and suit you well. You made very pertinent comments about pattern names, designers and patterns.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@danart11811]

So much great information! I will need to watch again. Thank you for the great content and the pace of your podcast is perfect.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Dana. :)

[@joanspiller1553]

Great podcast. Family noises were fine. It's better to have the kids at home, instead of dear-knows-where. Your knitting is beautiful! The Alpine Bloom is just amazing! Have a great rest of your time off.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Joan. :)

[@cherylportsmouth5101]

Hi Tash, The Yarn bowl has Sandnes garn. Love the blue pixie peak hat, it looks great on you. Your colour work top is beautiful.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Cheryl. :)

[@Aquamarine.Aubrey]

This was mind blowing! I'm definitely going to save it for later ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. :)

[@pattishanks3788]

Really enjoy your knitting adventures. Alpine Bloom is a stunning finish. Your helpful videos for the Musselburgh hat, field sweater and skimmer socks are greatly appreciated. I’m a bit envious that you can read and knit! For me it’s audiobooks when I knit, which is fine too. I agree that Slow Horses is a good series- we are into the second season as well.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Patti. :)

[@susansward6308]

No worry about the background noise. Enjoy having them around. Faster than you think they will be grown and out.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Susan. You are right. It amazes me how fast it has gone since they were little. :)

[@noulipi]

Happy New Year! Just found your podcast and love your aesthetic, quite similar to the patterns I like to knit. I live 40min from Wool &Co and they offer free shipping regardless of the amount of your order, so quite a great option and they carry Sandnes Garn and are always adding new brands. It is a a gorgeous store! I say add the cashmere to the hat, and make it so cozy. I also appreciate your honest feedback about designers, social media marketing , etc. Lastly, in regards to Heart of Darkness, the classic movie Apocalypse Now is also based on that book. Also, I highly recommend the brilliant Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver, which is based on David Copperfield! Thanks for so much information and inspiration!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks for your lovely comment with lots of interesting information. I will definitely check out Demon Copperhead. I have heard of Barbara Kingsolver and keen to check out her writing. Thanks so much. :)

[@maryannbergeron9531]

I absolutely love your Alpine Bloom sweater. I would love to make it using the yarn you did but I am very sensitive to certain wools. The peach balini color is stunning on the navy background. I love hearing the boys having so much fun. I raised 6 boys snd it was nice to hear them in the background. Life happens. ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Maryann. I find the Tosh Merino Light really next to skin soft but i understand that may not be the case for everyone. Wow - 6 boys. You must be accustomed to a lot of noise. ;)

[@maryannbergeron9531]

@@mostlyknitting I definitely am used to noise and high energy. 😂 Thank you for letting me know about the Tosh Merino light. I will have to look into it. I can tolerate some type of wool so this may be in that category. ❤️

[@Stumpybear7640]

Hi Tash, the background noise is fine. Don't worry. Your knits are amazing. Much love from Shetland xxx❤❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Linda. :)

[@bluejay5531]

yay to everything! really love the gloves but I do not think I would have the patience with the fingers...I am still not a sock knitter...

[@mostlyknitting]

Well, i have only made one pair of gloves. So i guess that says something...

[@fionasmall4384]

Hi Tash love your Jumper and the colours you chose. I’ve not really done a lot of colour work but think I will give it a go. Loved your “sticky up hat” 😅great video as usual. Happy New Year from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 x

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Fiona. Colorwork is worth trying. It is such a beautiful effect in knitted garments. Happy New Year 😊

[@78andsunny]

Your knits are beautiful and I’m inspired by your choices of future knits. Also, I often use Google Translate to translate any foreign language.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. Actually, I do the same with comments that are in a foreign language. So it can be done....

[@lynnmcentire4014]

As most people said, no worries on the noise. My boys are in their 40s; I wish I could hear that teen age racket 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Lynn. x

[@sharonburr9880]

Hi Tash. Teekay yarns on the Gold Coast sell some Sandnes garn line Tyne line and alpaca. They also have free shipping over $100 . And yarn bowl at banyo in Brissie stock Sandnes garn Sunday, silk alpaca and silk mohair their postage is reasonable based on weight .

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much for letting me know about Teekay yarns. Will definitely check them out. I must have forgotten Yarn Bowl stocks some Sandes Garn. I just had a look - they have the Double Sunday but not the Sunday. But I am keen to try that out too.... :)

[@adelaideknits]

They can use google translate for messages and emails though

[@mostlyknitting]

That's true. I am not sure how well it works but I imagine for short messages, it should work well enough. :)

[@ericacatlett8412]

Do you have a tutorial on catching floats? I really love colorwork but I feel like I'm not great at the floats part. I made the alpine bloom hat. You are amazing for making the sweater! Also do you have a tutorial for alternating skeins and not making a hole? Especially if working stripes. Those are the things that I love knitting but it needs some work 😂❤ thank you!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Erica. I do have two videos on catching floats. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bYWQkoCCe5qkgNksi=T1Fh1-lHC7PcY_3b and kzbin.info/www/bejne/aV7NYZ6aiax9htksi=9XgJqOMHkuTUhzbF I dont do anything special with alternating skeins except to use the ends to close up any holes/open areas in the fabric. I can do a video of what I do next time i knit a striped sweater which will hopefully be soon. :)

[@casuarinagirl8067]

Hi Tash, your alpine bloom looks lovely 💕 ha ha similar patterns - I’ve just finished one and if I just change the very simple stitch pattern to another very simple stitch pattern then I have another knit I want to make but can’t justify paying for that second pattern when the shape is the same. I want to support but it has made me stop and think. As I’ve bought from this second designer a few times already I probably won’t buy the pattern and just change the stitch design 😬 Each to their own I guess but there are so many similar knits, is everyone inspired by each other or is it main regular fashion that is flowing on to knitwear designers 🤔 Fun as always, Karen 🥰

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Karen. I think if you can knit the pattern with a different stitch and not need to pay for another pattern, then i think that makes perfect sense. Designers are allowed to release as many individual "same but slightly different" patterns as they want, but that doesnt mean we have to buy them if we dont need to. ;)

[@valentinacojocaru3879]

The nace of the pattern for the gloves...please,because I didn't undestend.Thank you🥰

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Valentina. The gloves are Knotty by Julia Mueller ravel.me/tashbalaz/kg :)

[@tulpenballerina]

I really like your version of the Alpine Bloom Tee. The hat and the sweater are in my queue. When you talked about designers putting out similar patterns of their own e.g. for thinner or thicker yarn: Rebecca Claw did add a second pattern to her Tolsta Tee for fingering yarn (the first one was DK I think) and everyone who bought the DK-pattern got the fingering one as a pattern update. I bought mine 2 weeks ago and got both patterns for one price. THIS is a fair deal. I try not to buy from Petite knit because I don´t like how she sells almost the same pattern for different yarns as 2 patterns, even though she is well established in the business and really doesn't need to cash in twice. I also don't understand why mistakes that are brought to her attention in instructions are not corrected and republished. I don't think she needs my support, she's already so hyped.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for your thoughts on choosing designers to support. I am in agreement. I want to support designers who have their knitters in mind. Thank you for pointing out Rebecca Claw. I will mention that on the next podcast because I would like to draw attention to designers who have this approach.

[@melitacarder]

Love catching up with your podcast again. 💚 As a fellow Aussie (from Perth but grew up in Newcastle) I’ve become accustomed to changing yarns to fingering weight instead of the heavier alternatives in most popular patterns. Have you considered doing this for some of those bigger jumpers you’ve been looking at? This way you can have a similar look of the garment without the weight and bulk of the heavy hotter yarns. Happy to discuss this further if you’re interested 💚 (melita on ravelry)

[@mostlyknitting]

That is a good idea Melita. I am definitely interested to hear your thoughts on that. I will also go check out your ravelry pages. :)

[@jennyenglish9842]

Tash funny you mention the designer/s who do not respond to enquires. I am not impressed as I often spend at least $10.00 (Australian) on a pattern & I often need support. It's a bummer. A designer who has a great tech person in replying to enquires is Andrea Mowery. Not only a popular designer but a great support for pattern questions. Great craft ideas keep up the good work.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Jenny. To be honest, I am more inclined to support a designer who supports the people who have purchased their patterns. :)

[@susanhess937]

May I just jump in here to say I watch Andrea Mowry podcasts. She answers 5 questions about knitting each time on her podcast. I find it very interesting even though I am not a very talented knitter. It is a lot of great information about a lot of things related to knitting that as a knitter no matter what stage you're at on your knitting journey, you may find it useful, or just add to your knitting knowledge. Thanks

[@basketcase2384]

I've noticed that everyone who wears a "peaky uppy" hat (great name btw) isnt sure they like it on themselves, but love the hats on other people. I think it looks great on you and they make everyone who wears them look very youthful! But also I will say I'm not sure I like them on me 😂

[@mostlyknitting]

Ha! I love it. Thanks for the vote of confidence on the hat. I dare so it would look great on you also. ;)

[@karinajackson2779]

Hmmm … one can always use Google Translate if English is not her main language. Thank you for the heads up … I have purchased a few of her patterns, but have not knitted any of them. 🥴

[@mostlyknitting]

That's true. I am trying to be informative without being judgmental. But i do think it is important to tell people if you are not able to provide pattern support. Then they go in with their eyes wide open.