Ep 81: Dark & Stormy, Pure Joy Joji Locatelli, Shore Tee, Sellwood Tee - Mostly Knitting Podcast

[@farmerswife51]

Your "decision fatigue" reminds me of my Grandfather's saying...The road of life is paved with flat squirrels who could not make a decision. As always, I look forward to your episode each week! Thank you so much!

[@mostlyknitting]

I love that comment. Flat squirrels. I’m going to remember that when my vaccillating is leading to paralysis. ;)

[@annettebowersox1976]

I love the fact you are on a mission to find the why of the unpleasant roll on the chest!!❤❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Annette. x

[@deniseengel1451]

Thanks Tash. Decision fatigue… I like this saying because I suffer with it. Hope you and your family had a great vacation.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Denise. :)

[@bigkaffy8495]

Thanks Tash. Great episode. I’m prone to overthink every decision (even grocery items) too. Starting new projects is often a nightmare.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you. It is such a crazy waste of time and energy. Sometimes i spend longer thinking about the item than is remotely justified when you consider the cost of the item. It's ok though. I am a work in progress. The first step is realising i am doing it.

[@brandijohnson2098]

Hi Tash. The rant about decision fatigue made me laugh - I feel the same way! Consequently, I have many skeins ‘waiting’. I’ll be interested to hear more about the construction-lump in sweaters…thanks for the episode.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Brandi. x

[@Agnes_KR]

Hi Tash, thank you for yet another great episode. I completely understand your dilemma of using leftover DK weight yarn for the hat. I have collected quite a lot of skeins of leftover DK weight yarn that I am planning to use for SOMETHING 😊 (a colourwork or striped sweater). I am knitting the third version of the Stare hat, this one will be for my nephew (the hat has a staring cat motif, we are a cat lover family 😊). I was very reluctant to use yarn from my leftovers for my nephew’s hat, partly because of my “plan” that they will be good for something, partly because of the pure joy of buying new yarn. But this time I was good and decided to use the leftovers for the hat 😊.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Agnes. Yes, i think we can overthink the "perfect plan" for leftovers. If you have enough and it works, i think just making the thing you are thinking of right now makes sense. There is always more yarn that can be purchased and if you have to purchase one single skein because you made something else with the leftovers - so be it. It probably wont happen for years anyway and the whole time value of money thing - plus the space stash occupies, in the brain as well as in the house. :)

[@Agnes_KR]

@@mostlyknitting Exactly Tash, that’s the point, you couldn’t have said it better 😊.

[@bernbee1679]

I love all your projects especially your Jupiter Crop. Your Ghost Horses is amazing. Just make the hat!!!! 😂 speaking about the bump under the neckline, Laura Penrose was discussing this recently on her Patreon, she pulled back her new colourwork design and redid it for that very reason.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. I appreciate hearing about other designers experiencing this and recognising it needs addressing. I am definitely going to discuss this more in my next podcast. :)

[@JanHowe-ll3zr]

Thankyou for another great podcast. Always learn something. Thinking of knitting the Dark and Stormy cardigan.

[@mostlyknitting]

It is a nice one - a well-written and elegant pattern. I like that it keeps my neck warm at the back without strangling my throat. :)

[@gudidar]

You are so lovely and sincere I like your podcasts . Love from Istanbul❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! x

[@patsyvincent9483]

Hi Tash. Another great podcast. I love everything you are making. I could listen to you all day. See you next time.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Patsy. x

[@michelleann4259]

I love the bright blue on your Eva cardigan swatch. It looks like it has some purple mauve tones in it too. Jupiter crop colours are stunning! Thanks for another great episode❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Michelle. Nice to hear feedback on the blue swatch. x

[@marlasivak5978]

I love all your sweater choices; very inspiring. The colors on the Jupiter Crop look amazing on you.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Marla. x

[@camderden2879]

You are my FAVORITE podcast!!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Aww! Thank you so much. xx

[@Fibre_Playground]

Hi Tash- Im swatching for my first toe-up socks! 🎉

[@mostlyknitting]

Yay! How exciting. Hope you enjoy making and wearing them. :)

[@ruthievintage]

Hi, how funny, I’m literally swatching with La Bella (honeycomb) and Isager silk mohair while I’m watching! I was also inspired by 2 purls in a pod. I already had the La Bella and found the perfect shade match with colour #6. I’m making sweater number 18 by my favourite things knitwear and it’s looking so pretty. Just thought I’d share 😊 loving your podcast and all your projects. Thank you 🤩

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for sharing Ruth. I just had a look at shade 6 and it does look perfect. Are you on ravelry? I would love to see your FO. x

[@ruthievintage]

@@mostlyknitting Hi Tash. I’m always looking at ravelry but havn’t posted any finished objects as yet! You may have given me the push I needed! I’ve diligently kept notes on my current project so I’ll give it a go! 😊

[@carolbyrne3241]

Thanks Tash. I love the Ava cardigan, I feel a purchase coming on lol. I just love how your Isabel Kramer’s jumper is coming out. ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Carol. x

[@AnnieDaddo]

Great episode, Tash.🙏 Glad youve got some La Bella from Great Ocean.👌 I finished my Tecumsah using the natural andit blooms beautifully.I also have been making some more discloths for gifts and home use as a palate cleanser . Snap. 😉I too concur..easy to dither and think too much about certain yarns for projects..try not to and am learning somethimes its good to just wait..the right project from the right yarn always comes along.I love how I purchase yarn for a specific project and then some weeks later realise it would be much better for another in my queue. Have a good week-end, young lady.xx

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Annie. Thanks for the reminder of the Tecumsah pattern. I have always wanted to make that. Hope you have a lovely weekend too. xx

[@catherinethomes2910]

Great podcast! I have trouble making decisions too…especially when I’m tired. I love Elenor Mortensen’s patterns ❤ I knit her Dala Sweater. I’m trying to decide which one to knit next??!! I have to have multiple projects going with different yarns and needle sizes to help my hands too. 😊🥰 Sorry I’ve missed a couple podcasts, life gets busy. I’m catching up!

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Catherine. I am so glad to hear you like Elenor Mortensen’s patterns. I havent knit any yet so it is nice to have a personal recommendation. Gosh - no worries about missing podcasts. I love that you are here and commenting whenever you have time. X

[@catherinethomes2910]

@@mostlyknitting 🥰🥰

[@LindaNixon-ws4ge]

I give “ a set of spa” cloths with a bar of homemade soap for a hostess gift

[@mostlyknitting]

It is a lovely personal gift. And will always be used. :)

[@christinevalentine3373]

I love your work Tash💛

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Christine. x

[@davidmichellescott3180]

Thanks Tash. I also have trouble with all of the decisions!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much - i am glad i am not the only one. That actually helps me to let go of it a little bit. ;)

[@leylamoossavi]

Beautiful work as always! Make the hat then buy more for color work.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Leyla. x

[@tamaratafoya9466]

I took a class from Amy Detjen called Perfect Fitting Yoke Sweaters. She called it buckling fabric at the front neckline. Solution: Meg Swansen figured out the solution years ago. “Use short rows around 80% of the body/sleeve circle, past where the sleeves join in the front. Leave 7” untouched in front, like the center would be below your chin; this would be the center of the 7”. You will also have extra room in the shoulders. She gave us a colored picture of a sweater showing a different knitted yarn color in the yoke area as the short rows so we could visibly see the short row shaping. I don’t see how I can upload a picture here, but maybe you understand what I’m saying.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Tamara. I think the problem comes in when the short rows either arent there or they dont come around far enough. It does concern me that people are designing patterns to fit a body without a full awareness of the effect of the shaping.

[@tamaratafoya9466]

@@mostlyknitting Agreed! Since there is literally no neckline for the fabric to relax into, it needs some shaping. The fabric is all pulled up into a tube around our neck so where else is the extra, unshaped fabric supposed to go? It just forms its own little wave right under our chins.

[@Laurie-q1e]

I feel the same way about using a skein of yarn. Make the hat. Another similar skein will find you.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks Laurie. That's true. There is always more yarn that can be found for a project. :)

[@BarbCullum]

Oh yes, decision paralysis! I’m with you re committing to both yarn and food choices! Really enjoying your podcast, although my ‘queue’ gets longer and longer…😂❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Barb - i guess i am not really helping with the decision paralysis... ;)

[@janetjroberson2581]

Hello from Swansea, Illinois.❤❤

[@maryannbergeron9531]

Really enjoyed your video. Every time I see the Fjolla I know I have to order that pattern 😊. I am also thinking of a Colorwork sweater. I love my Alpine Bloom so I want to do something along those lines but probably long sleeve as we are going into winter. ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

I do love the look of colorwork sweaters. One nice thing is that you can modify a colorwork top to be a sweater just by lengthening the sleeves. Jennifer Steingass has really lovely colorwork sweaters and I can recommend her patterns. :)

[@maryannbergeron9531]

@@mostlyknitting thank you. I will look her up. ❤️

[@lesleygiesbrecht7340]

I have knitted a Cairdree pattern, similar to the one you mention. There are no short rows at all, so that causes this hump. It I not a style I can wear. Looks lovely on Cairdree. Yes you are not alone with decision fatigue, I too walk into a food court and leave undecided. Often because the choices are unhealthy!

[@mostlyknitting]

It is definitely something that is good to know about a pattern going in. And then if we really want to knit it, what we need to do to modify it to avoid it. Ideally, it would be incorporated into the design. Nobody wants that hump there... :)

[@clairejsmith]

I think you should just make the hat!👍🎉 Even *if* you ever need a neutral for any other project, you can always go down to your local yarn shop and get yourself another skein 🥰

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you Claire. That is very true. There is always more yarn! :)

[@sophiecote7138]

Hi Tash! I Hope you will make the Paloma and résolve the problème in the front bC I love this pull!

[@mostlyknitting]

It does look beautiful. I might make it and add short rows to it and hopefully wont get the hump. That is what put me off making the pattern.

[@sandidunne3299]

I'm watching your wonderful KZbin episode while knitting Turtle Dove II and experiencing the hump 😢. The pattern has very few short rows in the back only and I wondered if this contributes to the hump? I also wonder if the transition from neck to body could be improved

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Sandi I just had another look at the pattern and the short rows dont even come all the way across the back, let alone past the sleeve and into the front. That is almost certainly what is causing the problem - the short rows not going far enough.

[@sandidunne3299]

@mostlyknitting as a novice knitter I appreciate learning about this for future knits, thank you. I've already split for the sleeves and well into the body so I don't think I can bear to rip it back 😔

[@Silchu_]

When knitting sleeves with Magic Loop, using a very long cable so both sides haves me get the same gauge as the a big loop help body.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for sharing that tip. :)

[@tairazieman560]

Great episode as always! I too am knitting Pure Joy in Madeline Tosh Merino Light (Misfortune & Undergrowth)…. Am on 3rd wedge and hesitating as you are. Will be curious to see what your decision will be… Also wonder if you’d consider doing a review/retrospective episode each season to show if you’ve worn recent makes (for example did you use your Half & Half Wrap this winter? Love friends from the vault but also nice to know what happened with recent ones. Have a lovely trip in Bali!! 😊❤ Taira (Ottawa, Canada)

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Taira. I usually do a end of year wrap up of what i knit - i think i often knit things out of season - like Magnolia Bloom has only been worn a couple of times due to the weather warming up right after i made it. When i do that video, i will make sure i share about how much the item has been worn and if it has held up. Thanks again for your lovely comment. x

[@tairazieman560]

@@mostlyknitting wonderful, looking forward to it 😊

[@bosorkanya_stash]

that hump that you are thinking about, could it be caused by lack of short rows?

[@mostlyknitting]

I think it is - either no short rows or misplaced short rows.

[@LindaNixon-ws4ge]

I only knit one pair of socks at a time

[@mostlyknitting]

It is a good rule of thumb. Or maybe rule of toe?? ;)

[@KnotablueKnits]

Regarding the hump at the neck, Laura Penrose talks about this in a recent podcast. She has a colourwork pullover in testing and she's working on changing the design to fix the hump that's in her own first sample (it's a turtleneck design). So if you haven't seen that, you may enjoy her discussion

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you Allyson. I am definitely going to check that out.

[@gailfirenze4760]

🙋🏼‍♀️💕

[@christinemccoy5237]

Laura Penrose was in the process of designing her "Maxine Sweater" and I think it was two podcasts ago (approx) she had encountered this issue with the bump. She solved the issue and discussed what was causing it and how she was correcting it. It was interesting and worth the watch .

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for mentioning that Christine. I will check it out. :)

[@siggylev4268]

I knit a sweater for my husband and it has that awful lump of material in the front of the neck/high chest. It is the first time that I knit a top down sweater. (I'm old school, I knit pieces and sew them together). The top back of the sweater called for short rows. I don't know if I did something wrong or if it has something to do with the pattern. I've been holding off on knitting another top down sweater because I'm afraid it will have that awful clump of material. Please share if you find out what causes it. Thanks for sharing

[@mostlyknitting]

It seems to be a reasonably common occurrence. It would be good to find out exactly what is causing it and how to avoid it. When i figure it out (and I am determined to), I will be sure to report back :)

[@amysoozette]

LOVE the blues together, hope you have enough. Make the hat! 🤭

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Amy. x

[@asajohansson7867]

Laura Penrose talkes about that bulk in her latest design and how she got it out

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for sharing. :)

[@KatarzynaSzmigiel-Rawska]

I checked - no short rows in Armor sweater.

[@mostlyknitting]

True - there are none - I will write a longer reply on your other post. :)

[@KatarzynaSzmigiel-Rawska]

I rememebered - you made the Armor sweater as well, because I learned about the pattern from your pocast! But you do not seems to have the hump.

[@mostlyknitting]

I was a bit worried about it, but i think perhaps the drape of the yarn is helping here. This and the fact that the funnel neck is a little further out? I am going to try it on again this afternoon and have a bit of an inspection.

[@jilliankonig2759]

The Caidree sweater has excess stitches in the front below the collar. It might also be caused by not increasing by enough stitches fast enough, so the pulling at the shoulder results in a ripple at the center front. I'd be interested in seeing if there are enough short rows in the back. If this were a non-stretch fabric that you were sewing with, you would cut the center front neck lower to deepen the neck curve. I like colorwork sweaters, but I always put short rows in the ribbing or just below it, because I find that at 69, I have greater curvature in the back neck and have to adjust even sewing patterns there now. Enjoy your holiday! I always enjoyed the end of the school year when I was teaching!

[@mostlyknitting]

Yes, i think it could be a combination of short row placement or not having increases either quickly enough or in the right places. Either way, there are more rows of fabric here than the body needs (or wants...).

[@jessicaolney4900]

I have knit Pure Joy and noticed that note as well but I had no need for extra skeins and I have made it several times (I used merino/silk and merino/nylon blends). I find that with Joji's patterns (especially shawls) I come out right with her yardage estimates. She is one designer with whom I get gauge easily so I think maybe it is either a knitting tension issue with others or perhaps it's the actual yarn used that gives differences? Anyway, you're set having extra...SOmeone who has tackled eliminating that bump at the front neck is Pia Trans (you can find her on Ravelry and as Traveling Misknits on KZbin--she talked about it in some episode I think this year)...in case anything there sparks your thinking.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Jessica. I really appreciate the yardage info. If i get it out of one skein this time, i know i will be set for making another one. Which is quite likely as I am always keen on a repeat knit. ;) I will check out Pia's podcast. Thank you so much for sharing about her. :)

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

A lovely podcast but I am not going to comment individually on each item. I hear there was an earthquake in a mining area which would been felt in Sydney. I had a fall today when walking around the gated village in which I live. In order to have a closer look at plants I fell on my face and I had a bad bleed from my nose. Oh what pain I had to dose myself with painkillers. As soon as I stand up my nose bleeds again. Take care ❤😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Oh Rosemary - I am so sorry to hear that. I hope you are able to rest up now and not trying to do too much. xx

[@Kera.S.]

I'm really wanting to do a colorwork sweater soon but don't have a lot of experience with different designers. What pattern or designer would you suggest I start with for a positive experience?

[@mostlyknitting]

I think Joji Locatelli, Andrea Mowry and Jennifer Steingass are great, safe bets. Well-written patterns where you can trust their numbers. :)

[@paulalafontaine8020]

I absolutely have decision fatigue over yarn choices and then to compound it I have buyer’s remorse as well. Fortunately it’s all just knitting and nothing really important is at stake.

[@mostlyknitting]

That's so frustrating isnt it? Damned if you do and damned if you dont! But you are right - no sheep stations hanging in the balance. ;)

[@KatarzynaSzmigiel-Rawska]

Sorry, my first post was deleted probably because I put a link to my Armor sweater project page. Well, it went like this: I would really like you to resolve the puzzle with the "hump". I made an Armor sweater by Ankestrick and have the same problem. It has a similar neckline. When I wear it, I have a hump. When my daughter wears it, the problem is still present but more minor. You can see it in my photos. She has similar shoulders but a narrower chest. So, the sweater is oversized for her. The hump shows up on both of us when she moves and when I move. I am trying to understand why.

[@mostlyknitting]

I tested the Armor sweater and unfortunately, short rows were not possible without interrupting the stitch pattern and making them really obvious. And the neckline being high means it has a propensity for the hump to appear. I think the only way to minimise it is to have both a reasonable amount of positive ease and also use quite a drapey fabric. But i think it is always going to have a chance of it happening with no short rows and a high neckline.

[@KatarzynaSzmigiel-Rawska]

@mostlyknitting Thank you :) We love the sweater anyway but it's good to know. I made it of sturdy superwash yarn. I love the colour and the way it's variegated but it has a little drape and is heavy. After your explanation I know why it looks better on my daughter - she has more ease :)

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

I'm 100% with you on needing multiple different types of projects going simultaneously - my hands work differently on 2.25mm versus 5mm and different projects work better in different situations! I always have a sock in my purse but I would not be carrying a colorwork yoke in my purse lol. Laura Penrose discussed the front collar sweater bump situation on a recent episode (kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXS4pIyrjahkecUsi=Q2kjKeqDTL00XVL0). Maybe you'll find her conversation about it helpful (it's in relation to a colorwork sweater design she's working on)! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your projects!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Stephanie. Laura's discussion on that lump of fabric there was interesting. I hope her edits to the pattern resolve the issue.

[@Helen-yl4cw]

Laura Penrose podcast about her latest colour work sweater design may help you understand the problem with the collar on the Arian sweater as Laura reknit the collar on her sweater to overcome that same problem.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Helen. I thought that was an interesting podcast. :)

[@mongrain8934]

I also don't like sweaters with a lump in the front. I always consider it a bug in the design, never a feature. I thought it was because of the rate of the increases in the yoke... ❤❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

That is what i wondered as well. I am thinking now though that if there is too much fabric in one spot, that means too many rows. So less rows there means there needs to be short rows so there are more rows in other places - not at the front of the neck.

[@forgiven212]

Hi Thea! I'm a relatively new watcher of your podcast, and I enjoy it very much! Thank you for reminding me of the Dark and Stormy cardigan in my Library! Or maybe the Siri cardigan? Hmmm.I have 5 DK skeins perfect for it! 😊 Much Love from Colorado, USA

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. So happy to have you here. :)

[@jancalcutt4870]

Hi Tash, can you give me a contact for the Great Ocean Road knitting shop ? I would love to find some yarn like yours!

[@mostlyknitting]

Sure - here is a link to the mill. :) gorwm.com.au/?srsltid=AfmBOoqKD2GMXnAExZSsSIvCYlvARGEpxwKdBlG_N-Z8ClcSmUerClby

[@oldwitchknits-Ursula]

Oh and for the fold at the neck - in some patters it is a design feature. I made the sweater no. 28 by MFTK. The fold is a look there and I like it. The pattern has no neck shaping at all. The Caidree pattern you showed looks a little off though. I don't think I like it in this fit.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks Ursula. I can see what you mean about the design elements with all the horizontal lines in Sweater Number 28. But I think it often appears in sweaters in stockinette when it was not intended ot be there.

[@oldwitchknits-Ursula]

@@mostlyknitting yes agree. I just wonder if Caidree intended it to be there. But I don't like it if she did.

[@heline9469]

I suppose it can´t be helped on a pattern like that - but does it feel good on you with that extra fabric on the front neck?

[@oldwitchknits-Ursula]

@@heline9469 if you are referring to the sweater no 28 it feels fine. Like a loose fitting turtleneck. The fabric is very drapey. I don't know if i would like it with a thicker/denser fabric.

[@Barnswallowcreates]

Make the hat ; )

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you! x

[@jgerakios]

Hi Tash, great podcast as usual. I always enjoy seeing your projects and hearing your thoughts about them. I can totally relate to the over-analysis! 😂 Regarding the hump on some yokes just below the neck, I was watching designer Laura Penrose’s podcast and she had an interesting discussion about that dilemma. She explains it better than I can , but it can happen when a person’s shoulders are broader than expected in comparison to the chest size. In the podcast she talks about how she is addressing it in a pattern she is working on. If you’re interested this is a link to her podcast. She talks about it at about 9 minutes in. kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXS4pIyrjahkecUsi=N6sPAoLZByHCjvgu

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for sharing. That was really interesting. :)

[@Macasmum]

👩‍🌾🐑