Ep 85: Nordiska, Audrey Top, Sellwood Tee, Pure Joy - Mostly Knitting Podcast

[@rhondacutler3831]

Tash, you are a treasure to the knitting community. Truly.

[@mostlyknitting]

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

[@maryannbergeron9531]

Lovely podcast as usual. I am heading to the New England Fiber Fest here in Massachusetts this Saturday. I haven’t been in 5 years due to my cancer and then Covid so this will be a treat. I am hoping to get yarn for my Peacock sweater. Looking forward to your next podcast. ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Maryann. I hope you have a wonderful time at the NE Fiber Fest. Festivals are so much fun. I am so glad you are well enough now to be able to go and enjoy yourself. Looking forward to hearing what yarn you choose for your Peacock sweater. x

[@cynthiagilbreth1352]

Congratulations on giving up alcohol! I did this just a bit over two years ago and I love it. My mind is clearer, I sleep better, and I don’t miss it a bit.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for sharing Cynthia. I feel the same way. I have finally gotten to a point where it is no struggle at all and I am so grateful. :)

[@thebikerwhosews111]

I think the Nordiska and Vogue skirt are a match made in heaven❤go you for having a complete handmade outfit on😊Ali x

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Ali. x

[@joyceripianzi]

Pink friend from the vault: I love everything about it including the outfit. I would redo the sleeves so they fit.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Joyce. I am determined to get it to a wearable state. :)

[@missjenny1953]

I adore your friends from the vault. They look great together and I also would love a sweater with that shorter sleeve. Might try the pattern in a DK.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Jenny. I think it would look great in a DK or even a sport weight yarn. :)

[@EvieO1950]

Love the rose colored top. Looks great on you especially with that skirt. Definitely worth fixing in your opinion. On the other hand I wouldn’t worry about the stockinette section in the black tank. In that yarn I don’t think it will be noticeable at all. All your makes are beautiful!! And the latest skimmers are very cute!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Evie. :)

[@SwamiMommy]

I 💜hanger tabs on my towels! Love the v neck on you

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much!

[@michelleann4259]

Oh my! Good luck to your hubby with the double knee surgery! He will be a new man:) hope all goes well. Love the sellwood tee. Gosh that yarn is so pretty. I don’t see anything wrong with the neck. Looks great better than the picture pattern!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Michelle. x

[@ElizabethRush-c5v]

24:25 Thank you so much for sharing that knitting with linen and cotton yarns makes your hands get tired. I feel the same. Much easier to knit with wool.

[@mostlyknitting]

Wool and wool blends are the best. I like wearing cotton and linen garments, but have to limit how much i knit with those yarns. Have to protect my hands!

[@tairazieman560]

Was so excited to see your’re planning on making the Emery Vest! I bought the pattern a month ago, have a merino-cotton blend, just need to get a mohair to go… I took a cable knitting class at local yarn store last week, so will be casting it on soon (although trying to focus on Christmas makes 😅)… Good luck to your husband, mine had both hips done in his late 50s, and he’s a new man now. Brace yourself the “nursing” your patient can be challenging at times 😜… Take care, Taira (Ottawa,Canada)

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Taira. I always like it when i am making something the same as a viewer. Looking forward to seeing yours on ravelry (if you use it and post pictures). Thank you for the well wishes for my husband. I know it is going to be hard. Thankfully my inlaws are coming to visit to help. Looking forward to where he can start with walk without pain. :)

[@larissabamberry3527]

Hi Tash, in your last video I thought I could hear a bird that sounded a lot like the baby king parrots we have around our place (North East Victoria), but I thought in Sydney it was more likely to be the cheeky lorikeets. From your comments it may have been a rosella - so they may be still around despite the mynas. Our king parrots are very insistent that we feed them on black sunflower seeds. They peer in our windows, following us around the house from window to window to get our attention in every room we move to.

[@mostlyknitting]

How lovely to have such friendly king parrots around. I think the rosellas havent gone completely. I still see them in the trees in our front yard. They just used to perch on that railing on the house (where you have seen the mynahs) and use the nesting box. I do miss them being that close.

[@carolbyrne3241]

Love how your projects are coming along and I keep thinking about the Pure Joy, I love yours. Glad you mentioned the birds because they kept catching my eye x❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Carol. I am really enjoying how the Pure Joy is progressing. I think it will be a lovely shawl. x

[@BrendaBeckett-ob8wf]

Another fun episode! I had comments about a few things: - for the friend from the vault, have you thought about sweater surgery to extend the sleeves? If you have more yarn, you could keep the colorwork and cut the sleeves above it and add length then graft back together. I’m assuming it won’t be too tight at your wrist. - I would try the lace on the other side of the front to see if you like it better, then rip back the first side to make them match - I live in Maine and went to Jaggerspun last week to get some yarn during their sale. It’s so sad they are closing. I’ve knit a couple of sweaters with their heathers, and it makes great colorwork as well.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Brenda. I wish i had more of the pink yarn for the Nordiska as i think thta is a great idea. Unfortunately, i used it for Misurina. It is really sad to see a mill close. Sad that it isnt a viable business for them anymore. :(

[@RobbieHutchins]

Oooh! I love your yarn combo for The Throwover, Tash. I’m really looking forward to seeing it progress. I think it’s going to really make Bec’s hand spun shine ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! Me too - i am busting to see it knit up. :)

[@piabiber5480]

It’s amazing what you accomplish. How many hours has your day. You have to be good organised and a really quick worker👍

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Pia. I am naturally quite disorganised and distracted so i have to work hard to keep myself on track. :)

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

I would have knitted The Sellwood Tee in a light baby grey but that is my personal preference. Looks good on you. The Clay Sweater is so beautiful. Oh the Audrey Top love the colour. I went out in the week and bought 10 balls of yarn of which pinks in lavender shade. Then a Blood red aran yarn. The shawl is getting some work done on it. Take care ❤😊 We had snow in Ceres about 45 kilometres away and it was 28c degrees today

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Rosemary. I think a light gray Sellwood would be beautiful. x

[@anthrogal19]

I like the Nordiska. It goes well with that skirt. I agree with just taking out the decreases and reknitting with what you have, like you said. If you want a short sleeve, you could make the Navelli (or maybe you have already). Or just knit a new Nordiska as a tee-shirt in new colors.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! I dont have any more pink yarn so either rip out decreases or short sleeves. I like your idea of just knitting another short-sleeved version... :)

[@dympertje2819]

Love your podcast 😍. Just wanted to mention that the junior patterns by Petiteknit can differ from the adult size patterns in the way they are contstructed. If you buy the Storm sweater e.g., the back panel doesn't start with a trapezoid shape, but instead it's a rectangle. So if you are looking for those nice design details, the junior patterns are not always your best option.

[@mostlyknitting]

Wow - thank you so much for sharing that. I will definitely share that on the podcast next episode. I wish there was more information about the construction and the differences before purchasing the pattern. At least this way we can share our collective experience. Thank you again!

[@dnordfors5845]

Thank you for another lovely chat! I think the Nordiska would look great as a short sleeve top. Given the yarn weight is quite light I can see wearing it for spring/summer...at least in my zip code. I'm wearing wool on 10 months of the year in Seattle. 😆 Very cute with the skirt!!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much - I am thinking short sleeved as well given the weight of the fabric. :)

[@ajborthwick7239]

I would totally take out the decreases from your friend from the vault as.i love the look of that outfit. For the sellwood tee, i would leave it as i was having trouble seeing the area even after you pointed it out

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! I think that is what i will do witih Nordiska. It seems a pretty easy and quick fix. :)

[@jeffkathywhitaker]

Hi Tesh! The top by Caitlin Hunter is gorgeous. I love seeing your knits . You knit so beautifully. I've been making garments for 2 years now, and I'm always inspired by your work. 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much x

[@gmarcelle]

I vote for keeping the sleeve pattern on Nordiska, and try to make it looser, maybe bigger needles and less decreases combo. Good luck it’s very pretty !

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much. :)

[@Oldfashionlady]

I was wondering about the bird calls at the beginning of the episode. 🐦 Congrats on your alcohol path. Take care and Happy Knitting!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. x

[@Oldfashionlady]

@mostlyknitting it's Christine here. I just finally figured out how to update/change my ID to my Ravelry name. 🤭

[@myndolin]

Once again, I like your version better. The Nordiska wouldn't likely have been in my wheelhouse, but with the reduced ease, I really love it. And the skirt is SO cute. You said you sewed it? I need to find a similar pattern. I love skirts, but I have the hardest time finding anything that I feel good in anymore. That skirt seems like it would go well with anything, and I could see having it in multiple lengths. Thank you as always for your podcast. I look forward to every single one.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! I highly recommend the V9090. It is such a great staple in my wardobe. It is a straight forward sew, it has pockets, it fits well. I absolutely love wearing it. Just talking about it makes me want to sew another one. ;)

[@myndolin]

@@mostlyknitting Thank you! I definitely will look for that.

[@naturebound1064]

You’ll love the Throwover! I just finished it. Fun, easy knit and Beck’s hand spun will look gorgeous in it. Have fun! 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much for sharing that. Glad it was a great knitting experience for you and with a FO you are happy with. :)

[@bobbijoeisenreich3647]

The sweater with the snug sleeves is absolutely beautiful! If it were my sweater, I’d keep the sleeve length as is with the colorwork and do what I could to loosen things up so it’s more comfortable.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! I like that idea too. I just have to think about the wearability of sleeves this length.... And i need to think about that before i choose patterns and just start knitting... ;)

[@nadishna]

Thanks for the episode and sharing your beautiful knits and useful tips. I would keep the colorwork on the sleeves as it's so lovely! When it comes to clay sweater - there is no visible difference between knitting in rounds and flat, don't bother to rip it. Have a wonderful day!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for your lovely comments and the encouragement to just push on with the Clay sweater. I would love to keep the colorwork on the sleeves but i am struggling with the wearability of this length for me. Still thinking though. :)

[@Beclhawken]

Helloooo x The Nordiska is definitely worth the effort in fixing the sleeves because it looks fantastic on you & Alex was correct the outfit looked on point. I think I am more excited than you (if possible) to see the Throwover. After the Charisma pattern not continuing up to the sleeve cuff, I get your concern about the neck line on the Sellwood. Do other peoples projects look jarring? I am loving the Storm sweater. And looking at the blocked swatch, the yarn booms so beautifully! Another very productive week. Xx

[@mostlyknitting]

Yay! Glad you are happy with the Storm sweater. Good idea about checking other people's projects. Most of them it is hard to tell as their hair is covering it. I wonder if that is my answer??? I'll try and have a closer look. :)

[@susandorrington7623]

I love your friend from the vault and I would keep the 3/4 sleeve length, it is so elegant and just right for spring/autumn. I wouldn't go for a short sleeve in that fabric ... I think it could land up being too cold for spring/autumn and too hot to wear in summer. But that is just how it would feel for me : )

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Susan. I am usually good with 4ply fingering weight tops. I wear them a lot in spring and autumn. It is this half-way down my forearm length that i am struggling with. I love how it looks but finding it difficult to wear...

[@patchwork9712]

I’m so sorry to hear the Miners have removed your Rosellas. Here they chase the Lorikeets and Kookaburras and I don’t want to end up with just Miners! I do wish there is something we could do to reduce their numbers. Also, I love Patty Lyon’s book but don’t have the Workbook. Enjoy your podcast, thanks.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@shawnholland4436]

Another enjoyable episode as always - thank you! When you get around to making the Moby Sweater, please consider offering a tutorial for understanding and getting going on the chart (without sharing too much design information, of course). I started one for my grandchild and despite watching PetiteKnit’s video, I’m just stymied by the chart. I’ve used charts several times before, but this one stumps me. Thank you!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! I will definitely do what i can with videos that dont breach copyright Can you explain a little more what it is about the chart that you find confusing? Or where you were in the pattern when you got stuck?

[@barbararadzeviciusbondi4150]

I knit a Nordiska and its a perfect fit. Im not a professional knitter and I make alterations if needed.

[@mostlyknitting]

I am so happy it worked out for you. I dont have anything against the pattern. I know my gauge was completely different. It worked just fine for the body for the fit i wanted. Not so much for the sleeves. That's ok. I have options for making it work. :)

[@kesangnamgyal2892]

Hi! I love your Nordiska and Ihave been meaning to make one myself! I have a suggestion provided you have more of the main color yarn? How about you lengthen the sleeves by about an inch just above the color work section and that way the tighter color work portion will fall further down your forearm which is narrower. Good Luck!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! I think that would have been a perfect solution - if i hadnt already knit Misurina with the leftovers! ;)

[@Stumpybear7640]

Re Nordista, depends on whether or not you have any yarn left, alter it by ripping back to decreases and redo 1 & 1 rib c w and rib, or take it back to elbow/short/cap sleeves ❤ re grey top, RIP shoulder back, it is bothering you. Love your knitting projects, and your presentation style, Tash ❤❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for the suggestions. Unfortunately no more pink yarn. So short sleeves or cutting out the decreases it will have to be. I hear what you are saying about the gray top. I know. I just dont want to do it. Still - it isnt that much knitting.... xx

[@EV-D-10]

Have you ever tried to use a 1 size smaller needle for the purlrows and purlrounds? For me that is the best way to get it right. You can have a circular needle set aside for that. For stockinette flat that is also a neat way of getting the same gauge on both sides of the fabric. It also has the advantage of easier gliding stitches when knitting in the round and using the smaller size needle point in the left hand. The size of the stitches (gauge) is defined by the size of the right hand needle. Hope it helps!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. I did consider it but i find the difference between 4mm and 4.5mm just a little bit too much. I bought some 4.25mm needles but they are wood and i definitely knit tighter with wood. For the Clay, i am just consciously tensioning my yarn a bit tighter for the purls and that seems to be working well enough for this sweater. But i will definitely try that for when there is something say on 3.75mm and i can easily drop down to a 3.5mm. Thank you for the suggestion. :)

[@easternsecrecy9777]

I'm looking forward to your tutorials.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much - coming soon. x

[@toniprutch8956]

I love the 3/4 sleeves on your friend from the vault. The colorwork is so beautiful it would be a shame to remove it all together. Hopefully, you can fix them so they are more comfortable. On another note I feel like I inspired you to make wash clothes. I commented on a post last August that I was on a binge making dish clothes. I made 20. I went on a women's retreat with friends, and I gifted them all 2 clothes each. On top of that, I taught several of them to knit. So they can make their own. As always, I really enjoy your podcasts, and I'm always inspired by everything you make.

[@mphailey1]

I agree, I love the color work on the sleeve - I hope you can fix it!

[@mostlyknitting]

I think you did inspire me Toni. They are a great project and always useful. :)

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you. me too!

[@marsy1480]

If something bothers you then I would definitely change it 😃 otherwise it may become something that you fixate on…and you have put so much work into your Selwood T.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Mary. :)

[@GabrielaVazquez-jc3pi]

On your Nordiska, do you have more of the main color and would you be interested in making the sleeve longer? I would do some sweather surgery and add stockinette in the main color between the shoulder and the colorwork.That would put the colorwork closer to your wrist where your arm is smaller. That is what I would do because I would definitely prefer a longer sleeve.

[@mostlyknitting]

I love that idea Gabriela - then i realised that I used the leftovers for my Misurina...

[@harpmyday]

I really love every minute of your videos! I learn so much from you. I think the color work on the sleeves is worth keeping, and makes the color work on the body really shine. “Atomic Habits” is still extremely popular here in the US, and frequently quoted - driving even more interest. Speaking of audiobooks, I wonder if you’ve listened to “In A Sunburned Country” by Bill Bryson? (Or read it?) The book is very enjoyable and he reads it well. Thanks again!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! I have read that book - he has a great style of writing. I would love to keep the sleeve colorwork but am leaning against just because of wearibility....

[@Goodknits_]

For the top you’re wearing at the start I think going shorter on the sleeves and just having the detail on the body would be really nice. It’s a beautiful top. 😍 Oh my so funny that the kremke wool almost got you too!! What are the chances? Thankfully my mistake saved you. 😂😂

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Sheri. I partly blame the fact that one has Fino and the other has nothing. If it had DK on it, that might have alerted both of us. Thanks for the warning. :)

[@beverlythompson3246]

Hi Tash- the Nordiska sweater with that skirt looks fabulous. If the sleeves have decreases before the ribbing, could you just rip back and eliminate the decreases? I hate having to go back once a garment is complete but if it means you will wear it, might be worth it. Congratulations on giving up alcohol. I’ve never been a drinker- here in 🇨🇦there’s a lot of tax on alcohol, so I would just rather spend my money on something I enjoy more.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Beverly. I think that is what I am going to do - just take out the decreases and reknit down. It’s the least drastic and I’ll see if it gets some wear :)

[@AnnieM-54]

I love your Nordiska with the colour work at the end of the sleeves. I also like the length of the sleeves as they are because the colour work is more or less in line with the colour work on the body and it looks complete as it is. Shame it’s a bit tight. Look forward to seeing what you decide.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Annie. I like the visuals and where they line up. I am just struggling with the wearibility. I can fix the tight sleeves, but the length just isnt that wearable for me with what i normally wear and in my climate. Which is a bit of a shame. Something for me to think about in advance when choosing patterns.

[@AnnieM-54]

I know what you mean about the climate. I live in Perth.

[@bevabberley1524]

Hi Tash I think the yarn is busy enough you can’t see the pattern blank so would just match up. It is a lovely fit. 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Bev. I know that is the answer i want to hear. I do hate ripping back. ;)

[@Laurie-q1e]

For your Sellwood Tee you bind off at either the beginning or end of the row seems correct. In the RS it is the beginning and WS it is the end of the row.

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Laurie. Yes, i understand what you mean. I just never normally bind off at the end of a row. Always at the beginning. Otherwise you have a lone stitch at the end, disconnected from the rest of the work.

[@lynnmcentire4014]

Why don’t you do the change on the side you have left? If you like it, you can change the other; if you don’t like it, it will be easier to pull back😊

[@terinskyweaver]

That's what I was thinking for the sellwood tee, too.

[@mostlyknitting]

Great idea Lynn!

[@jo-annefalconer6280]

that was what i was going to write, too. re you first garment I would keep the colourwork on the sleeves if you can make it a touch wider.

[@mongrain8934]

I don't know if you have access to Rowan yarns, but maybe the Dewberry 600 color from their Kidsilk Haze might pair well with your Heather from Jagger Spun... Thank you for this episode! ❤❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

That is a lovely color. I can get this yarn. I even have a bit of 641 Blackcurrant left in stash that i could try knitting with it and see how that looks. Thank you for the suggestion. :)

[@charcro]

Have you read Michael Moseley's book Just One Thing? Also helpful with developing new habits.

[@mostlyknitting]

I havent. Thank you for the suggestion. I am always open to books and articles that can help. :)

[@EvieO1950]

Best wishes for your hubby’s knee replacements.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much!

[@pernillep9049]

I think it is ok to contact the designer(PetiteKnit), and ask about, what she recommends to swatch. And maybe she just haven't thought of it and will welcome the request.

[@mostlyknitting]

That is a good point. I am going to do that. Thank you for the suggestion. :)

[@mostlyknitting]

Actually, I just read some of the comments on ravelry for the pattern and she has answered this there. Thanks for the suggestion and I will mention this on my next episode.

[@marsy1480]

I'm a combination knitter (50’s knitting).

[@mostlyknitting]

It is a great way to knit - very efficient! :)

[@cynthiagilbreth1352]

The blue skirt looks really nice with the Nordiska. I think I have that skirt pattern.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! V9090 is a great pattern. I highly recommend it if you havent made it yet. Super comfortable and very quick and easy. :)

[@karenmeyer7971]

Hi Tash - I really enjoy your KZbin videos! My husband and I are from the US and will be in Sydney from Nov. 17 - 20. I'd love to buy you a coffee 'in person'. Is this possible?

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Karen. Thank you so much for wanting to catch up with me when you are in Sydney for a just a few days. Unfortunately I don’t think it will be possible as I am working and then my husband’s double knee replacements are happening on the 20th. I hope you have a wonderful time and the weather is good for you. Sydney is a beautiful city. :)

[@ANdmadeco]

I knit the Moby Sweater (not man) for my husband and it’s my favorite of the knits I’ve made him so far! I just picked up a few extra stitches when picking up for sleeves. 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for that info. That is super helpful. :)