Ep. 9 The Fruitful Hands Knitting Podcast

SHOW NOTES
Thanks for joining us! This week we're going through more of our in-progress and finished knits! Let us know what you’re working on in the comments!
Follow us on Instagram at @thefruitfulhands
Email us at [e-mail]
DIANA WEARING
Pattern: Twofer Tank by Heidi Kirrmaier
Yarn: Amano Sami
Base: 100% Peruvian Pima Cotton
Color: 1804 Moss
DIANA'S FINISHED OBJECTS:
Pattern: Vanilla Socks on 9” Circulars Size US 1 by Kay Litton (Crazy Sock Lady)
Yarn: Knitted Wit Sock
Color: Great Smoky Mountains National Park
DIANA WIPs:
Pattern: Rhinebeck Roomie by Kay Litton (Crazy Sock Lady)
Yarn: #142 Dragonfly Flight Sock Set
Color: 100% SW Bluefaced Leicester British 4ply
Pattern: Vanilla Socks on 9” Circulars US 1 by Kay Litton (Crazy Sock Lady)
Yarn: Fiber Seed Sprout Sock
Color: Funfetti
Pattern: Salty Air Tee by Samantha Guerin
Yarn: Linen Quill Purl Soho
Color: Pink Pop
Pattern: Ochre Cardigan by Ambah O’Brien
Yarn: Nua Sport
Color: Frog on the Wall
KAITY WEARING:
Pattern: Anker’s Summer Tee by Petiteknit
Yarn: Sandnes Garn Line “Kitt”
KAITY WIPs:
Pattern: Rhinebeck Roomies by Crazy Sock Lady
Yarn: Laughing Cat Fibers “Viva La Vida”
Pattern: Thea Top by paulastrickt
Yarn: Drops Belle color 20
Pattern: Theo the Lion “Wild Animal Friends”
Yarn: Scheepjes
KAITY FUTURE CAST-ON:
Pattern: Tolsta Tee by creabea
Yarn: Fiber Seed Sprout dk “Thistle”
And fingering weight for picot edge

[@bek-bek-bek-bek]

So glad to read the party went so well and it sounds like a true celebration and joyful time. Actually, I can't imagine a place/space you two would be in that wouldn't be joyful ❤ Happy Yarning! (so glad I have finished this one before the next one comes out! Getting to watch them in installments (available time!) means at least never without you for long! Wishing you continued good health, happiness and endless yarn 🧶😊

[@maryk8p]

Thank you for sharing about your family! What a beautiful witness. I come from a large family (#2 of 7 children) and hearing stories from others about their large families is so nice! We have five children and even with that number people look at us crosse eyed 😂

[@lynnmcentire4014]

My husband and I also have a blended family. When we met we each had 4 kids. Then we had one together. Unfortunately we each have lost our oldest son. Of the remaining 7 we are blessed to have 25 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren with another due in January 😊 We are blessed!

[@thefruitfulhands]

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your oldest son, I can’t imagine how hard that must have be. What a crew 25 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren with another on the way! You are truly blessed my friend. ~Hugs, Diana

[@susanhess937]

I'm so sorry I hit the down thumb by mistake. I so enjoy your you tube. Love to watch!

[@thefruitfulhands]

No worries, Susan. I am always hitting the wrong button! Thank you for watching and commenting. ~Diana

[@mynorthknitcorner]

What a blessing to have a big family❤ And such amazing role models you and your husband are,Diana beeing married 34 years. Thank you both for another wonderful episode. So fun and inspirational seeing all your beautiful knits. Wishing you a blessed week☀️🧶

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yes, we feel blessed for sure. The Lord has definitely be gracious to us in spite of our ~best efforts~. Kaity and I really love knitting and sharing that with each other and all of you. Thank you so much for your kind comments and joining us on this knitting journey. Blessings on your week, Diana

[@mendyelliott9495]

I laughed out loud when you said your yarn was anxious. So funny! Love watching you two. I think a knitting retreat would be so fun (hint hint) 😂

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yesss, to the knitting retreat wouldn’t that be dreamy!! Thank you so much for watching and your kind comments. That was so funny seeing how ~laid back~ Kaity’s yarn cake was and mine was so….anxious! 😂 ~Diana

[@aimeveryday2966]

Ha ha, I'm definitely a tight winder!

[@thefruitfulhands]

That’s too funny! Who knew winding could be so personal! 😂 -Kaity

[@elizabethryan9633]

Thank YOu for another great episode! I love your projects and insights. Anxious yarn 😂

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, Elizabeth! It was definitely anxious, I was amazed at how laid back Kaity’s yarn appeared! 😂 ~Diana

[@tessietwoboyle660]

I have saved the ochre cardigan in my favourites and am now on the hunt for the yarn! Can’t wait❤

[@thefruitfulhands]

It has been a really fun knit. I can’t wait to finish it so I can wear it! ~Diana

[@TheSablelou]

I bought 2 skeins of the Fiber Seed to make Depth for my dear SIL and myself! The pattern is what made me buy the yarn as I have never seen anything like that!

[@thefruitfulhands]

I saw that pattern @TheSablelou and it is beautiful! Thank you for watching and commenting. ~Diana

[@vickishaw374]

Another great podcast!! ❤❤

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, friend! ~Diana

[@rachellehergenreter3168]

I just cast on my Tolsta Tee. I am loving it so far.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yay, Rachelle, knit on! ~Diana

[@josiejocreates]

I don't have Instagram, but I'm joining in spirit! 😍 Hearing you guys talk about it tempts me to get back on Instagram just so I can be friends with you guys there, too 😂 I hope your cast-on party was fun!!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Josie, don’t let us tempt to more social media than you want/need. One of my daughter’s limits her social media and it definitely gives her peace of mind. We are friends here so that’s perfect. We were able to get together for a Friday evening and work on our Tolstas after Kaity got her babies in bed. She came out and knit a while. ❤ Thank you for watching! ~Diana

[@josiejocreates]

@@thefruitfulhands I know - that is very true ☺ That sounds like a great cast-on party to me! Much love! 💜

[@labethbrewer]

I finished my first Tolsta in 9 days, and I do not get a lot of time to knit everyday, it was so fast!! I just followed the hashtag and maybe I will cast on with ya'll!!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Oh my goodness, 9 days, I hope I can get mine finished that quickly! I am loving it so far. Have you cast on a second one yet? Thank you so much for watching. ~Diana

[@labethbrewer]

@@thefruitfulhands I am casting on today, while wearing my first one! It's such a lovely pattern.

[@mywonderfulknittinglife]

I can't express how much I'm enjoying your channel. Mom and daughter combos always touch my heart. The two of you have such a wonderful connection that can be seen through your yarn chatter. Best wishes from Canada and keep the episodes coming!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you so much for your kind comments and for watching! We truly appreciate the encouragement. ~Diana

[@alecsgirl]

I loved hearing you talk about the blessing of your family and how your “hands were full”. Most of the time people talk about their children (or mine!) being a “handful”. (I mean, my four ARE a handful and they probably seem like twelve when we’re out in public ☺️.) You all seem to have the sweetest, most tight-knit family and it’s refreshing to hear about yours so thank you for sharing with us!

[@louannhawkins4569]

Awesome that you have a wonderful large family! I am from Upper East Tennessee and my husband and I lived in E Ky for 13 years! I am a hillbilly!

[@maryoconnell35]

Thanks to both of you for another episode, you really brighten my day as you are both so lighthearted, thank you also for sharing details about your family with us, both of you are busy Moms. ☘☘

[@barbarapurcell7296]

Thank you! So glad I ran into you!

[@tamaratafoya9466]

I got a big chuckle and loved hearing you dream big about a RV road trip to visit all of us. WASHINGTON state..... YES!!!

[@thefruitfulhands]

I have always loved roadtrips and taken many with the kiddos in tow unfortunately as I’ve gotten older my body doesn’t love them so much. I haven’t ruled out a trip out west and who knows someday we might pack up and head your way….wouldn’t that be a grand adventure!?!? ~Diana

[@emilylee9441]

I’ve made 4 wild animal friends (giraffe, zebra, chimp, panda), and now Im making the tiger. I absolutely love Louise’s patterns. Your son will love his lion. I just discovered your podcast and enjoyed it. Maybe I will join you ladies in making the Tolsta tee:)

[@thefruitfulhands]

Oh how fun! I’ve also started the fox but he’s on hold for a bit. They are too cute! I don’t love piecing them together but the finished product is adorable! Hope you join us for the Tolsta KAL! ☺️ - Kaity

[@jacksheilaweber4322]

Hi ladies! Elise with LePetit Saint Crochet has a good video entitled “10 ways to stop pain from crochet and knitting”. She has some helpful tips that might help with your wrist/hand. Your makes are beautiful! The woof festival you spoke of is in Falmouth on Oct 6-8. I’ve been twice - very nice and loads of fun. Thank you for your podcast! All the best! Sheila

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you Shelia for the festival information! I have been once and it was a lovely drive up there and really enjoyed it. I am hoping to make it up there this October, will you be there this year? I will definitely check out Elise’s video, I’m still having some issues but getting better. Thank you so much for your comments and watching our podcast. ~Diana

[@joannemoseley8994]

I think summer yarns always stretch out…no woolly fibres to grip! It makes it challenging to size summer knits. Your Tolsta yarns are so pretty! I think it would look really cute if you exchanged colours for the neckband and cuffs…you’d have coordinating but opposite Tolstas…

[@thefruitfulhands]

Oh Joanne, what a lovely idea exchanging some of our colors! Our next knit together we will definitely give that some thought. Yes, on the challenging summer yarns and getting the sizing correct that is why I have always preferred cold weather knits. It is fun and exciting trying to find yarns that work for what I what/need in my summer tops. Thank you for watching and commenting. ~Diana

[@sally-annmannering]

Oh my goodness, I’m a bit behind with my podcast queue and just watched this one out of sequence so the Tolsta Tee was news for me - I have the pattern and have been struggling with a yarn but the fingering weight version dropped on Friday and I have a lot more choice with fingering weight from stash so I’ll be joining for the KAL (as soon as I finish my SummerTee which I started Thursday)

[@thefruitfulhands]

I haven’t looked at the fingering yarn version yet, I am afraid it would distract me from my DK Tolsta! 😂😂 I am making progress and loving my yarn. Not enough time to knit all the things or watch all the podcasts! Thank you for watching and commenting. ~Diana

[@sandracroley9784]

I knitted 6 of those animals for the grandchildren for Christmas...I think it was the cotton yarn I used, but my wrist was in pain afterwards for a long time. Next time I'll space them out more! I want to knit the Twofer tank, but you have me worried...I just started a top using the same yarn as you...I hope mine doesn't stretch as much as yours 😒😬

[@thefruitfulhands]

You are a rockstar Grammie for knitting all those animals! I seem to be experiencing wrist issues with the summer yarns and sock knitting that is very interesting. The yarn is soft and lovely just extremely drapey I am sure it would be lovely for the right project. ~Diana

[@graceyj7996]

What a wonderful family! We are blessed with 3 and they bring such joy! Loved your iced coffees and I thought Oh I bet Mama brought the coffees over! Love doing that sort of stuff for my kiddos!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Children are such a blessing! And yes! Momma did bring the iced coffee! 😍 Such a sweet treat! 😊 -Kaity

[@travelandlivebravely1646]

The Twofer tank was my first knit garment. It was a terrible fail. Now that I have more garment knitting experience, I would perhaps be more successful. I do like the garment design because of the wider straps.

[@thefruitfulhands]

I feel the same way about my Twofer, I love the ability to wear it either way and the pattern was easy to follow so I am looking for a yarn that would be more suitable. Thank you for watching! ~Diana

[@josimpson671]

I love big families❤ I have 8 bio and two step daughters. So we had 10 under our roof, was busy but fun. 5 left at home now. So knitting is my sanity saver lol

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yes! Big families are wonderful! I bet holidays are fun around your house. ☺️ happy Knitting! - Kaity

[@ajborthwick7239]

A friend of mine has 11 siblings so it doesn’t seem weird to me. I take it Katie is one of the “olders”? I am so glad you showed your twofer tank as I have been planning to cast that on in a cotton yarn I dyed last summer but now I’m going to rethink that. Maybe I’ll do a tolsta first with you ladies. Loved the episode:)

[@thefruitfulhands]

Kaity is actually in the middle she is #6! I definitely want to reknit the Twofer Tank, I’m thinking maybe a cotton and linen blend. My Tolsta is coming along! Thank you for joining us. ~Diana

[@kellynalley7832]

I have pain when using 9” circular needles. I hold them too tightly.

[@thefruitfulhands]

It is funny I didn’t have pain with my first pair of socks on 9” circulars. I think the yarn was a little thicker and I was a little more aware of not strangling my needles. 😂 As you can tell by my yarn cake I’ve been a little uptight the last month or so maybe this is my sign to relax! 😂😂~Diana

[@phyllisburke4141]

I’ve frogged a few finished objects this week. Felt so good to regain yarn for something I’ll love and use.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Phyllis, I have a few knits that I need to do that to. One is an old knit and the other is one I knit last year but the yarn is to heavy/drapey for the pattern so I need to frog it and probably soak the yarn. Thank you for watching and commenting. ~Diana

[@duk-soonolivieri9805]

Wow… 12 kids… how fun! What number kid are you ???

[@thefruitfulhands]

Kaity is #6, she is the younger of the middles and the older of the youngers.❤ Thank you for watching! ~Diana

[@LifeasMrsCooks]

34 years of marriage and 12 kids!!!! What a blessing ❤❤ We have four and when people would say “oh my, you have your hands full!” I would say “my heart is fuller” 😊❤️

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yes, I do think people have a hard time comprehending the how and why of more children. One of my favs was, “Are you a daycare?”😂😂 ~Diana

[@LifeasMrsCooks]

@@thefruitfulhands Wow! I think I would’ve been too shocked to reply 🤦🏽‍♀️

[@judymccarty2695]

I really enjoy your podcast, it’s like a visit with knitting friends!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, Judy, knitting friends are the best! ~Diana

[@antoinettekellam6048]

This was my first time watching enjoyed the podcast so much

[@thefruitfulhands]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for joining us! ❤ - Kaity

[@gerikreecjer9995]

💋 Promo SM

[@jofrench2674]

Phew! We don’t need to finish the Tolsta in June 😂😂😂

[@thefruitfulhands]

Right, Jo! I’m getting a little worried with my current body temperature issues that I might have to wait until fall to wear it!😂 If I have enough yarn I might make 3/4 sleeves so I can wear in cooler weather. ~Diana

[@Golden.5555]

I really enjoy this channel and I have bought many of the patterns you mentioned 😀

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, @Golden.5555! I hope you enjoy your new patterns and make something beautiful. ~Diana

[@stephaniebenson2501]

Enjoyed it as always. Thank you.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, Stephanie! ~Diana

[@sandraponte3121]

You two are simply delightful to watch. Diana, I’m curious to know if any of your other children knit or just Katie?

[@thefruitfulhands]

A few sisters have dabbled in knitting and crocheting! We are working on having them join us as guests on the podcast. 😉 - Kaity

[@sandraponte3121]

@@thefruitfulhands oh, that will be fun!

[@lynnmcentire4014]

Have you ever used reinforcement yarn for your heels? That might make those socks wear better

[@thefruitfulhands]

Lynn, I have not but that is an excellent idea for my 100% wool yarn! Thank you, Diana

[@alicehayden4118]

I live just outside Seattle! Please include me in that WA state trip.

[@alicehayden4118]

Also, Tolt yarn shop is amazing!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Absolutely Alice! Someday…. ❤Diana

[@OllieandMay]

I love seeing your New Podcast pop up in my Notifications… just a Tip Diana for your Wrist Pain, Swap back and forth your knitting style and using a 80cm cord for Magic Loop will change the way you knit and hold the needles, I find that Helps me, Posture can also play a part from your Shoulders… I also swap projects from different yarn weights and their needle sizes Especially if you are knitting in a DK, swapping too a Fingering makes a difference…there is a Man on KZbin by the name of Carson Demers who explains all this for Knitters…❤❤

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you @OllieandMay I will definitely try some of your ideas and check out Carson Demers on KZbin. Thank you for watching and your helpful comments. ~Diana

[@jofrench2674]

Oooh. It was me who said “I’m in England, I’ll cast on before you”. So excited you remembered 😘. (and I did cast on but can’t see anything or post to instagram). I need to figure this out. 😵‍💫

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yay, @jofrench! The learning curve is definitely a thing for us but slowly learning how to navigate things. ~Diana

[@melissafriedrich3171]

Thanks for another awesome episode, love seeing all the knits and hearing the family bits too. I am working through some bulky yarn stash knitting some color work hats for my gift stash AND knitting socks for Summer Sock Camp (by the Crazy Sock Lady) - starting the Cookie Swap Socks today.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, Melissa! I was just thinking that I need to start thinking about my Christmas gift knits. I had to put a pause on my sock knitting, I’m trying to finish up my Ochre and Salty Tee. ~Diana

[@8Gammie]

What a great large family!!! You are so Blessed! Such a lovely family.. wow! You make me better just listening to you. I so enjoy you both. I agree.. not enough time for all I want to knit (or crochet). And, then a new pattern comes somewhere and you HAVE to have that. Oh my. The joys of knitting.The cake winding.. oh my, good to know how tight it could get, LOL. love,hugs,prayers

[@thefruitfulhands]

We really love our big family and we are definitely blessed. Thank you so much for your kind words. I absolutely agree not enough time to knit all the ~old~ knits and the new knits coming out, maybe we could push a pause button and get caught up!😂 The absolute joys of knitting and the peace it brings is brings is gift. Could you believe the difference in our yarn cakes?? I couldn’t believe how much of a difference we had. 😂😂😂 I will definitely take some deep breaths while winding my next cake! ~Diana

[@therese1226]

I make socks for my husband and they are always screwed up. Whether it’s Hermione’s or Blueberry Waffle, I always mess it up and the good thing is, nobody cares. It’s all good.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Absolutely, no one cares or can see our screw up/design element and generally they love that we cared enough to knit them something. It’s all good, my new knitting mantra! ~Diana

[@zena-knittingbeans7973]

One big meet up! How much fun 🎉🇬🇧🧶🙏🏻. Thanks for sharing and how good do you look having 12 children 😊. Hats off to you x

[@thefruitfulhands]

One big meet up would be so much FUN!!! ❤🎉 Thank you friend, I am blessed. ~Diana

[@tanemartin7366]

Thank you for sharing about your family. What a blessing! The Lord has made your quiver full! I so enjoy your podcast. Thank you Ladies!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you and yes we have been abundantly blessed! Thank you for watching and coming alongside our journey! ~Diana

[@magpie195]

Another lovely episode- so pleased to hear you enjoyed a great weekend with all your family. I just brought a 9” circular for my socks and started one today, really enjoyed using the needles - I am following along with a video from the the crazy sock lady which I am finding very helpful. Have a great week, enjoy starting your Tolsta tee’s and look forward to your progress next time. 🌸

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, Magpie! Our Tolstas are on the needles and progressing! Definitely enjoying the journey. Love the Crazy Sock Lady’s videos. Have a lovely week! ~Diana

[@rebeccabowen7027]

I was working on my Tolsta while catching up with you two! For my socks, I knit mine concurrently--at the same time but on different needles. Otherwise, I would never get to that second sock done. Every time I deviate or think that this will be the time I can do one at a time, it's a big fat lie. 😂 I love "hanging out" with you two and hearing all about what you two are up to!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Rebecca, SAME, if I try and trick myself into thinking this will be the time I will do the second sock right after the first one I am lying to myself. I definitely think I have found my groove in knitting my socks concurrently as well. Thank you so much for “hanging out” with us we truly appreciate it. ~Diana

[@tamibrown.21]

How blessed you are to have lots of kids! I always love spending time with my kids. They're all out of the house now, so our time together is that much more precious! I started the Thea Top last summer and put it in time out. I just have the ribbing on the armholes and then I'm done! I'm going to cast on the Cresendo summer top next! Maybe after that one I can cast on the Tolsta! Thank you for sharing!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you so much for watching and commenting, Tami. Even though we still have kiddos at home it is so much fun when the older children come home and visit. Isn’t it funny how sometimes we get the last bits of a garment and just can’t finish it for whatever reason, then we find it months/years later finish it and think…”well that wasn’t so bad” or something similar.😂 I’m going to check out the Cresendo Summer Top, the name is over the top!😂😂 ~Diana

[@marciajohnson9210]

I so enjoy your podcast. What a blessing to have such a wonderful family.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, Marcia! Yes, we are blessed. ~Diana

[@ruthannbull6515]

Thanks for your wonderful podcast. Enjoy listening to all your fun knits!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you so much, Ruth Ann! ~Diana

[@Reknits4me]

I prefer to knit socks two at a time. I would say, give it another try. It’s so satisfying to have them done at the same time. I have tried the small circulars and they also causes me hand pain. Great episode. I really enjoy your knits.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you @Reknits999 I will definitely give two at a time socks on the same needle another try! Two at a time is definitely how I need to knit socks so I need to use all my options and change it up so I can keep my wrists healthy. ~Diana

[@kathykithcart1887]

Love your podcast and the frog on the wall color and sweater.

[@thefruitfulhands]

Thank you, Kathy. I love that color too! ~Diana

[@thebooknitter]

That is a big family ❤ my mom's generation were many children too but now they are much smaller. Wow that is a big family you have ladies. I just loved your proyects and excited to see everybodys Tolstas

[@thefruitfulhands]

It is definitely a big family. My Tolsta is coming along, my problem is I want to finish my Ochre and Salty Air Tee first. We shall see how this goes… thank you for watching! ~Diana

[@thebooknitter]

@@thefruitfulhands definitely i have a wio bit then I have a other couple that. I want to cast on

[@heatherr9201]

I am casting on my Tolsta tee also!

[@thefruitfulhands]

Yay, Tolsta Tee team! ~Diana