Episode 77: Lots to Talk About | Edible Thoughts Makes

[@harmonygamblin9686]

Love this episode and lives what you said regarding test knitting. I’m with you, I definitely consider it work, but it’s a joy to see the pattern come to life for designers we love!

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you Harmony and yes!! 💖

[@jessicaolney4900]

Love your videos Stephanie! I am so glad that you speak your mind even though you choose your words so carefully and thoughtfully. I'm especially with you on the "free pattern" terminology with test knitting as well. My grandpa used to say about my (fast, amount of) talking "who put a quarter in her?" I feel like we are all in a conversation--one that I would have (in the before time or hopefully in the future) in person with knitting friends. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and projects with us! Happy knitting, baking, cooking! Stay warm.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much Jessica! I appreciate you appreciating my efforts. I have to say (in regards to fast talking), sometimes I make my own ears ring lol. The funny thing is, I'm really okay with not talking at all, I love silence and being by myself. But when I get talking....hah! Take care💖

[@lizmcconville]

Enjoyed every minute of your podcast...watched in stages. Your mug is fab! As usual I love all your makes and hearing your thoughts on them. The embroidery line separating pockets is genius. Elizabeth

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much Elizabeth! Wishing you moments of peace and rest this Friday and into the weekend 💖

[@susansmith3264]

I appreciate you sharing about your modification for the half and half wrap. It makes it more affordable with less leftovers. I’ll definitely be doing this. Also, I love hearing about non superwash yarns. I’m fairly new to those and am enjoying learning more.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

You're so welcome Susan! Glad we're learning together re:non-superwash yarns. Take care 💖

[@angiemcdermid4845]

Such a nice chatty visit. Thanks. My word this year is Inspire. And my pause is to take a deep breath.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

OOoOOo such a great word! Thank you for spending some time with me Angie 💖

[@nicholenaiman9435]

Your intros are so peaceful. I just adore your channel and your sweet self.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much Nichole!! Take care ❤️

[@crafteegirl]

I did watch in several little chunks and it was so nice to feel like I was continuing a conversation with a friend! Thanks for another beautiful episode!

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much Heather for joining me! Take care ❤️

[@KnittingsAndSewings]

I just absolutely LOVE your podcast. You are so insightful. Your mentioning the steam coming off the hot tea made me relax just reflecting on that. Now I have to go brew a hot cup of tea so I can do the same. Yes, enjoying the simple things, like rising steam, is what mindfulness is all about. I've been picking a word per year since 2011. My word this year is "Faith." Last year was "Calm."

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you for your words of encouragement and support. And thank you for joining in on the conversation. Yes to mindfulness! Yes to being present! Yes to noticing things and taking it in as we are able to at any given moment. Thank you for sharing your word/year. Take care Chelle!

[@chrismajchrzak6332]

Hi Stephanie! Its a snow day here in my neck of the woods and it was so lovely to start my day with a fire, my knitting and a visit with you. Your makes are always very inspiring. I love knitpicks wool of the andes. I have noticed that all my sweaters made with this yarn look great and hold their shape beautifully for years whereas other yarns stretch out or pill horribly. I always resonate with your thought processes on making and life in general and enjoy listening to you share. I especially liked the words preservation and pause as they are relevant to what I am struggling with daily. Preserving my sanity in this crazy world and working in a public school with middle schoolers is a daily challenge. I have also found myself reacting in ways I am not proud of when my frustration levels are reached (also happening quicker than I like). Pause will be my word. Pause, think, breathe, evaluate before reacting. I would love to see your dot journal - I have always enjoyed seeing glimpses of it in past videos. Wishing you all the best and grateful for your beautiful presence here.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Hello dear Chris!! I have missed you!! So glad to hear your review on Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. I definitely am more interested in how projects wear over time than just how lovely they are right after blocking (I mean, I like that part too but I wear my makes and I want to know if they'll hold up!!). Thank you for spending time with me - it feels good to be heard and understood. YES I have so many moments replayed in my head where I think, "WHAT WAS I THINKING??!?!?" when clearly I didn't pause to think at all.... Sigh. Stress and anxiety don't like pausing do they? Yes, PAUSE. THINK. BREATHE. EVALUATE. I'm going to attempt recording next week about my dot planner/journal I think and maybe another short clip on how I organize my making journal as well. Take care!!! 💖

[@chrismajchrzak6332]

@@EdibleThoughtsMakes Yay! I can't wait to see your journals! Happy Sunday Stephanie!

[@NaturesCozy]

YES!!! Sage and blackberry is the best! What a thought provoking conversation about volunteering and work! For me, I never thought of volunteering as "work" but completely agree with everything you said. Thank you for showing your mended sock! I really want to knit a nonsuperwash pair but am worried about getting holes. I haven't had to mend one sock yet over 3.5 years of knitting them. I really need to make myself a few more pairs of High Desert socks. The two I have are my most worn pairs--they're the coziest!

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

That's awesome about no socks to mend - though it is kinda fun! I haven't mended a ton of socks and those I've mended are mostly for the kids. The kids really live in their socks - just how I would love them to be worn! But yeah, wearing them in gym shoes all day with a lot of friction and sometimes wearing them outside without shoes on, wears them out REALLY fast (especially if on the rough pavers). Hooray for High Desert Socks love!💖

[@jennifertran600]

Loved seeing all your projects! I'm also a planner/journal/notebook junkie so I would love to see how you set up your pages. Also, your mug is cute! All the sweaters on it are just awesome.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much Jennifer! I will plan on recording a little video on how I set mine up, thanks for your interest!! Love a good mug and one with sweaters on it?? Even better❤️

[@soolee8747]

Thanks for another great episode, and happy new year! I would love some planner content, please!

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Happy new year!! I will make a planner/journal video then! Thank you!

[@FirnMamaMakes]

This was the best kind of chatty. 💞💞💞

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much 💖💖💖

[@rebeccamercado6254]

I had to pause the video and say that yes, I absolutely agree with you about test knitting being work (this is how I consider it as well). I also think its a great point to differentiate between getting the pattern for free and instead emphasizing that we get a finished copy of the pattern we helped to test. I hear all the time from designers how the pattern wouldn’t be in the workd if wasn’t for the testers help, so phrasing it that way puts value on our time and efforts. Thanks for those thoughtful comments.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much for joining in on the conversation Rebecca. Feeling appreciated and valued is immeasurable (in my opinion) and language makes such a big difference. Impact > Intent. Take care!

[@stacyelstone]

Oh I love that we're knitting on our honey pink halves at the same time!

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Love love love!!! 💖💖💖

[@Kaet_RN]

I’m very particular about my cookbooks, currently (and for months) I have been enjoying the newest from How Sweet Eats, and also the Half Baked Harvest newer book. Your golden hour colors are just beautiful! As are all your projects. Your sweater you are wearing looks really really nice, the stitches are so even and it just looks so comfortable. Well done!

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Those two books are new to me, I'll check their websites out! Thank you so much for your compliments on my projects. Take care Kaetlyn! Happy Friday!

[@TheHahaha247]

Hey Stephanie, sorry I've been MIA for a bit. I had a hectic time. I feel you on reclaiming time. I evaluated the time I was spending on things that didn't make me happy anymore/situations that didn't serve me in a healthy way. You are right, test knitting is a lot. It is an act of giving back to those who you love. I hope all the test knits serve you well. I love your sweater, the colorwork really pops. I'll have to catch up on all your old episodes while I get back into knitting now for me time. I decided I need to finish some projects I've been missing. I don't pick a word, but I made a phone background/screen saver that is a reminder to be mindful and loving towards myself.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

No apologies needed!! Love the sentiment of the reminder you have to yourself. We're doing okay over here!! Best wishes to you and yours as well ❤️

[@kellybodie6022]

Funny that this conversation about worth in pattern testing just went on last year in the indie sewing area. Now some of the designers now pay for pattern testers. Thanks again for another lovely time.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Oh wow! Thank you so much for spending some time with me Kelly, take care!

[@lisaalp8984]

Hi Stefanie, Happy New Year (a year ago, and now too lol)! I’ve never picked a word for the year to focus on or think about. I also don’t do NY's resolutions. I try to be thoughtful and have awareness on a regular basis. I was thinking about what you said about the social media trend we’re living with, and the reaction buttons and getting attention etc. I think what people really want and need is to simply 'be seen', to know that they matter, and to connect with others. When I say 'be seen' I don’t mean in a social media way like a picture or comment. I mean in a way that you feel like someone took the time to see/hear/feel/talk/care/connect with you…I think this is a universal, basic human need. And if people pause (a word you mentioned!) and take the time to connect with others, well what a wonderful world it can be! And who’s rambling on now, me, lol! 💜

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

100%! We want to connect. We seek empathy. We need to be seen/heard. Yes yes yes. ❤️❤️❤️

[@AHandKnitLetter]

I love the names you give your wraps💗. I’m using a new Tuft Woolens balm called Mountain Lodge and it’s so good. I also hadn’t cut my hair since February 2020. Because I also don’t feel comfortable having someone that close to my face when it’s not absolutely necessary. Last week I had my sister, who is not a stylist, cut it in my kitchen. We decided to try bangs. Let’s just say, I should’ve waited. 🤣

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much!! I looked up the Mountain Lodge listing - "Rich, Sweet & Woodsy" - it sounds right up my alley. Oh dear...good thing hair grows back!

[@aimeveryday2966]

I have to tell you that my family tried hot pot for the very first time at my brother's house for a family dinner. He and his wife had gone with a Chinese friend and her husband to a hot pot restaurant in Buffalo NY and really enjoyed it. So, he bought a pot from Amazon and had us bring veggies and he had the meat and noodles and sauces and broth. It was so much fun!

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

That is awesome! So glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@catherinemuhlhauser8008]

I love your podcast very much and as a french I must say that I don't have any difficullty to understand you. You speak very clearly and as your voice is so calm and peacefull even if it is fast (not too fast) it is always very distinct. I love that you share your personnal preferences on many subjects. I would love a video on your planner system , journal.. I personnally keep trcak of every knitting project in a separate knitting bullet journal, and I have always been a fan of journals, diaries or planners (in french we call them agendas); I love cookbooks too. At the beginning of Internet the first thing I enjoyed very much were blogs about cooking. It was so fun to discover people sharing their recipes all around the world. Then I discovered knitting blogs ! KZbin videos are great but I keep going reading some blogs, I still love them. Your new half and half wrap is going to be very beautiful and bright. This yellow is so joyful... i had a question about your needle size for the wrap: as you casted-on fewer stitches and get the same shawl larger size do you use a bigger needle ? i am currently knitting my second H&h wrap and I went the oposite, I casted on more stitches (I wanted it to be bigger). I am using Hoslt Supersoft wich is a very affordable yarn here in France, so I don't worry about using more balls (I purchased five 50gramms balls for each color). I love the stitch size and definition I get with my wooden 3.25 mm needle.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Oh thank you so much for joining in on the conversation Catherine! I appreciate you appreciating me for being me. I love notebooks too. I will plan to record an episode next week on how I set-up my journal/planner and maybe how I set-up my knitting notebook too. I forgot to mention the needles I was using on my Half + Half, oops. I'm using US3/3.25m Addi Turbos. I found the Chiaogoos I typically use too sharp and the repetitive motion was hurting my hands and fingertips. I'm not a particularly loose or tight knitter. I think because it's garter, it stretches pretty easily but also can shrink back so thought I blocked it to the large size (even with the 230st cast on), the resulting size might actually not be super accurate in measurement! Take care 💖

[@catherinemuhlhauser8008]

@@EdibleThoughtsMakes Thank you Stéphanie !

[@TheKml004]

I really loved the opening segment and seeing everything you cooked and the lovely little moments of seeing your knitting. It’s so nice to see a fellow thrower, I feel like in order to be a “good” podcaster I need to make a LOT of stuff and therefor I need to knit continental to go faster, but clearly you disprove that! I also do a lot of test knitting, and I think of it as work, but for me I haven’t felt the need for additional compensation, though a yarn discount or additional free pattern is always nice. For me, I discovered a few years that my life’s purpose is to build and create things and people use and enjoy, So I find that the value for me is getting to sort of double down on that, not just because I will create something I will enjoy, but I’m contributing to a new design that others will love as well. I do get annoyed when patterns are completely off or incomplete and I’m doing a lot more work then just the basic knit, provide feedback, and note errors.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much Kathryn! Oh I never feel like I'm making stuff for an episode - what fun is that?? Isn't it funny that people talk about "slow living" and making things by hand as a way to slow down and then all the knitters are like "MUST. KNIT. FASTER." lol If I've got stuff to share and talk about, I have stuff to share and talk about. And if I don't, I don't! No big deal. YES!!! I love what you said about why you test knit and what annoys you.

[@aurorafakey4140]

Good morning Stephanie! I completely agree with so many things you said in this chat. 1) Test knitting is a gift to the designer and it is odd that some don't treat it that way. I was initially shocked to find out they don't pay the test knitters. I don't do test knits because it is indeed, work! And I keep my knitting as self-care with my limited time available :) I love that you give back though because your FO pics and detailed notes have helped me on numerous projects, especially since we are similar in our measurements. 2) Your half and half wraps are beautiful. I wish it wasn't so hot here in CA or I would make one, but I just don't think it would be that practical for me hehe 3) I don't usually make resolutions but last year I promised myself I would be more social as soon as I was vaccinated. I kept that promise and had the most social year of my life in a while! It took pushing through a lot of discomfort and fear but I am proud of myself. This year I promised myself I will leave 2022 with more direction about my career aspirations. I like what you said about "pause". Reminds me of what therapist Lori Gotlieb (butchering that spelling 😬) says, "sitting in the space between stimulation and reaction".

[@aurorafakey4140]

Also, I think your idea of preservation fits in with my philosophy on developing new career directions. My current job is not preserving my sanity or happiness in any way. After months of wavering I decided to put in my two weeks notice next week :)

[@aurorafakey4140]

Oops one more thought, please do share a planner video if inspiration strikes 😀

[@aurorafakey4140]

Just kidding, one more thought: You don't talk too quickly for me at all. You should talk at the speed that makes you happy, these are your videos! I also talk quickly so I am biased here, but someone else can slow down the video or not watch if it isn't their cup of tea. I appreciate how hard you work to make your videos accessible but you don't need to be so hard on yourself.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Hello Aurora! I'm so glad that my project notes/photos have helped you!! Good for you on self-evaluation and doing something about it. OoOoO sitting in the space between stimulation and reaction. I'll have a think on that. Cheers to upcoming career adventure, however that may look. I'm planning on recording a planner/journal video next week - crossing fingers it works out. Haha I suppose I will talk as I talk but I do think slowing down some helps me choose my words more carefully than having them tumble out in a jumble! I appreciate you for appreciating my efforts 💖💖💖

[@theknittingpt]

Thanks for sharing all your thoughts!! I feel so similar to you in many ways - I also talk rather quickly and get faster and faster the more excited I am 😅 I had to learn to significantly slow down after living in TX because my patients could not understand me 😂 I am also a product knitter so I go through the same thought process as you when deciding whether or not to sign up for a test knit. In an effort to curb my stash, I'm also adding the requirement this year that I have to be able to knit from stash and not buy yarns for the test too. I consider my test knitting work - just work that is being donated! I love cookbooks too! Can't wait to hear what recipes you love to make.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much for joining me Andrea!! Sigh, I so wish we lived closer to each other!!!!!!!!!!!!! We would have delicious meals together, our kids could play, and we could knit knit knit. I think if I plan to record an episode next week instead of in 2-3 weeks, I'll share less projects in that recording and save time to share cookbooks! Talk soon.

[@theknittingpt]

@@EdibleThoughtsMakes oh my goodness we would have the best time. I have a sneaking suspicion we could talk about anything and everything for hours on end!!

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

@@theknittingpt AGREED!!! 🥰

[@VisitWithNanaAndPapa]

thank you Stephanie

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much for spending some time with me Valorie! Take care💖

[@VisitWithNanaAndPapa]

this is my first year to do a word. not sure how it will affect my year, but my word is purpose

[@VisitWithNanaAndPapa]

honestly, if you share it Stephanie, I will watch, I really enjoy our visits... even if they are mostly one sided

[@ferdy123s]

Your work is always awesome! And think you for including all the specifics about your knits.

[@vanessajohnson1944]

So much to chat about and adore with all of your knits! Pretty colors and patterns combined. Love! I need to head over to Ravelry and find your projects there. Do you have an introduction video posted. It would be nice to get to know you and your heritage/background more. = ] I don't make nine's and I don't usually pick a word, tho I do like to pick a Bible verse to focus on. Since the sudden passing of Betty White, I've thought of the word Genuine a lot. I may have to find a Bible verse that emphasized that, too. Happy creating. Yes to Cook Book Talk. I read them and love the vintage ones...seeing as I am vintage, too. ; ]

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much for spending some time with me Vanessa! I don't have a video where I specifically talk about my heritage/culture. I don't have a video talking more specifically about me but I have a post on Instagram that might be a little of what you're looking for: instagram.com/p/CO1MwXmp1fy/ (I don't believe you have to have an Instagram account to see posts on Instagram). I'm thinking if I record next week instead of in 2-3 weeks, I'll have less projects to share so I'll be able to carve out more time for cookbook talk! Stay tuned!

[@vanessajohnson1944]

@@EdibleThoughtsMakes Thank you. I will check out the IG post and look forward to your next episode...coffee, crochet, and a slice of banana bread this morning. Wishing you a cozy start to your day, too. Stay Warm! ...all the best...

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

@@vanessajohnson1944 you’re welcome and thank you so much!! Sounds like a lovely morning ❤️❤️❤️

[@Lisa-vb3gn]

I had to stop and comment about volunteering being work. Absolutely! I think that we have not valued volunteer work as it should be valued. Someone’s time, energy, creativity etc. is valuable even if a specific dollar amount is not being exchanged for it. I stopped following a designer on KZbin because she had a very specific application process to “get” to be one of her testers including demonstrating your photographic ability and demonstrating the type of backgrounds you would use. Not that that isn’t extremely valuable to the designer, but she would discuss the testers who were “lucky” enough to be “chosen” in a particular test call. I asked her once if perhaps it was she who was lucky enough to be chosen by these test knitters who were willing to invest in her work. She told me that what I was proposing didn’t make any sense since she was paying the testers with a free pattern. I had to stop following her because of this lack of understanding of the worth of the efforts of the test knitters. It bothered me that the expectations were so high and the value of what was being provided to her was so low.

[@EdibleThoughtsMakes]

Thank you so much for joining in on the conversation Lisa! Feeling appreciated and valued is immeasurable. UGH what you described is the definitely not the kind of designer/tester relationship I view as ideal. Good for you for saying something! Even if the designer didn't take it to heart at the time, maybe a seed was planted to think about it all in a different way. 💖