Finnish Knitting Stories - Episode 121: One damp FO, Sofia's Sweater & Go Go Dynamo

[@esthervangorder3983]

Jana, I love your terms "lifey" and "Workey". I can relate. And while we tell ourselves that our 7 bird feeders are "Kitty Cable TV," they are really for us. Greetings from Atlantic Canada.

[@lavendercottagefibrearts]

Jana you are definitely far from dull!! Your knits and your videos brighten up my Sunday every week!

[@rosemaryeveleigh3562]

Oh the test knit is beautiful and the colour is nice. Sofia's Sweater is almost done and it is lovely. The Steven West shawl is coming on but it is huge and it takes forever to knit one row. I had to buy fridge freezer and all my other big items in the Kitchen are a Bosch from Germany.. my 14 kg Top Lop loader is from LG. The new fridge/Freezer is a Defy product Heippa ❤😊

[@deboradeane1402]

Another wonderful video! ❤

[@AnnieDaddo]

Moi Jana👋”Life is lifey and work is worky”You make me smile with your Jana-isms😉Bless you.I agree, Clue 3 is a slog but I love the effect.You are like the little red engine..in the story he’s going up a hill and says “ I think I can.I think I can…”😉Interesting how many have said they wish they had chosen the mohair on the brioche for the front pop..I’m in the bird watching club too😉.Enjoy your autumn holidays with the kiddos and be a kiddo too.🙏❤️😉👋🐨🦘🌏xx

[@FinnishKnittingStories]

😄❤️❤️❤️

[@cottagekeeper1044]

I think it’s a wonderful idea to have a time that would finish up projects❤ I probably have around 20 right now hanging over my head. My crafting time is my uplifting me time and all these projects are making it feel like work. I’ll be happy to hear any suggestions you have. I hope you have a lovely vacation🍂🧶

[@jenniferbarrett3272]

Hey bird lady, 😊 I too am knitting the MKAL and loving it. I agree Clue 3 is fiddly. I just dug out a double pointed sock needle and am using it to do the wedges and it is way less fiddly as I can ignore the shawl hanging on the needle. Whew! Give it a try!

[@elisabethhonningsvag3130]

I so agree with you about the border being fiddly! I used an extra needle for the triangle, and it made the knitting so much easier😅 Love your colours🤩 I also have a feeling that we will pick up from the cast on😊

[@kayefudge9469]

Hi love your mal shawl! It looks great Kaye x

[@annielegg7066]

I love the way you break the rules in your knitting and yarn you choose. Some knitters get so hung up about sustainability, natural yarn fibers,prickly wool in other words organic dyes… you know the type , they always have a beverage to hand and a candle burning in the background Oh and maybe a cat to set the scene. There colour range is usually Buff Buff and Grey.Most of all the things they choose to make…. boring !!! I’m so glad you’re not any of those things.♥️

[@sallyidso182]

Always good to see you Jana. I’m CO the Snow sweater from Knitting for Olive. Making this for a young friend of mine that is 2. The weather here is unseasonably warm/ hot for this time in MN. The leaves are bright colors and there is much to do before winter. I have cataract surgery coming up in early December. I had to stop knitting my socks as I was dropping sts. Knitting at night is problematic Bright light causes problems too. My father used to say this getting old is not for sissies. We go to Florida in the winter but we will wait until January now. Very stressful hurricane season with Helene and Milton, our home is fine but so many are not fine. They are still searching for 50+ people. The storm in North Carolina was still catastrophic 300 miles from where it made landfall. And then we have an upcoming election… is there room in Finland for me

[@patsyvincent9483]

Jana thank you for the great podcast today. You have such a great personality and make me smile. Makes my day. Your knitting is beautiful. Hope you and your family have a good holiday. See you next time.

[@Snowpaux]

Dull women’s club?? Haha😂❤

[@bubba6381]

Hi Jana yes I am knitting the mystery shawl, I have been using running stitch makers all through the shawl as I found removing and then replacing she stitch markers was a pain in the butt. Thank you for the tip of carrying the yarn through the I-cord border edge as I wasn't sure if I would do clue 3 or just replace it with a feather and fan border as I do not like all the ends when we have to break the yarn

[@marsy1480]

I love birds 😍 nothing dull about it lol

[@colleenraymond623]

Yay, Jana! I've been in that dull women's [bird] club for a while now. It can be pretty exciting all right, for all ages! 😃 Enjoy! ❤

[@KirstyKnitsnSews]

I also got rid of the stitch marker on the second triangle!! As soon as I figured out what it was for I ditched it. Soooooo much nicer to knit!!!

[@annh.8290]

Right there with you, not dull very exciting watching birds, we have a couple great blue herons that hang out on our neighbor's shed roof! Have a wonderful vacation with the family.

[@marciastreeter5092]

If you hadn't confessed it, I would never have guessed that you felt you had a small number of dresses. The knit wear is always the star and I love how today's looks with your dress. I am loving your Stephen West project, with it's strong artistic design and your great color choices.

[@JustFluffyQuiltingYarnCrafts]

I live vicariously through your fall colour footage and I appreciate you sharing it. Thank you for the no-notes-I'm-going-to-wing-it vlog. 🙂😉 Your voice is calming and a great way to start a more restful weekend after a busy week. Thank you for sharing your content. ❤😍

[@elizabethg379]

I’m in the bird watching club! 😂 Hello from the US in Ohio 😊❤

[@lois-marietodd1502]

Yes I'm working on the mkal 1st one ever and loving it. I'm in New Zealand.

[@gerda6141]

You look awesome🎉❤

[@kerstinbuettner6076]

Hello Jana, you completly spoke from my Heart when you talked about your thoughts regarding the third Clue of Go Go Dynamo. Im also Not happy with These Twists and turns. Thank you for your recommandation to leave the Marker out. Maybe this will help me too. And I also agreed with your wish you’ve had changed the colors in the Brioche Part. Thank you for your lovely vids and Kind regards from Germany ❤

[@knitting_knerd75]

I am with you on the fiddley wedges! Starting #18 now. And I agree - ditching the stitch marker made all the difference. I am enjoying the short row countdown instead - 14, 12, 10… 😁

[@veroniquesterckendries9143]

Your shawl is gorgeous now, and In do agree dat your colour choice is top! I ordered some wool in Ireland and will cast on as soon as it arrives 🙂

[@lynnesanders8215]

I have never seen you look frumpy in any way. Just be yourself. Sophia's sweater is so pretty. She will be so happy😊. Well done with the kal. The colours are super. I would have binned it long aga. I no longer have any patience. I have waited many years for a baby to crochet and knit for. At last my lifelong friend's son's wife is going to have a baby in March. I have been searching out all my patterns. I guess Finland is abit like Northern England and Scotland. A land of mist and mellow fruitfulness. Enjoy your holidays. Love always Lynne xxxx

[@clairedeare1139]

I love you, your videos and your cosy vibes. You often inspire me. Thank you dear 😊

[@vivianpowell1732]

I look forward to Sunday mornings with Jana from her home in Finland. Jana, your Go Go Dynamo MKAL is looking fabulous! I love the colorways you've chosen. I had to look up the meaning of "mohair dare" after it was mentioned several times. I more or less figured it out from context, too. I am currently knitting a pair of arm warmers using Leslie Friend's "toast" pattern, and the yarn is Cumbria worsted (but actually a DK). I finished the first warmer and am halfway along on the second one. I took a peek at "Hedgehog in the Fog" just long enough to see what the characters look like. Too bad it's a dark story, as I do like the look of it.

[@jillipepper5353]

Hope you have a lovely week with the family🥰. I really like the cardigan and earrings you’re wearing , they really go well with your dress. Take care, be well, my Nanna always said when ordering a part for anything to order two because you’ll need it eventually anyway. 😂🤣🙋🏼‍♀️

[@FinnishKnittingStories]

😄❤️

[@monalialstrom8501]

I love your squirrel feeder and I'm with you as I also love to watch the birds in our garden. We have a squirrel who lives in the roof of our garage but he has no feeder so you gave me an idea, thank you 🌞🐿🧶

[@bevabberley1524]

You are a tonic I always watch your podcast on a Sunday morning with my cup of tea in bed 🥰

[@KKnits]

I’ll” take you up on that cup of tea! And work on my granddaughter’s sweater - Agnes Sweater by Drops Design. Really enjoying this project. Your test knit is beautiful, and now I want a beautiful garter cardigan like yours! I loved it, and so perfect with your dress. I hope your fridge light bulb arrives soon, and that the autumn break with the kids is a lovely time for you all! My day started with the basement suite where youngest daughter and the 2 grandkids live, flooding! The perimeter drains were blocked and we are in a heavy rain from an atmospheric river unloading on us. All the flooring now needs replacing. Lots of work for us ahead! Thank you for sharing your week. I sure enjoy just hearing you and what your week has been, with the added fun of knitting. Your Go-Go Dynamo is looking fabulous!

[@wlooije3191]

I love your vlogs and humor so much !!!

[@elizabethLoney]

I too have sooo many WIPs- in bags, under the bed, in other room … I just enjoy casting on! This isn’t a fashion channel is it? I come for the knitting and your fun personality and do not notice if you wear the same dress- you always look very nice to me. Don’t worry about it. Have a great break with your family x

[@ainasjokvist4648]

Hi Jana. The shawl looks so cool. I have one shawl from Stephen West on my wish list and that is the flying foxtail shawl (two colour brioche). I have had some bad luck with my latest cast on's. I started with a pair of mittens my gauge was way off and my hands are very smal so it didn't work out at all. I did purchase a pattern for a vest and it was in french only my old school french isn't that good but I think I can manage it with google translate. My gauge is once again off but not with so much. I just wanted a cozy mindless project to knit on.... hmm. I still working on the houndstooth jacket it's slowly getting there. About the birds. I had a big moment of recognition. We have an apple tree outside our house with 4 different feeders. And a birds lexicon on the bench. I'm 39 and the kids like to watch the birds too. The only thing I did't like was when a woodpecker found his place on the wall to my bedroom. 😂Thanks for sharing your knitting and bits of your daily life. 💜💛

[@Eligosol]

Totally agree with you. I enjoyed the simplicity of the first two clues. 😊. But these short rows nearly had me cutting it short. But now I ditched the markers and just count the turns and remember to do k2tg on MC and SSK on CC. Even made my own shorty DPN from my chiagoo that I screwed off and put a stopper on the screw end. Works like a charm 😉. Really wonder what clue 4 will bring. 🫣. It keeps me going. 🤭

[@vivianpowell1732]

Interesting that you can make a pair of shorty needles like 4" or 5" by using tips from an interchangeable needle set and putting protective plugs at the back end of the tip. Good information to have.

[@nataliealexander7457]

Get through clue three; Perhaps Four will be a more rewarding process. I can see how liking the effect helps you get through the slogging process. I watch another knitting 'cast from Roxanne Richardson; every year she does "Finish (or Fix it) It February," a month aimed at WIPs, even UFOs, and repairs (e.g. darn a sock or reknit a collar differently). It might be fun and helpful for you to watch some of her early ones, where she talks through the sorting and planning processes. This year I am aiming to do that, with mainly UFOs. Love the outdoor scenes going through the Finnish year--beautiful foggy mornings!

[@sylviafikiert4825]

I am knitting on the triangle boarder of the West knits MKAL while watching your episode and I am enjoying it 😊 I love your colours!

[@user-hc5jq8yb9p]

Have a lovely week with your children and llenty of knitting 😍

[@sugarapplesweet]

I am loving the mystery shawl! It's so fun and vibrant, and the colors are nothing I've ever seen people who knit work with. Which builds my excitement! I'm working day and night to finish a cardigan for my dad, working from a vintage pattern. It's my first garment, but there was just something about the pattern that called to me and wouldn't stop until I put it on the needles. I have two other wips- a rug and a lap blanket- but they just aren't holding my attention right now. Please enjoy the autumn holiday and have an extra cuppa for me!

[@RagGusGrimm]

Tester hints I am using: use a DP, don’t have to turn the work as often Put stitch markers every 3 & 18 stitches, that helps with the counting.

[@AlvaKelly]

The colours you've chosen for your Go Go Dynamo Shawl are simply gorgeous, to me they look perfect for this particular shawl and I think it's going to be a fascinating and "in your face" (in a good way) kind of shawl when it's finished. The bright neon in your shawl reminds me of a dynamo powered headlight, it's brilliant 💥☄

[@leescott3300]

Jana I am definitely a member of the same club. I love bird watching. We also have bird feeders, mostly getting the parrots - cockatoos, king parrots, rosellas . Yes I’m in Australia. Love your episodes, look forward to them each week. Thanks for the fun content.

[@MarinaMandarinaWoolyWorld]

"The Hedgehog in the fog" 😂😂😂🤣🤯 I think the artist was in deep depression and this cartoon was his cry for help. 🧐🤔 Though I love how cute the Hedgehog is 😂 26:15 don't worry, all friends here. And friends were invented so we can have free of charge rant and get it all out and finally feel better and breath a little 😂 29:50 my daughter is a big bird enthusiast and we feed birds in front of my kitchen window aswell. We mainly have magpies, jackdaw and crows. And they are so fascinating to watch. Magpies even call us if there is no food on the table 😂

[@barbarapregger8526]

Jana, I am totally with you. The border looks great but knitting it is really not my thing! But hey, we will get through this Clue 😅 I hope for long rows in Clue 4.

[@annemiebosmans9280]

I finished my go go border on Saturday evening, I loved the short row triangles. I also took the threads upon the I cord border, I was in no mood to cut my yarn every other triangle. I loved the marled cardigan you wear, you make me think of knitting one too.

[@debracubitt6191]

And your test knit looks good too 😊🎉🎉🎉

[@anthrogal19]

Hi Jana - Re: WIPs, I would still love to see you finish your beautiful garden sweater! I just finished some colorwork sleeves and can attest that it isn't so bad. ;)

[@VisitWithNanaAndPapa]

using mirror knitting the border is much easier! I am using my mohair to substitute every other contrast color triangle. Love the bean and olive

[@deborahjones9412]

You make me giggle so much especially with your ranting about appliances 😂 I’ve just had to replace my vacuum, then my microwave blew up so had to replace that! Then my washing machine started to play up and I thought oh no 😮in the U.K. we say things come in 3’s so hoping that’s not what is going to happen!! I love bird watching, my dad is 91 and he brought us up to be young ornithologists - when I visit my parents I take him out to bird reserves. We both have bird feeders and I have my binoculars and note pad handy near my sink to record what I see - so you’re not alone ❤

[@judyurrutia6072]

Thank you so much for showing the Brioche part of clue 2 last week just didn't like it so did the eyelets and love them. I don"t know how you knit fast enough to keep up! wishing he did more weeks and less each week. So love doing the mystery each year though I learn so much each time! Have a great vacation week!!

[@Stumpybear7640]

I always watch with interest the coming clues for each year's Mkal from Stephen, but I haven't knitted one. I don't really wear shawls, they tend to fly off in the windy conditions here in Shetland. Thank you for your vlogs, they are always entertaining and full of superb knitting. Love to you and yours ❤❤❤

[@debracubitt6191]

You have a lovely colour dress and cardigan, Jana 😊

[@marsy1480]

Have a wonderful holiday ❤

[@JoyceRichards-t5d]

I love your videos. Your color sense is pure ART. If you feel like talking about it I am interested in how you choose colors for whole sale. What are your favorite parts of the work you do in your wholesale business? I also like when you show the landscape from around where you live. ❤️

[@Keliheartyarn]

I felt the same way about liking the back of the mohair dare better…I ripped back and switched them… I’m really happy with how that turned out…so glad you talked me into trying this Mkal….this is also my first time trying brioche…so fun!

[@marsy1480]

What a beautiful idea to have a squirrel feeder! ❤

[@veronicaa.5428]

Omg YES - I am so intimidated by that border. Have not started it yet, I am contemplating changing it or waiting until the last clue is revealed. Maybe the border turns out to be completely unnecessary, who knows 😅😂

[@helenw889]

Your test knit looks great, it looks fabulous with your dress.

[@linaburke2341]

Your shawl is beautiful I love your colours.

[@jbulldogmom]

I love birds too! And knitting 😉Jeanne

[@sarakoskiniemi8903]

I can only say I feel you with Whirlpol. I have same story as you and only left of them in my kitchen is the owen. Some of the machines lasted only for couple years. I will never again put money into that brand.

[@Lora2121]

Bird and Squirrel watching is awesome! I am in your club. LOL

[@klarameijer1889]

I just love the short rows in the border of the MKAL…. I did the mohair dare in the first brioche row, but it was not speaking to me at all, so I brought in a third color for a pop, an d I just love it. I didn’t frog the first row but keft it in. I love your colors

[@marsy1480]

I was waiting for wool to arrive that was dyed to order for the MKAL but haven't decided yet whether to start!

[@debracubitt6191]

Sophia's sweater is so pretty

[@carolgarner5971]

We are so much the same. I am in the club too. And love it

[@SarahRankin-fj8cw]

You are NOT a bad content creator because you have a modest wardrobe; on the contrary, you are modeling how we all could best do it. Buy less, and use more of what we have. Thank you for being you!

[@MelanieJay77]

Jana, hello sweety. I'm in love with your SW KAL. Sophies sweaterand all wips and bags are beautiful! So great to see you!!

[@debracubitt6191]

I sit with my coffee and watch the birds 😊

[@maritveeber9397]

OMG Hedgehog in the Mist was a traumatic childhood memory that I did not care to revisit. Thanks Jana 😂

[@sarawhitley-kinzett221]

I am still on Motif 7 of Martin Storey's Snowflower 12 motif scarf that has had it's casting off video....I am not bothered because I am enjoying the patterns so much!

[@lynnniemi3053]

I'm glad you can take time off to enjoy the kiddos while they are still young, and luxuriate in knitting on a "Work Day"- it does always feel a bit like you are getting away with something, doesn't it?! Dull does not even come close to a word to describe Jana!!

[@liddymarsh931]

You inspired me to buy that sweater pattern for my great granddaughter.

[@donnajohnson9834]

A craft room tour would be interesting!

[@Liz.Green789]

Your MKAL looks awesome. Enjoy your week.

[@linaburke2341]

I love when you talk about your WIP’S. Seems like you finished so much.

[@lisette1580]

It is certainly training of will power on the MKAL! I have the same with the wedges and gave up of keeping track with the clues. .....Just have to shut down my brain to a certain degree with knitting the border. Instead I started to chrochet a blanket 🤭 Enjoy your washing machine!! (Smart woman😉)

[@noramcdonald2669]

Always happy to see a new podcast from you.

[@alecsgirl]

I’m glad your washer is fixed! My mom always told me that appliances always break in threes. Also, thanks for that, now my husband and I have both experience “Hedgehog in the Fog” 😂

[@TinaSpencer-mr1cp]

Word of the day suggestion: earring!

[@madalinan.1387]

Yana, please make an episode with all your WIPS - like a “WIP parade” - you have done those videos before and I found them very helpful and inspiring, when you explain your frog-or-finish decision making process. Thank you for all your content, I am always looking forward to your Friday updates. Lots of ❤ from rainy Vancouver, Canada!

[@Geeguess]

I’m always impressed by the number of people doing the MKAL, they are certainly pieces of art when finished. I have full confidence in you finishing the edge.

[@MR2spyder100]

I live in a teeny tiny woodlot with lots of birds. I dont feed them, but they have plenty of flower seeds. This afternoon I looked out a window and saw a Coopers Hawk zooming across the driveway toward a target...squirrel? Bird? 🤷‍♀️❤ Knitting is going slowly while I rest some sore thumb joints.

[@MelanieJay77]

FO's are beautiful too.

[@yorkshirenome]

I think you're a very good podcaster because you don't feel like you have to have something new to wear every time you make a video! It's a good way of influencing those of us who watch your videos - helping us be a bit more sustainable 😄 Love your Go Go Dynamo shawl! The colours look fantastic, definitely they suit the name of the shawl 😂 I can't see myself ever knitting one of Stephen's mystery shawls - I'm a slow knitter and don't do rushing, so it's not for me. But I *love* watching everyone knit theirs as the clues come out, and I hope one day I might be brave enough to pick one of his shawls and knit it for myself 😄 Hope you have a good holiday week with the children 💕

[@marsy1480]

I’m thinking of starting the MKAL but am a bit apprehensive whether I’d be capable!

[@contempl8ive]

I’m knitting go go dynamo too and was away for 2 weeks so am on clue 1 still and am already finding it to be very fiddley. 😅 I’m enjoying seeing yours unfold but not sure I’ll continue on mine unless I really like clue 4. I think I’ll work on something else in the meantime.

[@sharelleshobbies]

Your test knit is darling! I think I need that pattern, and some dresses! I got a baby blue linen dress secondhand and I love the fit, but I'm not sold on the color. I think I will dye it a grey color so I can wear it with my knits. What color of dresses do you get the most use out of? I would love to expand my wardrobe but I always get stuck on the color...

[@uterick-seleck2541]

Hands up for watching birds, I even went a step further and like watching clouds 😂

[@suzane.7703]

oh, I understand your feeling about Clue 3. I'm waiting for Clue 4 to appear and then I'll decide what I'm going to do. I've also thought about Slipstravaganza and I have other ideas. These short rows, this turning... it feels like 1000 times... no thanks... I need more time for the turning than for the knitting ;-)... yes, it's a mystery... but if knitting becomes a must and I don't like the structure either... then I'll stop ;-)... I'm excited to see what happens next... and I love your choice of colors :-)

[@bethbamszoo]

I am on clue 2 and enjoying the brioche. Some people have said using DPNs makes clue 3 a little better. I agree with you though, very fiddly

[@jaynemeyer8277]

We had a major house fire because of the faulty electrical wiring in a whirlpool oven… so definitely understand you feeling

[@MelanieJay77]

I'm working on Anthology shawl row 172 have already increased to 1152 stitches I'm really enjoying it.

[@margaretbeale6134]

Lovely episode Jana, I'm not sure about doing a Mystery KAL I like to know if I'm going to like it before starting. You'll power through it though and it will be a beautiful piece. Also Sofia jumper is lovely ❤

[@ednaquintana6201]

Hi Jana. I am surprised that you are putting a bad name on Whirlpool appliances. I am very happy with my new Whirlpool washer. It works great. Take Care.

[@Backwoodknits]

Love your MKAL colours!😍 I went quite the opposite way, with low contrast and earthy tones. I´m happy with my colours, but yours are so much fun. I can totally relate with getting frustrated with moving the stitchmarker in clue three. I got rid of mine in the second triangle. 😅 I actually like knitting the triangles now. Every time I finish a triangle, I feel I have accomplished something. (As long as I don´t look at the live stitches and see how many more I have to do... 😂)

[@FinnishKnittingStories]

I'm doing the same thing, just knitting and not looking ahead. 😄 I've even made some reasonable progress.

[@katarinakalinowska2257]

Hello! Greetings from Oulu, I was thinking about MKal... but I would go crazy while waiting for the next clue😅 Right now I'm making double knitted blanket from Novita Nalle... Gathering the colour was a pain... every time I like the colour Novita takes it away... what's up with that? 😂 Recently I discovered that I learn more Finnish from magazines, than at school... so I love knitting even more! 🤣 P.S I love so much the positive energy in here 🥰 and I get so much inspiration by watching your older videos 😍

[@jentextiles]

So glad I didn’t take part in SW cal. It would be easier to do a crochet version of clue 3. Think it’s time he switched to crochet now. Jen x

[@traceybeale1761]

I am also doing the MKAL it is my first Stephen West project it has been a real learning curve for me but I am enjoying it…I don’t know if I can keep up with this week clue 3 it really is a challenge as you say with the short rows turning your work and moving the stitch markers….but I will persevere 😂 it is looking good 👍 we can do this together 😊

[@FinnishKnittingStories]

We can do it! ❤️

[@jillipepper5353]

I had to go watch Hedgehog in the Fog of course……very different from today’s cartoons for sure, I can see why you’d have nightmares. 😂🥰🙋🏼‍♀️

[@FinnishKnittingStories]

It was very sad and depressing cartoon. Just like life in those times. 😄