I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 140

Welcome to I’ll Knit (& Spin!) If I want To! I asked y’all to send in some of your questions (from everything from fiber arts, to designing and on!) so I could put together a little video for y’all every Friday doing my best to answer your questions!
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In this week’s episode we cover:
1. Hi Andrea, Love your patterns and I am excited to cast on the Throwback cardigan. If I have the right time of yarn, could I do this in the round and steek it at the end? I have done steeling before but not for a Colorwork pattern. Super excited about the sock KAL too! Happy Knitting and Spinning.
2. Hi Andrea! I'm super excited to knit the Totally Tessellated socks! I immediately hit my stash to pick out yarn. I have a great sock squad skein from FDF, a skein of Nocturne from Spincycle, and a skein of FDF's Mighty Mo. Is there any concern with using a mohair/silk blend for the socks instead of an alpaca/silk blend? I figured as both contain silk, either would be okay, but I would greatly appreciate a second opinion! Thank you
3. Help! I recently finished your tesselated sweater, and absolutely loved it. However, I just wet blocked it, and it stretched so much! I knitted with spinsters daughter, dyed in the wool, and oh dang. I did block my swatches, but they don't seem to have really conveyed how much the finished sweater would stretch with the weight of the whole thing. Any tips for blocking a swatch to figure out how much the final sweater would stretch with a superwash yarn? Additional tips for styling oversized sweaters also welcome
4. I absolutely love your new tessellated socks!! From the picture, it looks like the Spincycle is used for heels and toes - I've always heard that sock heels and toes need some nylon to really hold up. (And in my experience, this has been true - the one pair of socks I knit using nylon-free sock yarn had holes within a few months!) Do you have any thoughts on that? Should I hold something with the Spincycle perhaps if I'd like to keep that look but want the socks to last longer?
5. First, I want to tell you how soothing your videos are. It is really refreshing to have someone like you who just want to freely share knowledge and enthusiasm. I am really looking forward to it every week, since the first one! I have a very personal question for you, and I hope I am not oversharing. I’m also working in a creative domain, not fibre related, and sometimes I feel drained. Recently I dreamed about you, you were calling me to tell me that you really like my work. I was confused, and reply that no, it’s me that like your work! In french, work and job are the same word, so it was as if you were telling me either you like my job, or my knitting work. It made me realize that I don’t like my job anymore, and I want to do something that fuel me with the same enthusiasm that you are showing for knitting. Right now I don’t have the energy or mental space to make big changes, but I know it will come. My question is, how do you keep the creativity juice flowing, with the business responsibility? I know you’ve been through health issues. What do you do when the energy and enthusiasm is low? How do you relight the sparks of joy in creating stuff?
Sisters United: sistersunitedm...
I’m wearing the DRK Everyday Sweater:
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
Totally Tessellated Fall KAL Challenge: www.ravelry.co...
Patten on Ravelry: www.ravelry.co...
Pattern on Website: www.dreareneek...
Instagram hashtag for KAL: #totallytessellatedKALchallenge
Instafriends KAL 2023: Instagram - #InstaFriendsKAL2023 & link: / instafriendskal2023
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9...

[@MarenM4085]

If you want to knit a colourwork sweater in the round and steek it open in the front, change the beginning of the round to be in the centre front, so you don’t have to weave in the yarn ends. You’ll change colours in the middle of the steek stitches that you add where you want to cut.

[@joanmachado9063]

Great podcast thank you 🧶☕️😁

[@kaitlynmorrissey8550]

Thanks so much for sharing about your career experience! I've recently made a change to best suit my introverted-ness. I also just celebrated my one year soberversary and having a project on my knittng needles for a creative outlet has been key. I've never tried to ask a question for you before, do we do it here? If you are open to sharing, I'd love to hear your skincare routine, or any tips you have! I almost didn't watch your videos when I first found this channel because I was so jealous of your flawless skin! This past year I have been thinking about taking care of myself more and more for the first time, and I love hearing what others do. I understand if you don't feel comfortable sharing and would prefer to stick to knitting. Thanks for creating content on this platform, it's much appreciated!

[@marikapolakova141]

Hi 🪷 I really like your energy, I love your patterns and taste for colors… you just make my life nicer 🙏🏼🍂🤍 thank you and sending all best from Czech Republic 🇨🇿

[@cloknits]

I steeked the Throwback and it was so easy. I casted on 5 or 7 sts (don't remember) after the ribbing, bound them off before the bottom ribbing. No other adjustment needed, absolutely worth it!

[@jandkcon]

Love that attitude-“anyone want to talk about knitting?”❤

[@nyla7518]

Support spindles - as spindle spins in the hand, pinch the yarn just above the spindle point and draft off this “pinch”. Release and let twist advance. Repeat. Hope this helps.

[@thekindles1183]

I will say within 8 wears of the last sock using Modim and Spincycle, my sock completely disintegrated on the foot pad and heel. If it were me, I'd add nylon to reinforce it. I too love the way it looks, but I worry about the wear. I've not since used non nylon or sock yarn for the socks. Candace does have wonderful sock yarn though, combined with her suri- I bet is gorgeous! Or just be careful with wear with the beautiful spincycle. Beautiful message at the end.

[@DguidoDesignes]

I’m working with the spin park and drafting method. I found Debbie Held’s course on supported spindles on School Of Sweet Georgia was extremely helpful. 😊

[@phyllisburke4141]

I do not usually knit socks these days. I think this tessalated pattern would be great for leg warmers. Yes maybe I’ll do that

[@brem516]

so fun to watch this episode while knitting my DRK Everyday sweater!! :D Seeing your sweater is giving me the boost I need to power through the second sleeve and hopefully have it done by the end of this weekend!

[@JadeCainwood]

If you have the support spindle spinning in a cage of the last couple fingers you can pinch the yarn at the top to draft against like a supported long draw method and I find that that is the easiest way to be able to draft and spin simultaneously.

[@katpraeuner9794]

When you said a stylist is not the best career for an introvert, I was like YES! I loved doing hair, but I have never been an extrovert and there were a lot of times I let others dictate certain things because I was not very good at sticking up for myself or being confrontational. I hated when it happened but I just could not put myself out there. I know it's easy for a lot of people but for some of us it's too much. So I struggled with that a bit. I was torn between sadness and relief when I retired. It took another 2 years before I completely retired. I had clients that wanted me to continue but I just couldn't do it anymore. I much prefer my quiet life and knitting. Love your videos and watch them all....

[@fleeperification]

I was a stylist for 12 years and it was exhausting. I cut my hours way back after I had kids, which helped but when my oldest started kindergarten, I quit. I miss some parts of it, but I don’t think I could ever go back. I’m working on a career in illustration now and I love the idea of being able to work from home and not have to talk to people all day. 😂

[@paulabarrow1559]

Because Zig is the best fitting sweater I have ever had, I have knit 2 of them. One is without the "zig" colorwork. I am now getting ready to knit my third Zig and am wondering if it is possible to knit a turtleneck for this one. As I recall the back neck stitches and the front neck stitches are picked up differently and so I am not sure if this is possible or how I would go about this. Can you help?

[@phyllisburke4141]

Whatever you do love what you do. I really look forward to Friday mornings and this lovely podcast.

[@FlionfreeFibers]

I steam blocked the SW sweater I made. Laid flat, pinned, and then steam blocked real well.

[@cruxfibres]

Andrea, thank you for alway showing up. I appreciate h answers you gave. Especially that final one about failure and success. You have a wonderful ability to be inclusive. Your kindness and encouragement is so good. Happy weekend!

[@mllekurtz]

Hey Andrea, I've been following you for years (first with your designs, then this podcast, from the very first episode!) and even though I've never reached out before, I just wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your answer to the question about what to do when you feel overwhelmed. I've been feeling very frustrated lately both with my job (editing) and my hobby (writing), and the reminder to just allow yourself to do what you can do and find some joy in the small things is something I will definitely think about. I'm lucky enough to do something I love (despite its challenges) for a living, and to have people who love and support my writing efforts; sometimes outside support is not enough, but I know the spark is absolutely still there somewhere, it's just a matter of finding it again. I also appreciated you talking about your three careers! It's encouraging to know that even if something doesn't work out, for any reason, it doesn't have to be a failure, you can move on and find joy in something else. Long story short, thank you, not just for the pattern to the beautiful Cozy Cardi I'm wearing right now but also for your words and motivation.

[@melissalampman7214]

Good shopping! I want a moosie! I looked up both wood workers, both very nice, I have never drop spindled or support, sounds like that is harder, but the company that makes drop spindles make one out of moose antler! I ❤ it,! Thanks for the great recommendations!

[@SBVancouver]

I totally get the support spindle issues. It took me a while and lots of KZbin videos and suddenly I realized everyone who was using one was sitting on the floor. I was trying to do it on a table. That was too high. I needed my yarn at a steeper angle. I can spin my spindle on my leg (no bowl required) and then park in my lap and draft with 2 hands to get a more consistent yarn which is the main benefit of using a spindle. But I could also lift my spindle as I have it secured at the top with a half hitch and draft like it’s a drop spindle. It’s pretty handy. Good luck.

[@bronaobrien1661]

Thank you Andrea, especially chatting about the creative life, process, balance etc. You expressed it so well! Great content again today, and loved to see all your new "toys" ;)

[@jla110661]

I love the tessalated socks. Are they stretchy? I'm ready to pick up my sleeves for the weekender crew. Actually wove in all my ends while I procrastinated the pick up of stitches but hope to have at least one sleeve done this weekend. I was so excited to finally try it on yesterday! Fit great even though my gauge was off. Swatch was prefect gauge. Actual sweater grew by 3 extra stitches and rows. But like I said it fits nice. First bottom up sweater for me.

[@DguidoDesignes]

Dan Tracey Designs yay!!!! That is the craftsman I purchased my supported spindle from!

[@pinkpineappleknits]

It was so lovely meeting you at Sacred Sheep! Just finished up my So Faded. Have you thought of making a So Faded hat?

[@sharonkeeney2428]

I recently finished my Throwover cardigan where I did my very first steek 😅It turned out great! Not perfect, but I am so proud of my progress! I used Barrett Wool for the main color and spin cycle for the color work. It did a crochet edge, with a machine stitches added to the SC yarns. It seems to be holding up well. I am happy to have another technique in my toolbox! It is a fantastic pattern!

[@christineleonhardt2931]

Thank you for showing your Rhinebeck goodies! Man I love your spindle Kate! I’m going to need to look into that!

[@sarameyer1]

Thank you for sharing about your passion! 🧶❤️. Like listening to a keynote speaker 😊. You are an inspiration !

[@amynar173]

I just watched this episode this afternoon and I wanted to say your passion for knitting put into words my feelings about knitting. How it’s our ride/die and how it’s there through our ups and downs. Thank you for what you do ❤.

[@wendysopel-tetreault2058]

I love my DRK everyday sweater and get complements on it a lot. I’ll probably knit one again in another colour.

[@annakane-hx8ll]

I’m not an expert by any means but have had luck with an unsupported long draw with my support spindle, since I can’t seem to get the hang of letting go of the spindle for very long.

[@thorablin]

Hi, I love your channel and your patterns have made quite a few, about blocking sweaters I found that if you soak them and then put them through only the winding on your washing machine it doesn't stretch much when you then block it, almost at all😊

[@kristinsykes-david6768]

Thank you for the joy you bring to my life with your podcast! I love your enthusiasm and knowledge!

[@marniebush3977]

Supported spinning - you've totally got this! When I start my first spinning on my espinner I have no doubt I'll be needing to say that to myself every day. In this season of gratitude, I am thankful for you and your ability to inspire us every week and for giving of yourself. Go be amazing.....

[@blairdestro]

I love the questions you answer because it has helped me learn so much and want to say that when you talk about your life I am super fascinated and interested. A balance of both with your weekly episodes is appreciated.

[@kimcunningham2107]

You are incredibly talented. Your laugh is infectious, Andrea. 🥰❤️🥰❤️🥰❤️

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Practicing 15 minutes a day, I am confident you will get great at spinning with your support spindle.

[@hollydingman7455]

I love these Q + A’s (and chitchat). I just recently rediscovered your channel and find your “company” so comforting and informational. I’m an adventurous knitter who sadly feels guilty for spending money on anything bigger than a ball of sock wool. I just finished a sweater for my husband and am now working myself up to buy one of your patterns and the supplies needed to make a sweater for myself… now I just have to choose which one! I’m tempted to try steeking (?) something…

[@rachelkarcher2565]

You can do it!!! I learned on a drop spindle and expanded to supported spindle then got the wheel. Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

[@jesskathan]

It's lovely to hear you talk about knitting with so much spark and passion! :)

[@annjavoroski2344]

I am so happy to hear you say that, come what may, your love for fiber crafting is a constant joy for you. Your enthusiasm is so good for the rest of us. Take good care of yourself. ❤❤❤

[@Stumpybear7640]

Thanks for another beautiful podcast, Andrea. Much love xxx

[@kristinahill3708]

You're such an encourager! Love your podcast.

[@kathleenallan321]

Your podcast brings me joy...

[@allnaturalnutknitting4272]

:)

[@uteburragekruse9767]

Hi, thanks for this. Serious question, if you’ve knit a sweater and you like how it fits, why do you have to block it?

[@lesleynemser1544]

Most people say that at some point you will have to wash it, and that’s sort of what blocking is. Also blocking does even out your stitches and makes everything perkier 😊

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

It evens out all the stitches, floofs out the yarn and makes it look “professional,” so it’s not just (or even at all) about fit.

[@Maya-ii6im]

❤👋🌻

[@Meredith36]

Thank you. I needed to hear what you had to say about running your own business. 💚🧶💚

[@kayebaker-schwanz1041]

LUCK!