I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 29

Welcome to I’ll Knit 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!
In this week’s episode we cover:
1. When slipping stitches if the pattern does not specify to either slip purl or knit wise, is there a general rule which way to slip the stitch?
2. I'm a big fan of antique fiber tools. You have mentioned on your show that you learned knitting from your grandmother. Do you have have or use any of her old tools? I recently inherited an old spinning wheel that we determined belonged to my great, great, great grandmother and it was so satisfying to repair and return to spinning after it had been sitting for 100+yrs. Also, do you have any other family members who are as into knitting/spinning as you?
3. I want to make some quick small Christmas gift knits for friends and family. I’m thinking hats, mittens and maybe socks. What do you recommend as a range of patterns for go-to quick gifts? Thank you so much! /I'm getting started with my gift knitting for many upcoming Fall birthdays and for the holidays. Do you do much gift knitting? And when you do, what are some of your favourite items to gift knit, and do you have any tips for how to pick a gift project? I love gift knitting, but I often find myself getting very self conscious about gifting my work. Thank you SO MUCH for all of your work! I have learned a tonne of new tricks and techniques from your weekly podcast, and your patterns truly spark joy!!!
DRK Everyday Socks
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
Harlow Hat
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
Jubilee Hat
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
Tinsel Mitts
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
Shift Cowl
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
4. I’d love to hear more about your design process and how you plan a full year of patterns/releases. I am really impressed by the number of designs you launch in a year. How do you juggle all of the coordination required for collaborations, KALs, etc. As someone just getting into designing, I’d love to hear more about your planning process and any helpful tools. Love your patterns and have 2 on my needles right now (junction sweater and the satellite shawl) Thank you!
5. I’ve always wanted to learn how to “freestyle” my own sweater pattern. Ive been knitting for almost 2 years now and have made multiple sweaters, and I always think “oh that wasn’t too bad, I could probably make it again next time with a few modifications to fit better”. But at the same time, I get mini panic attacks whenever I think about veering off the pattern instructions thinking it will be all wonky. How did you learn knit a sweater from scratch/design your own patterns, how to decided how many stitches to cast on based on yarn you’re using and how it would effect sweater construction? Were there books or resources that you used to help with figuring out all the technical details? Or am I being neurotic and overthinking all this?
Knitting from the Top
www.schoolhous...
Knitting without Tears
www.schoolhous...
Bonus Questions:
1) Hello Andrea, Could you show how you wear the Baubles shawl? It's the first shawl I ever knit, along with my first time doing brioche and lace, (looking back it was a bit ambitious, mistakes were made but the pattern was so well written). Thank you!
www.ravelry.co...
www.dreareneek...
2) I was wondering if you could show us how you organize your needles and notions. No matter how streamlined and organized I try and be, I still feel like I’m not as efficient as I should be. I also wanted to know if you think you get more laddering or risk of laddering with magic loop vs DPNs. Thank you so much!
I am wearing Ronan:
www.ravelry.co...
Not available on Dreareneeknit.com
Wool & Folk Event (10/14, 12-7 pm):
www.instagram....
Illuminate KAL:
Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.co...
Facebook Forum: / illuminatekal
Instagram Hashtag: #IlluminateKAL (Follow @maressamade & @elemental_knitworks for details!)
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9...
(For specific pattern questions that you need an email response to, please email the address listed on the last page of your patten!)
Sign up for the DRK Newsletter: eepurl.com/diPxsr

[@andreawadman4763]

Andrea, your communication with your husband about groceries during the episode made me smile--thanks for being so fun and real. Your episodes are a joy to listen to and I learn something (usually more than one thing) each time I listen.

[@SuziRibs1515]

Harlow hat in worsted?!?! 😍 you just made me so happy!!!!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello....friend how are you doing??

[@emmasusan1997]

You brought up some memories for me of watching tv and braiding blanket tassels :) thank you!

[@dreareneeknits]

Isn't it the best? Hehehe

[@sunnisilva1092]

These are great! Love drinking my coffee and watching these during baby's nap time!

[@suzannejennings3806]

That blanket is like a hug from your grandma! I love that color.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@KateMH_]

I made a “knit kit” with an Altoids tin and a mini Altoids tin (you can add them to your grocery list lol). Stitch markers and a key to tighten interchangeable cables are in the mini tin. The mini tin fits in the (regular size) Altoids tin, along with foldable scissors, a few yarn needles, a tape measure, and a little bit of scrap yarn. Plus a tiny crochet hook for fixing mistakes. Works great! The Altoids tins really close tight! Plus it’s great having everything you need to go in travel size ☺️

[@BraidAndTinker]

I love this tip Kate!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@antonellapavese3724]

Andrea, I love your podcasts! Seeing the notification that another I'll knit if I want to podcast is out makes smile. I find them useful, entertaining, and delightful. Thank you!

[@nadiadekker1472]

Just got my first Elizabeth Zimmermann's book and she is FUNNY! Haha love her old-scool aproach with this fierce attitude. Since I am binging your You Tube channel I am starting te learn that there is still so much to learn and discover. Never imagened that is would be a good idea to step away from a pattern en make it youre own... (say what?!) I like to educate myself with_ I'll knit if I want to- , while knitting. Great inspiration and oh yeah... finally got the hang of it with wearing my shawls and especially with collapsing colours I am wearing. Much mure fun!!!

[@stitchystephanie]

Loved the texts from your husband, so relatable . The shawl demos are great and inspiring me to knit a big shawl this winter. Enjoy your weekend!

[@judithamagdaraog6271]

i want to learn how to made a crotop but i dont know how can i ask if how can i make on that of not take come a have some a little hole

[@groovythreads4050]

I am knitting 3 The Shift cowls for gifts this year - and I think you talked me into a few pairs of DRK Everyday Socks :)

[@5millionfireflies]

I have never repeated a knitting pattern until I knit the Nightshift. As soon as my Spincycle one was done, I cast on the next one with Noro yarn. Love them!

[@amymikelson3060]

As always, a lovely cheerful episode. I really look forward to these every week. Thanks for taking the time to do them.

[@thekindles1183]

I love we part where your husband is grocery shopping, haha. We have that same thing here. LOL! - Kimberly

[@spackle0079]

How incredible that your Mom taught you and now, you got a chance to teach her! I had the same experience with my mom and socks 🧦

[@marlenabenson]

Every time my husband goes to the store I get a text or phone call haha! Love that Ronan sweater!

[@jennenns654]

I just finished spinning the yarn and then knitting my first shifty sweater. I used the softest merino fibre in neutral tones and I just can't wait until the weather cools down to wear. it. I am going to knit my second shift cowl with the leftovers. Thank you for such great patterns.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@Mehaara]

Twenty years ago, I knitted some socks for my then-boyfriend. He was very bewildered since he had never gotten anything handmade before. He started wearing them so much, I had to make new ones to replace them. He is now my husband and I still knit socks for him. :-)

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@sarawutzke1069]

I love watching these 😍 my grandma did the same with crocheting an Afghan for each of us with our picked colors

[@viviankeh441]

I've been following you for quite some time and have knit several of your designs, but this was the first time I tuned in to you here! Loved it and thank you! Now I have some new gift knits I'm excited about, only for knitworthy recipients!

[@bubbechutzpah]

Your room is so charming. Thanks for sharing. My little knitting room is about 1/4 of yours. I love how you have your yarn out (for inspiration?). I would worry about moths in my old house to do so.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@noreenwojtan2859]

I love your podcast. You are so talented and kind. I’m a fairly new knitter, what you said about starting something and seeing it to get it, that’s me. I’ve started over, once I get it, so many times, because once I get it, now I want it to look as good as it can.

[@peggypennie1088]

I need DRK sock pattern!!! So love your other patterns. May try a hat too!!!!

[@sarahcosad8138]

Thank you so much for generously sharing your knowledge and designs. Your show notes are super helpful too - thanks! I am happy you highlighted the 5 patterns for quick gifts - I’ve just finished my first shift, and you are right!…It is a pattern that you want to knit over and over again. 😉

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

I just love when I see your podcast come up on KZbin! You're so calming, and inspiring. Thanks so much for generously sharing your time and talents. ❤

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@claircondell5935]

I've just discovered your podcasts and I watched two in a row - they're great! I'm off now to buy the harlow hat and everyday socks for my next projects. I look forward to the next one.😊

[@danielafranchini7890]

Thanks so much! Your podcasts are really interesting and entertaining and I am learning something new every time. Have a great weekend!! Xx

[@ellielyttle]

I am a recent youtube podcast joiner - and a working my way thru your podcasts - Ithought I was an outllier invin my family as my mother and sister are non crafters - I recently clearered my mothes home( she has has recently gone totally blind) of 46 years for sale - I found a pair of scissors and kept them - just about the only things I found that represents any form of crafting at all - my mum recently told me her grandmother a needle maker and I suddenly feel some identy is real!! I have kept the scissors but think I needto get them scarpened

[@lisethomas8495]

Thanks again Andrea. Great video and awesome information!

[@deejcarter2003]

If I were you, I’d try to track down that wheel and get it back🥰

[@pamwhite768]

Can’t wait for your new sweater, it’s exactly what I’ve been looking for, based on the the newsletter picture! Thanks for the gift knitting ideas

[@wattlewoolastridpurins6486]

How amazing that you learnt to spin using her son's merino wool! I lived in country Western Australia for a year, surrounded by merino farms, and I wish I had learnt then! I love your podcasts, they're always so much fun - I love those styling bonuses at the ends too!

[@den6001]

I so look forward to seeing you every Friday! Thank you for doing these podcasts.

[@barbaraanne2136]

As you answer the question about sweater design, I recall Andrea from "Fruitty knitting" explaining making changes in a sweater pattern for fit, because she likes super fit in her sweaters. I think her discussion would be a valuable addition to yours. The cost in time and materials makes for a big gamble as you said. But you have ttry to learn.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@Skumitomum]

What a delight your videos are at the end of a long week. Love your perspectives and encouragement. I am a big fan of your patterns and am delighted to have many (not all!) of your patterns. Thank you for your inspiration!❤️🧶🧦🙏

[@saramarkovich322]

I love your podcast! I am so happy that I have found you ! I am currently knitting the Douglas Cardigan and am loving it. I will send you a picture when I'm finished. I also purchased the shift shawl, as it looks amazing!!!

[@stephswanson8400]

My great grandma learned to knit in her 70's and only made feather and fan blankets. My grandma is now knitting my cousins and I using the same pattern.

[@irinaphillips8962]

Love you podcasts, Andrea, and always wait for them :) In this one I have noticed a moth flying on the background, approx. after minutes 30:55. Check your yarn please!

[@mgunds]

I want to frog a few stranded socks I have going, and just knit the drk everyday socks. It just speaks to me right now☺️

[@cathyo3494]

I just finished knitting a pair of speckled purple socks for one of my granddaughters using your DRK Everyday Socks pattern. They turned out so cute -I can’t wait to give them to her… And make myself a pair! But next on my needles is a sweater for me!! I just bought the yarn for your Morning Rituals pattern… In my excitement I forgot to order the pattern-LOL! I too am a people pleaser and find it hard to say no. A few years ago, just at the time I needed it, I read a book called “The Best Yes” by Lysa TerKeurst. I used to quilt a lot and I was blessed with the opportunity to make 2 wall quilts for a SafeHouse for abused girls. I had to say a ‘soft no’ to some other projects so I could save my ‘best yes’ for the quilts! Do you ever have time to read a book, or are you an ‘audible’ listener like me? I tried to knit while reading, but I find myself re-reading the same sentence over too many times--so now I mostly listen to books being read to me!

[@meadowsresources6274]

Yes DRK socks all the way. I can make a pair in about 10 hours or less and can knock them out for presents. It has my favorite pattern, toe up, magic loop, heel, and they fit great.

[@holliegiampietro7030]

I always enjoy ur podcasts. Learn so much. TU

[@denisecormaney5361]

Oh my goodness, a blanket made by your grandmother! ❤️ I have a blanket that my grandmother made in the early 70's for our family. It was draped on the back of the family room couch throughout my entire childhood. It's there in the photo of my sister and I holding my newborn baby brother (that baby is now 45!). It represents snuggling and winter nights and sick days at home and family history and LOVE. I have it now and it's one of my greatest treasures.

[@alora1027]

I use small make-up bags that fit in a purse for notions. works well. i love the Maxwell bag! Must put on my wish list!

[@maryannestoner4065]

Harlow hat in worsted please. 😊 I have the perfect yarn for it all set lol

[@knitrelax]

Do you recall which of EZ's books you found the "skeleton" sock pattern in? I would really like to try doing socks that way. Your videos are so enjoyable - thank you!

[@bryndiscurtin6481]

I look forward to your videos every week!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@julieedwards6937]

I really enjoy these videos, thankyou 🧶

[@barbaragibbs789]

OMG - my mom knitted me the same blanket! Same large plastic needles, same red heart yarn! Only difference is that she used two different colors for a marled effect.

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@kimmyk3640]

Hello Andrea! I love your podcast and I am learning SO MUCH!! Question...do you have recommendations for sweater patterns for curvy, busty girls like me. I find a lot of sweater models have smaller bust sizes, and so I'm afraid the pattern in a larger size will look boxy. Also, if not, how would I modify a pattern to add a taper at the waist for more shape. Thank you so much!! ~Kimberly

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello.... friend how are you doing??

[@cathyjoly7704]

Andrea, I love your unique and fresh designs, and gorgeous yarns - they are truly beautiful! I have a stash yarn and I don’t like the color, and I’m thinking of combining it with a silk mohair to create a color that I do like. However when I look at silk/mohair yarns online, I have no idea how the two colors will look together. Do you have any general guidelines on this? Maybe choosing a neutral mohair color, or a deeper shade of the same color way? Thank you!

[@BraidAndTinker]

I personally like to add a darker colour to the yarn if I want to deepen the colour, or add a grey to mute a very bright colour. I don't really like adding white mohair, I feel it washes out the original yarn and sometimes the white strand of silk in the mohair is too obvious and can give an unwanted marled effect.

[@kgiffels]

Hi Andrea, I love everything about you)! I also used to live in the Lansing area when you did (you were in Okemos, I was in Grand Ledge), and OUR Upnorth place is a small 120 yr old house in downtown Traverse City. I have a TON of your patterns, with a Night Shift project about to start soon, but I will be first be making a bunch of slippers for Holiday gifts :)

[@kgiffels]

From one of your slipper or mukluk patterns!

[@MichelleSewsAgain]

I’m struggling to get the Brochealicious Shawl going. I keep running into an issue at the end of the 4th row (after the cast on is complete) where my y/o from the previous row is not where I’m expecting it to be. I’ve re-started and been very vigilant about my stitches about 5 times. Is there a KAL for this shawl? I really want to make it but can’t figure out what I’m doing wrong. Thanks!

[@jameswoodgate9757]

Hello....friend how are you doing??

[@juliemendez7966]

Hello Andrea, I love watching your pod cast. Thank you , they are so informative? When knitting a sweater, what yarn holds best with time ?

[@BraidAndTinker]

I personally find yarns that are not too soft to hold up much better than soft yarns.

[@jillortiz6459]

Andrea, wonderful video! I'm really looking forward to the Harlow hat in worsted. Thank you!

[@elinah.7243]

I think I need to cast on those DRK everyday socks. I've knitted Vinr socks and they are the best fitting socks I have ever made. 😍

[@dreareneeknits]

That is so lovely to hear!

[@vlm3612]

Hi Andrea I am knitting Cinnabar and on the brioche side my slipped stitch edge is very loose where it joins the knitting and I don’t know if I need to rip and go down a needle size or if it would be the same

[@emanuelaalletta5334]

I really struggle to knit the brioche shawl. I mistake the stitches really often. There is any tutorial I can watch for learn about it. Thanks

[@walkerkids5]

I'll have to make the Ronan pattern. My son's name is Roanin

[@taysialefaber]

Love your weekly videos!! Where did you get your skirt/dress from?!

[@ancasaesthetics8615]

You are amazing 💝. Where can I find your patterns?

[@sabra-jenksgraham6316]

When were you in NZ and where did you live? I'm a New Englander who's lived in Wellington NZ for the past 10.5 years! And my mom is in Kittery:)

[@dougannfleck7720]

I love linen and noticed your dress! I am assuming it is linen, is it a RTW or did you make it? I sew as well as knit, so if you did make it, could you share your pattern? Love your KZbin channel!

[@bethsmithson5593]

Can you please demonstrate how to bind off the Shift??? I’m not understanding. Thank you

[@cyndaperalta-ramos8282]

HI Andrea.... I love your podcast and your patterns! Could you tell me what the instagram account is that you spoke about (the spinning wheel repairer?) I would love to follow her. Also, what is the moon-phase art on your wall behind you? Love it! Happy Wednesday!🌻

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

I wish the Maxwell was more economical. It’s just a bit “pricey” for me!

[@kathyleblanc2215]

so many good tips again. I watched your favourite song from your email - is he a relative of yours?

[@noneofyourbussiness2788]

Lol oma taught me and crochet

[@bethott4374]

Have you ever had any problems taking your knitting scissors on an airplane? I am going to the UK in a couple weeks and would hate to lose my scissors during TSA checkin

[@KateMH_]

I think it’s fine to bring small embroidery scissors but I still get paranoid so I bring one of those free letter openers that you can pick up at like job or health fairs or wherever.

[@margaretrodee3519]

I never travel with sharp pointy scissors. I bring a small rounded tip pair. Just in case cuz ya never know! They’ve never given me troubles.

[@BraidAndTinker]

I have a thread cutter ring by Clover that I bring on an airplane and that has always been fine. I wouldn't risk a nice pair of scissors.

[@k1bylandp2bysea37]

Great episode! We’ll all of them are great. Loved hearing about knit worthy gifting. I wish there was a poem or little note that was written that I could add to my gifts so that the person could understand how important they are to me to receive a hand knitted item. I’m not good with my words so it wouldn’t sound right. Anyways thank you for your Friday q &a’s I look forward to them. Looking forward to your pattern using worsted wt for Harlow hat as I’m too slow with fingering to gift that but love that pattern!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

Hi, I bet your loved gift-worthy recipients would like any words you write for them!! Even just a few words from the heart like friendship, sisterhood, love, comfort on a little card would be awesome!! Or a little drawing. Can you tell I was a high school teacher?! 🤣🤣🤣)

[@KateMH_]

I always tell people if the item is machine washable, not exactly endearing but that’s ok lol

[@carolynlambert4543]

🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺🇦🇺👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@conniehall3873]

This is thee best podcast, thank you! I learn something every time I watch. 🧶 💕