I'll Knit If I Want To: Episode 59 SNEAK PEEK!!

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!
In this week’s episode we cover:
1. I have been a knitter for about 50 years, but I am self taught. Your videos have opened up a new world for me. For example, "safety lines", who knew? Since the pandemic I have been knitting constantly and have finished multiple sweaters and dozens of shawls and hats. My question is: how do you store your knitwear so that you can find what you are looking for? I'm constantly rooting through drawers and making a mess of everything. Do you roll your shawls, use shelves, or what? Thanks so much for your enthusiasm and techniques.
2. I am not a spinner (though it’s something I’d like to learn), but I have loved learning from you about different yarn spins like worsted vs woollen! Which holds up better or is better for certain projects, it’s very helpful to know! I have been checking all of my yarns to see which type of spin they have and came across one called cable spun. (Drops Baby Merino, if you’re wondering!) and I’m curious to know if you have any advice on how this type of yarn holds up. It is a really bouncy yarn, and I believe it has 12 plies. I am currently using Drops Baby Merino in a Birch Pullover.(The pattern is brilliant btw.) but I would love to know if I can expect my sweater to hold up in the long run or if it will be super warm but wear out quickly like the sweater you mentioned you made in woolen spun for your husband.
3. You've mentioned that you like to listen to audio books while you knit. I love to do that as well! What are some of your favourite books, authors, subjects you like to listen to when crafting? Do you exclusively listen to your books or do you also take time to physically read as well? I've binged through all your episodes over the course of a few weeks and am just drinking up all the wonderful knowledge you have been kind enough to share - thank you!
www.audible.co...
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Louise Erdrich
Kristin Hannah
David Sedaris
4. I love seeing your clothing you sew to go with your hand knit sweaters. I’m a beginner sewist and want to make some easy dresses and pants to compliment my growing hand knit wardrobe. Do you have any recommendations for sewing patterns that are beginner friendly? I am struggling to find something that is beginner friendly and size inclusive.
www.stylearc.c...
sewliberated.com/
helensclosetpa...
5. I so much enjoy and am looking forward to your weekly broadcasts. Did you make your overalls from last week and would you share the pattern source and fabric? They are super cute! Here's my first question: I made the Winter Beach Cardi last summer and totally messed up the lifeline. I ended up just pulling waste yarn through the two rows but didn't really grasp the concept that I had to knit a row in between, using another waste yarn ( I got this down now since I knitted many Curio socks since then;)). I ended up with no pockets. At first I thought this is OK but now I think they belong there (its the beauty of your design work: everything has its purpose and the pockets just need to be there!). So, I really would like to add them in. Is that even possible? I would need to add the stockinette stick layer for the inside and probably will have to cut into the fabric to make that happen...what a freaky thought! I cant wait to hear your thoughts on this. Thank you for your time.
DRK March to May Shawl KAL Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.co...
DRK March to May Sweater KAL Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.co...
Join on Instagram with the hashtag #DRKmarch2mayKAL22
I am wearing the Inclinations Cowl (and my soon-to-be-released Gib Sweater!):
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[@highfiberknits]

I’m a Biology teacher and Dr. Kimerer’s book transformed my perspective on science completely. Her writing and reverence is so beautiful to experience!

[@jennifercook6863]

I NEED THAT SWEATER!! Absolutely gorgeous. Can't wait EEEEEEEEEE!!!! Thank you for your time and enthusiasm. Love you and your episodes. I look forward to Friday every week.

[@barbhelpin2775]

I totally agree!

[@barbhelpin2775]

Just watched you this morning with coffee and knitting. I laughed when you talked about knitting while listening to audiobooks as I didn't want to give up reading when I took up knitting seriously. So, I am also a voracious knitter and listener. I have read all of Kristin Hannah's books and also read all of the books you mentioned. It's fun to know that we share similar taste in reading too. Thanks for being a bright light in my weeks!

[@crystalldaddy]

Hi Andrea! I actually sort of have an answer about the strange hidden cupboards in your house! Maine is a state that actually had one of the strictest liqor laws in the country. The sale of alcohol outside of medicinal purposes was banned in the state from 1865 to 1934 (much longer than the rest of the country's prohibition). As a result, the wealthy would often build hidden cabinets into their homes to store alcohol that was smuggled in from Canada. Depending on when your house was built, it's probably a holdover from prohibition.

[@shellyneitzel6417]

I can’t recommend “Braiding Sweetgrass” enough either! I was so moved listening to it that I have given the book to several people.

[@lainieepstein7753]

I am currently listening to it and am entranced!

[@kat1984]

I've been very stressed out this month and lost my knitting mojo but picked up my drk everyday sock while watching this episode. We're entering the summer hibernation time in southern AZ where we retreat into the ac, I'm looking forward to trying your new cowl. I haven't been able to get the hang of brioche but half fisherman's rib looks more intuitive. My sister in cape cod is going to get a pretty cowl for Xmas. I generally only wear/use fingering weight yarn up to dk since it doesn't even freeze where I live anymore. I hope your cold goes away soon!

[@mikkaylahalt8721]

Thank you so much Andrea for answering my question on commercial cable spun yarns! Especially since you're not feeling well! I just realized the yarn I spoke of was actually an 8 ply (4 strands of 2 ply all twisted together) not 12! (I have no idea why I thought 12) but I tried your suggestion and pulled as tight as I could on that yarn strand and yeah it definitely put up a fight!! So I am feeling confident that my Birch Pullover will be around for a nice long time. XD Thank you for teaching me something new, you are such a wealth of knowledge, these videos have just made me love all things yarn and knitting so much more. Hope you feel better soon!!

[@theyarningvoid]

Hey, you're the one who was asking about the DROPS baby merino, right? I've been using this particular yarn for sweaters (my own and my baby's) quite frequently in my earlier years of knitting because it's so affordable. It is indeed pretty durable and wears so light, I don't ever feel that it's too warm BUT it pills heavily. So if you've got one of those fabric shavers you'll be good to go. Also, in case you didn't do a swatch with wetblocking, mind that this yarn also wears out much. Even smooshing the wet fabric into place doesn't help my sleeves getting much too long after washing. Don't want to upset you, but if you're not familiar with this particular yarn you might reconsider your gauge.

[@mikkaylahalt8721]

@@theyarningvoid Hi Lara, thankyou so much for the feedback on Drops baby merino! That is great to know. Perhaps I will throw my swatch in my purse and see how it does in there for a bit! lol

[@Skitwo]

Barry pant pattern is on sale right now!

[@mariajones8912]

Andrea I just love, love, love you! Every week you give 100% to us. No matter what you talk about, it is so interesting & informative. Your new pattern looks wonderful can't wait to buy it! Building up a stash over 20 years, (I worked in my LYS- UK) mainly from commercial yarns, (I really cant afford to buy new) I do find it difficult to use my existing yarn for todays beautiful designs. I just hope I have an appropriate yarn for your new design . Thank you! xx

[@tantakringle]

I’m a huge audiobook listener as well. If anyone loves mysteries, these are all excellent audiobooks: Laurie R King Mary Russell series, Louise Penny Three Pines series, and the Jacqueline Winspear Maudie Dobbs books. Oh and latest Kate Quinn, The Rose Code, is such a fun audiobook!

[@Chaotic_Pixie]

- tip for those who don't care for the smell of lavender, cedar works just as well. You can get cedar planks meant for doing fish on the grill/fire pit. They're generally quite smooth unlike cedar shakes because they're used for food preparation. If you can find a cedar trunk, that's really great for storing knitwear, especially in a small space because its both functional and aesthetically pleasing. I too love those collapsible fabric storage totes for clothing and linens. I use them for extra bed sheets and out of season clothing. Works so well! Some even have little pockets you can tuck a label into. Having lived in New England, tons of the houses are old and lack closets but always seem to have interesting cupboards. I learned on a walking tour of historic houses when I was in school that taxes used to be assessed based on the number of rooms in the house and a closet counted as a room. So frequently, you'd have hooks on the wall and maybe a wardrobe or a build in cupboard (often lined with cedar, sometimes tin if the family had the extra money) in the bedrooms and if the family was wealthy & therefore had excess that needed protecting, there might be a family closet which was actually the size of a bedroom and typically the walls were tin lined. They'd keep any extra bed linens, table clothes, clothing, etc in this room to keep the rodents and insects at bay. These rooms were often turned into bathrooms when plumbing moved indoors, especially for houses that were occupied year round. Homes that have continued to remain vacation homes, its more common to find these rooms in tact because they'd be closed up half or more of the year.

[@knitiva]

It was so lovely to hear your book recommendations! I’m always looking for new ones-I’m also an audiobook knitter :) The new cowl is beautiful as well!

[@jilljarvis94]

Oh I so appreciate you sharing your knowledge with others, especially enjoy your sing-song, cheerful voice!

[@chantald9661]

If you were to consider teaching online I would be able to sign up. Being that I live in Canada, although not that far from you, the expenses of in-person class would not be doable for me. Just a thought 😉

[@Katepwe]

I so agree…..I live in Saskatchewan and would totally love an online class.

[@heatherlynnewest]

The fact that you recommended David Sedaris makes me 😍😍you more! I’ve just put some of your other books on my library hold.

[@amyj9907]

Regarding audiobooks, I’m wondering if you increase the speed? I almost always listen at 1.5 or 2x speed, and I’ve found that that totally helped my wandering brain problem! Might be worth a try! (It will sound super fast at first, but give it five minutes and your brain will adjust and then it sounds normal.)

[@kimcunningham2107]

Your creations and choice of colors make my heart so happy!!! Love it ALL. 🥰💖💕Simply beautiful.

[@phebefriddle9133]

What about picking up stitches on long DPNs before you steek your pocket? Using them as placeholders. I'm a firm believer in safe knitting practice.😃

[@Auntvicki123]

Hi, I just found you and I love what you're wearing! Do you post patterns? I'd like to make that cowl. Thank you!

[@susankorotkin3386]

For the After Thought Pocket, you can use Kirby Wirby’s video. It is for an afterthought heel in socks, but same exact idea. Video is about 9 hrs old, it best one, I’ve seen.

[@sharonkennedy8612]

Love your new pattern. Thanks for the video. Hope you feel better soon.

[@rumination608]

The cowl looks super cozy and very stylish, as well!

[@robinstevenson5442]

That was a brilliant book recommendation. Thank you!

[@warriorthu]

FOR THE BEGINNER SEWIST who asked the question (Andrea, is there a way you can share this with them?): Sew Liberated has been releasing a series of Learn to Sew courses, and they are awesome!!! There's a project for each class, and it's completely beginner friendly. (The very first class is actually about how to buy a sewing machine.) I've been really enjoying it so far, and if it's in your budget, you should totally do it!

[@mounthoodsts]

The colors in your cowl are stunning on you!!! Take care of yourself. As a person with Lupus and Sjogrens Syndrome I totally understand the struggle. I swear, knitting saves my life! It's the best medicine. Love your videos so much! 😀

[@ruth8268]

Fun! My first time to watch. I just recently finished The Shift. I absolutely loved knitting that shawl. I have yarn for The Night Shift and now wanting to knit The Inclinations Cowl. Thank you!

[@tracireed2750]

In adding after thought heels, I use Kirbywirby afterthought heel tutorial KZbin video. Super helpful to walk through cutting knitting. Much less scary.

[@jennybrundage5381]

Sorry I got tired of fighting with KZbin to get to the previous week's episode so am posting here in response to your talking about where you'll be in five years. With your love of spinning and exploring the magic of color, I imagine it would be a natural step forward to be designing yarn - whatever that would mean!

[@WitchyKnitterMom]

Hope you feel better!! I also got a cold 😢 I finished spinning some yarn I hoped would work for inclanaction but it turned out as a light fingering, oh well I guess I need to spin more yarn

[@paulamcmellon6171]

Love your patterns, your podcasts and you! It’s like talking with an old friend! Thank you for being so real and for sharing your talent. I am working on your So Faded pattern. Just began the first sleeve. 💜💕💞

[@adaschenck8615]

Thanks for this series and all your lovely patterns! I am FINALLY finishing up a wool and honey sweater that has been sitting around for a year needing one cuff reknit. Next up is the birch pullover!

[@unrulyknitter]

Great episode! Do you ever share your bullet journal? I’m always intrigued by them!

[@TrudySchwartzBurrill]

Thanks. i just finished the shift cowl, and I love it. So, I just picked up your the new cowl pattern you are wearing today. it’s very cute too and will also be easy to wear. I enjoyed knitting along watching the interactions of colors and textures it was a fun, engaging and fast knit. Making it something you don’t want to put down! I’ve knit several of your patterns. This was my first from your shift pattern series. But my second attempt at a shift pattern. I tried the sweater first but was turned off by the line it makes down the back. Had that not been my first attempt at a shift pattern this would have been knit long ago. I haven’t read the new shift sweater closely enough to know the difference between the two. I hope it involves bringing that line to under an arm? Please chime in if you are familiar. My wardrobe is mostly solids and I didn’t realize just how lovely it would go with everything in my closet, definitely my lack of vision. I do believe that I will now knit the entire shift series. I have to say that the more of your patterns I knit the more I want to knit. Thanks 🙏 for sharing your hard work and , lol 😆 My journal wish list is overflowing. I’ve already purchased most of the patterns and have in many cases chosen the yarns for the projects as well. I keep the yarn sleeve and about 12’ of yarn attached to the label and have it stored together in the plastic sleeve with the pattern-in a separate 3 ring notebook, just waiting or me. This is a new system for me and is helping me ween my stash and helps so much when I’m looking for my next project to cast on. I’ve found the anxiety of putting that all together helps prevent burnout and purchase of more yarn. In the past nothing was ready for me and once I got it all together I’d loose steam to start it. The other thing it does for me is help me not feel badly about my large yarn and pattern stash. Leaving some of the other yarns for stash busting patterns and projects or the to be sold trade or donated bins. I started this as my 2022 resolution for using stash yarns up and preventing myself from making more purchases.

[@tamsnell8189]

I had to laugh when you said about the freezing cold temperatures at the supermarket. In the warmer months, that is the exact reason why I often have a shawl out with me.

[@dreareneeknits]

Seriously!

[@souffle53]

I feel so hopeful that I can get sewing (after many years) thanks to you recommending The Hinterland Dress! I just bought the pattern at Taproot last Friday. Yay! Going to make it in a ticking fabric, I think. Thanks!

[@shetlandlace]

Love to listen to audio books or read my Kindle when I knit. I have just started the Outlander Series. I will be getting a lot of knitting done listening to this series! I have loved books for most of my life. I converted to a Kindle and it works better now, I can adjust font size, and it's backlit. It is also good for carrying multiple books in one small 'package'.

[@roxannashively3751]

Thank you for all the info. I enjoyed hearing about your audio books. I have difficulty focusing and knitting too. Maybe need more practice?

[@meganthroughthebackloop]

I LOVE listening to Braiding Sweetgrass- I have listened to it three times :) I just listened to her book "Gathering Moss" which is also read by the author and it has made me interested to take a look at the mosses we have on our rocks and trees. I think I could listen to her read a grocery list and love it. Thanks for your podcasts; I love them!

[@donnacarter8440]

I’m knitting everyday socks because I always have a pair on my needles and a Junction sweater which I love but probably won’t get to wear until fall. Have a great weekend. Hope you feel better soon😊

[@josjewosje]

Have a wonderful weekend and get well! I’m knitting a Ranunculus dress for myself.

[@aprilvaughn9725]

Sew Liberated is The Best! And she's doing a series of classes now that start from very very beginner level!

[@englishgrams]

I’m knitting winters beach cardigan right now! Almost to the pockets in fact 🤣

[@gaetanedesjardins5316]

Thank you so much for all your work. Just started the Attune shawl and I love the pattern. 🥰🥰🙏🏻

[@keriolson2393]

This week I am planning my trail knitting, which is knitting I do out on the trail! I am going back up to AK (oh em gee AK has some amazing yarns!) and I always design and knit something out in the wilds. It is my absolute favorite thing to do! 😍

[@dreareneeknits]

Have fun!

[@jenniferrobinson9325]

Amazing !

[@carolinemercer9779]

I’ve bought 3 copies of braiding sweetgrass bc I keep gifting it to people, it’s perfect

[@dianachristie5700]

I'm excited about the cowl! Could u use a gradient yarn with a solid?

[@shelbyrose2791]

Collapsible is definitely a word, you're good

[@SugarCone]

I use goodreads to keep track of my books as it has a challenge there every year as well so you can aim to read/listen to as many books as you possibly can! Also their recommendations based on what you normally enjoy are always on point!

[@Caseyfuriouslyknits]

It looks like Sew Liberated is having a Me Made May sale for anyone interested in those patterns! I like the Strata top from them

[@cintiapollock2486]

sometimes 8 ply or more store spun feels kinda like rope and is was less soft just saying lol

[@katiegilley4772]

Another fan of Braiding Sweetgrass here and Louise Erdrich here! I'm currently reading The Last Report on the Miracles of Little No Horse... and I think it's my favorite of hers so far! I'm a big fan of historical fiction, but Kristin Hannah is too much for me. I feel emotionally manipulated whenever I read anything by her!!! Yay for books and knitting crossovers :)

[@katiegilley4772]

Sorry, typo. The book is called The Last Report on the Miracles AT Little No Horse.

[@allisondobbie2375]

I love when I finish a knitting podcast both inspired and with a list of books to listen to

[@TheCatlady63]

I got my new shawl pattern earlier this week. It's on my to do list.

[@ekartak]

My inclinations cowl is on my needles as I watch this 😅

[@CassieDA17]

Kristin Hannah is one of my favorite authors too!

[@karenwatt514]

Could it be an airing cupboard in your bedroom?

[@corteofs]

I can’t wait to see the release of this sweater you are wearing :-)

[@miekevanreet2544]

Have a nice weekend, I am knitting the “Leonie”.

[@DguidoDesignes]

I love that book!!!🥰

[@redredwine1277]

Thanks again 🌹🌹🌹