I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 62

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. Hi thanks you for your cheerfull video's : i have a question about yarn. It has happened that I knit a sweater and it start pilling very soon. How can you know which yarn is ok if you go out and shop : i find it very frustrating that the sweater looks so dreadfull, so quickly after all the work i have put in it... Is it the type of yarn i have to take in to account, the ply ? ... Thanks!
2. I’m wondering about how to keep your stitch count accurate. I attempted to knit the Ara shawl but my stitches were never correct. Which then threw off my pattern in the shawl. I am constantly counting the stitches and get so disappointed when I have more or less stitches.
3. Hi Andrea, Love your podcast and upbeat energy! You’ve mentioned that you like go walking and knit while you walk . I LOVE to go walking and LOVE to knit! The idea of doing them both at the same time seems almost too good to be true! Can you share how you learned to knit without looking and knit while moving/walking? Any tips you have are greatly appreciated! (Although my family might never see me again if I learn to knit while walking, lol). Thanks so much!
4. When knitting shawls, what is the best method of getting a stretchy edge? I've knitted a few shawls using an icord edge along each side but they don't seam to give me enough stretch when blocking/wearing the shawl. I've tried kfb into the last and first stitch and this gives a stretchy edge but doesn't look that pleasing and doesn't always work with all patterns. Any advice would be great ☺️
5. I am knitting my very first sweater......I got to the sleeves and had to try 3 different needles. I ended up with a 16" which isn't the easiest but I'm moving along. (I like ChiaoGoo) I do not have a full set of interchangable needles, I basically buy individual ones as I need them....most of my projects require the same size/type of needles...but for the sleeves I had trouble pulling the wire out as I go - it created a gap no matter how tight I tried to be. And then I tried double pointed needles but that was a mess.....I'm knitting a larger stitch, using a size 8 needles so the double pointed were large and very hard for me. do you have a suggestion on how best to knit a sleeve easier? thank you
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[@howtomake7142]

"Can you SEE what I can FEEL?!" I literally laughed. She's so cute.

[@carimccormack9931]

I L😍VE the Chiao Goo Shorties. I, too, had ladders when doing magic loop and the Shorties were the answer….and before I discovered Shorties, I used hiya hiya flyers as they were flexible in the middle…there is an answer for you….just gotta try different needles until you find the ones you love ❤️

[@theresasovacool2332]

Using 2 circulars for small circumference knitting is also an option. I do socks, hats, and sleeves with 2 circs with 24” cables. I like the longer needle tips and find it less fiddly than DPNs.

[@kimdixon9088]

I agree, the 2 circulars is a win. I do my socks and sleeves this way. The Cat Bordhi technique.

[@elizabethg8213]

My sister-in-law taught me about this method, and it has been my go to method of knitting small circumference items. Useful for sleeves and hats for sure.

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

I was going to say that too as 2 circulars are my favorite method!

[@chrissy24-7]

Same, I discovered magic loop and won't look back

[@tree1383]

I walk and knit alot. I also frequently rest my eyes and knit with them closed. My husband tells me I'm"using the force". People in Dr offices say things like, you've been doing that for awhile. I watch TV, listen to audio books and knit knit knit!

[@dreareneeknits]

It's one of my favorite parts of being a knitter! I am never bored :)

[@marymayfield1974]

I look forward to Fridays. Why? Because I ♥️ your podcasts!!!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

I learn something new every time I watch your podcasts, love love love that! I also love your asthetic. Your color sense and designs are pleasing to the eye! Thanks so much for sharing your gifts❣️❣️❣️

[@dreareneeknits]

Oh thank you!

[@sharonhoffman8688]

I tried knitting on the stationary bike at the gym, but can only manage 10 minutes before my hands get too hot ! Love that handspun and your daughter’s Inclination cowl.

[@kayebaker-schwanz1041]

Lol, I've been walking and knitting for years, people look at me a little funny in the grocery store though. It is a great talent, that and reading novels while knitting, is wonderful too, if I could not do other things while I knit, I'd never get any ready or anything done. I've headed out to water the gardens before, and gotten partway there and realized I had my ball of yarn tucked under my arm, and was knitting along. Love your podcast, please don't stop.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@kat1984]

I love using chiaogoo shorties for sweater sleeves. I use a 32" or 40" cable for magic loop

[@knittingnurd]

When knitting lace, I also use a lifeline..it has saved me so many times!!

[@CorgiiTube]

I 100% defaulted to KFB when I knit the Boho Blush shawl recently, lol! I realized it fairly early on so there wasn't TOO much heartache. I finished it in time to give it to my mom for mother's day! I did a cute picot bind off and she loves it!!!

[@dreareneeknits]

Aw! So happy she loves it!!

[@Rebecca_Good]

Appreciate your generosity & lack of judgement - learning so much!

[@sharonkennedy8612]

I totally can see what you feel. It looks very soft. Love your videos.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you! 😊

[@anamargarida3607]

Hi Andrea! Following you from Portugal. Love your patterns, really enjoy listening to you and learn a lot from your joyful answers, tips and sharing. Obrigada

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@jodiengle6892]

I walked and knitted the whole yoke ok my DRK Everyday sweater! I usually knit socks or hats… projects in the round and mostly stockinette. I love the bags from Beautiful Syster that have a wide strap and are perfectly sized for small projects. I get lots of comments from people who see me walking and knitting. Haha!

[@kathincacameron5235]

Love to knit and walk. Sometimes just around the house so that I am not always sitting! I have a ‘Twizzter’ from Sweden. I love it! It arrived quickly from across the pond no problem.

[@donnabeaton4707]

Small circumference sleeve: use two circulars and put half the stitches on each. This method is kind of like dpns but is a little easier and I don’t get ladders using this method. You

[@marlalena8598]

Was waiting for this ❤️❤️ day is saved

[@dreareneeknits]

I hope you enjoy!

[@alip.9740]

My mentality, take it or leave it, is kids want simplicity. They usually think in simple coloring book type images. I personally won't use what I think is beautiful for them unless they express they like it. My dad is an artist, painted elaborate murals on the sides of downtown buildings or restaurants. I wanted a poodle painted on my wall. I honestly would have just loved a simple drawing of it. I wouldn't have noticed or appreciated the detail of a time and resource consuming poodle lol. I did end up getting really cool neon records during the early 90's on my wall so it made up for the poodle😄

[@postulatedspace]

i saw you sneezing. oh my god. you are the cutest.

[@dianegiannini8968]

I am FINALLY spinning some decent yarn! Yay for Corriedale! I like spinning BFL too.

[@dreareneeknits]

Yay! Congratulations!

[@gailkendall9328]

I don’t value pilling either. For absolutely no pilling ever I recommend Shetland yarns. They are wonderful to work with and the resulting garment is super long lasting. The yarns come in many colors and to me are nearly silky after washing and blocking. Check out Jamieson’s of Shetland and Jamieson’s & Smith for more info and maybe inspiration.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@ingriddurfee6582]

Andrea, first - I love your Friday podcasts! They are a weekly pop of joy. Second - I was wondering if you could actually spell out the brand of project bag you mentioned, I rewound several times but just couldn't catch it. :-)

[@ingridlynch4817]

Madder Root Made

[@kaloriebear3044]

I use Addi Trio Crasy needles for sleeves - they are great. All of the stitches divided between two of the needles and using the third to knit. A little bit like the Cat Bordhi method. Thanks Andrea for the podcast. 😊

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@keriolson2393]

I had a weird experience with a gap in the side of my magic loop knitting! I(i was knitting a monster) I realized that when I was at the beginning of each side I was bringing the yarn under the back needle instead of over it to work the front needle and it kept making holes! Definitely a learning experience!

[@miekevanreet2544]

Have a nice weekend girl big hug from belgium

[@dreareneeknits]

You too!

[@lindagaber7723]

New subscriber here and actually I can see what you feel. LOL

[@ammiller3911]

I'm working on "Midwest Afternoon" shawl by Lisa Ross and it has a 'kfbf' and I wasn't getting count until I did a double take, because exactly like you said, I autocorrected. I'm looking forward to making the stria hat!

[@dreareneeknits]

So happy you figured out and I hope you love the Stria Hat!

[@dianaantonacci5288]

thanks for another great episode. regarding sleeves - i prefer using two circulars vs magic loop. maybe the person who asked the question could give that a try

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing!

[@emmasusan1997]

Early in my knitting “career”, I was always adding stitches at the start of the row after turning. When the stitch is pulled around the needle, it can easily look like two! Not sure if that’s what’s happening to this person, but can be helpful to really look at the form of stitches so you can better identify the parts of a stitch on the needle :)

[@kristinritchie2898]

Flicker and flame was last year

[@joanechan441]

How do I find your sock tutorial? I m not on Instagram. Love listening to you and learning new and challenging projects, for me! Working on your Nightshift shawl. Thanks for your time.

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi there! I am not sure about the sock tutorial you are looking for, but you can find all of my knitting tutorials here: kzbin.info/aero/PLoIMEyFptX-N7IqqQp5C7jJmizXuMTArI

[@HauteKewture]

I must definitely check out the Greer overalls! They look like the perfect messy crafting item! Also you're totally convincing me I need a DRK everyday sweater in my wardrobe....

[@dreareneeknits]

Yes - I think both are perfect additions to any wardrobe! :)

[@paulabarrow1559]

On a top down sweater--no shoulder seams--I find that often the sweater pulls down/lengthens by the time I get to the bottom ribbing. I love top down because it is easy to try on as I go along. However, I am wondering is there a way to strengthen or stabilize the shoulder to avoid this issue. I try to stay away from plant based or superwash yarn because the issue seems worse with this type of yarn. Any suggestions you might have would be appreciated.

[@RKCALGARY]

What is your favourite workhorse nonpilly yarn for a sweater? Can you recommend a brand readily available online?

[@theknittingclass]

Have you seen Jess Dang on youtube? I think you'd love her approach to sewing. And has a gorgeous overall pattern that I think'd you'd love

[@dreareneeknits]

I haven't- Thanks for sharing!

[@CrazyAuntVal]

!DUPLICATE STITCH! Mario, Spiderman, Chickens... pick your *~his~* favorite motifs, then add them to a "vanilla" sweater. The advantage: Unlimited color options in whatever stitch you want "Partial" or "half-cross/half-stitch" stitches *Removable motifs" - think Mario jumper (sweater) gets passed down to Unicorn & Rainbows loving sibling, AKA sweater ressurecting Placement - finish the garment *then* add motif Artistic expression - chart your own motif on knitters graph paper or use a needlepoint or counted X-stitch pattern

[@slkendall85]

I’ll make if I want to, lol

[@dreareneeknits]

Heehehe

[@susanbossung9098]

I love brioche, but never can get the start to the new round to work. All the tutorials don’t slowly show how to go into the next round. Please address this, so I may join in on the Harlow hat and other brioche in the round patterns.

[@shawngutteridge470]

What is the name of the bag you showed that would be good to store your knitting as you walked and knit?

[@dreareneeknits]

I've shared a few! My favorites are from Madder Root Maine and Bookhou!

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

Andrea, it's time! I was watching a youtube video where the people had a "join" button and their followers could contribute at different levels. Maybe that would be easier that Patreon? I'm starting my 3rd round of starting from the beginning of I'll Knit if I Want To. You have such wonderful content! Love your generosity of spirit but I think it's time to let us contribute to this endeavor.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much! I think you have to have a certain amount of views or subscribers for that to be an option :) But you can definitely support me by purchasing my patterns!

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

@@dreareneeknits Patterns is no problem! Plus, I let the ads run. LOL

[@lauriekimmelstiel2976]

I love to knit simple hats while I walk, as I'm usually walking and rushing to go back to my knitting (or chores) while I walk - that said, if I can listen to a great book on tape or podcast It's a triple win for me as a multi tasker.

[@dreareneeknits]

Agreed!