I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 69

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'm wondering what would be the best way to repair a hole in a cable knit sweater? I (very foolishly) lit a candle and had one of my FO's to be blocked on a shelf above it, and of course a small hole was singed right in the middle of a cable section, at the very beginning of the sweater...on the front. Is there any help for it, or is it destined to be frogged and re-knit? Help! Thanks so much for all your time and knowledge, binging IKIIWT (I'll Knit if I Want To) has been so helpful!
2. I’m wondering if you can help me "visualize " gauge. I'm on of the lucky ones who usually (knock on wood) gets gauge or really close per the pattern instructions, but when I am off, I do the math and figure it out but have a weird mental block visualizing it. So basically, if I have more stitches per inch will my final garment be bigger or smaller than expected and vice versa, if I have less stitches per inch, bigger or smaller? I feel like the math is telling me one thing but reality is the opposite. Thank you so much if you can help! This is driving me bananas!
3. HI Andrea, sorry if this is a daft question... I would really like to knit some cardis but I am not ready for steeking... but how can you tell if a pattern for a cardi involves steeking? Can you tell by looking? I have read that your stonecrop cardi is steeked... is there anything I can see by looking that gives this away? Thanks very much! x
4. In your patterns you usually say, "pick your best size, measure your full bust and add or subtract your desired ease, then pick the finished chest circumference closest to that number." to measure your full bust, is it the same as your bra size, or is it with a lose fitting shirt. I have heard this answer both ways, but I am more interested in what you suggest. I have heard you say before measure your favorite store bought sweater as a good idea of what finished bust circumstance you may like.
5. Hi Andrea! I love your channel, your love for color, and have enjoyed all the advice you share. You convinced me to try knitting from the outside of the yarn cake to avoid yarn vomit and I love it! My question is about Yarn Overs (YO). When doing YO in a lace pattern my YO is much bigger if it is followed by a purl stitch than by a knit stitch. In certain patterns this can make all the YO on a particular side of the lace pattern stretch out much more than on the other side. Do you have any tips or tricks for this? For a bonus question, how do you drink your coffee? I've wondered as I've watched you sip it these past few months! Thanks so much!
Spinning Book Resources
The Fleece & Fiber Source Book by Deborah Robson & Carol Ekarius: www.goodreads.com/book/show/1...
Unbraided by Rachel Smith & Katrina Stewart: www.goodreads.com/book/show/4...
A New Spin On Color by Alanna Wilcox: www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Yarnitecture by Jillian Moreno: www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
DRK Spin It to Knit It…Along - Weekender Style - Ravelry Forum:
www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
Join on Instagram with the hashtags: #DRKspinittoknitKAL and #DRKspinsTHEWEEKENDER
Inclinations Cowl KAL Ravelry Forum: www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...
Join on Instagram with the hashtag #InclinacowlKAL
I am wearing The LYS Cardigan:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/lys
With the Orchards Dress by Vivian Shao Chen: www.vivianshaochen.com/patter...
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9gF9SixkdQwmS7
Sign up for the DRK Newsletter: eepurl.com/diPxsr

[@sparrowhill6373]

I always think of the saying, "less is more" when working gauge. It helps me remember that if I have less stitches than called for I will have more sweater than I want. 😂😃

[@lovemesomeslippers]

Ooo good one! I’ll remember this.

[@caitlincooper6987]

Thank you for answering my question about yarn overs! My kids were so excited for me because they saw me binge the whole first year of your vlog when I discovered it a few months ago. They thought I was famous for having my question read by Andrea 😂🥰

[@terrielemaire5884]

As a full busted woman I always consider upper bust measurements when picking patterns, knit yes but especially sewn. Most busted patterns are designed at a standard B-C cup and patterns are usually graded evenly over the whole pattern, so for my DD I usually end up with a yoke that is much too big and straps/ shoulder scye that don't sit properly at all. Drop shoulders and knit fabric are my saviors with ready-made but handmade, I want it to fit right so thanks for mentioning that!

[@hitzchicky]

I was actually going to add a comment about this as well. I heard Roxanne Richardson one time mention that if your full bust measurement is greater than 2-3 inches larger than your underbust measurement (so a B or C cup), then you should use the overbust measurement and then utilize darts to get the extra projection at the chest. I think it's a great methodology.

[@catherineleclerc6483]

Yep, as a DD cup, I use my upper bust when choosing the size, otherwise I end up with a tent. This tends to work best, especially when the design calls for positive ease.

[@RachelSmith]

Thank you so much Andrea for the shout out and promotion of the book - I really apprecitate that!! Thank you

[@independence_yarn_crafts]

Great advise on the bust measurements. Thanks

[@seasonseasthk]

So funny because I could tell you weren’t fully satisfied w your prior choice for your tour de fleece spin and now you are using your precious special one and seem much happier with the new choice! Very happy for you! I think you will have a better experience and will enjoy the whole process more!

[@mariajones8912]

Another super video Andrea. You give multiple answers to all questions, which is absolutely brilliant and I'm sure helps all knitters, new or experienced alike. Thank you!! Have a great weekend. xx

[@biidasige939]

Your discussion on picking size. Your patterns are always perfect when picking the right size. Your patterns are so clear. I really enjoyed the episode.

[@bettyfockler551]

Thank you for going over gauge and choosing size - again. Always helps to review! I never get row or stitch gauge with recommended needle size; I am a loose knitter. The schematics, ease explanations and suggestions are essential for me. Your patterns make it easy. Now you’ve inspired me to go spin on my beautiful Matchless!! 🥰

[@knitting-lane]

There is a free class on Craftsy with Deborah Robson called "Know Your Wool." It is very helpful!

[@queenKnits]

I loved the gauge question, it finally makes sense!!!

[@tarikovets5819]

Love your videos and look forward to them weekly. Would love to see a spinning video. I am very intrigued by the whole process.

[@CassandraTengan]

Modern Daily Knitting has a great article on yarn overs and how to make them more even. I always reference it. I use the twisted stitch method to shorten the YO

[@bellabellabelladonna]

Watching this while knitting the back hem of my weekender! I didn’t join in on the spinning part, but I will one day! I’m using a tweedy wool “in the oil” and I’m loving the texture so far. I hit gauge in my swatch, so hopefully I hit gauge in the project too.

[@Sarahpreecenelsonnz]

Listening/watching from New Zealand, sitting knitting by the woodfire without central heating :-) Sarah

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

Good timing! I was knitting a lace scarf when you answered the question about YOs being bigger on the pearl side. I never noticed mine were different, but they are subtly so. I made the change on that very row and voilá, perfectly matching eyelets. Always a joy to watch and learn from you Andrea. 😇

[@deepanijinadasa4584]

You’re twinning with yourself from Episode 19! 💛

[@carmenguzman7991]

Super podcast, so much learning

[@moniquemata9434]

Hi Andrea, I've been obsessing on your Orchards dress lol. I love the color pop of the red buttons. May I ask you what fabric you used?

[@sunnyw4148]

I am reading Yarnitecture after not having spun for over 20 years. About to get back to it and am enjoying watching online classes (Craftsy and others) and reading her book. As a short person I don't like wearing too boxy an item and often average my upper chest measurement with my full bust measurement.

[@carmenguzman7991]

Super podcast, so much lebarning

[@Karla-yz4qd]

Awesome Video Andrea!! Thanks for sharing all your tips, tricks and resources! I am Spinning in the Tour De Fleece on the Fiber Love Diary Team and also on the Schacht Team. I am Spinning on both my Ladybug (Lady Apricot) and my new Matchless (Junebug)!! I should finish the Singles tomorrow to be able to start Plying!! Working hard to Spin this yarn good enough for my 1st Handspun Sweater!

[@my4kitties]

Very very helpful explaining zero ease. I have been procrastinating on starting a cardigan or sweater. I am 68, 5' 2", small bust, and 1" waist height. I look better with fitted cropped tops.

[@LorenMarieP]

If the sweater is with a burn mark is bottom up and the hole is at the bottom, could a pocket cover the hole?

[@lauriekimmelstiel2976]

Thank you as always for your wise and informative episode. My question has to do with yarn organization. Do you organize your yarns by color or fiber or weight? Or some combination? And how do you organize your needles? Forgive me if you've answered these previously. I think organization is key but I have a really difficult time keeping my yarns in some kind of reasonable order so your input will be appreciated by many, I 'm sure. Thanks.

[@melindahamelin7341]

What a beautiful cardigan. Love the golden rod color. I am a new knitter. I have a problem with trying to knit a simple cardigan. I have crocheted about 4, but knitting one is another beast. Any suggestions? I think being intimidated might be a big problem. I have knitted about 6 pairs of socks on dpn's and I know the ability is in there, just have to coax it out.

[@lauriekimmelstiel2976]

Have you tried the Felix cardigan. I found it very easy to follow pattern and I think it very suitable for a new sweater knitting knitter.

[@mickiwhite4754]

I enjoy your podcast as long as it sticks to knitting! Thanks for the reminders on gauge and ease!

[@moiragarner1253]

Would you do a couple of shorts 🤔 one explaining gauge and one explaining fitting so that it can be played over and over. I appreciate it if you cannot I can play this over until 💡 thank you 🙏

[@personiguess2453]

*sees title of video* heheh. Nice.

[@moi3chats]

T Hi Andrea! That yellow is gorgeous...can you tell me if it's "goldenrod" or "la bien amiee yellow"? Thanks