I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 72

WHOOPS! In this episode I said the sale ends today, and then followed that with the date October instead of July! LOL! As you are all aware, we are obviously in July, not October. ;)
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. Should you block a sweater before picking up stitches for things like button bands or necklines?
2. Ok. I'm sure you are getting a million and one questions about the beautiful Alpenglow but I'm going to ask another one anyway! 🤷🏻‍♀️ I'm not a huge fan of mohair, I know, unpopular opinion, and I saw on spincycles post someone who made it without the mohair. My question is do you then need to substitute a fingering weight yarn for that or can you just continue with the sport weight? Thanks for your help and all you do! I'm beyond excited to knit this up!
3. Hi!! My questions is how to estimate how much can blocking fix the garment to the right size? For example, I'm knitting the nightshift shawl, the beginning of the shawl is curled to one side probably because I knitted my icord edge too tightly. So I really don't want to frog it and have been hoping blocking the garment afterwards will fix the curling. Is there a way to know whether or not the shawl can be fix by wet blocking with pins? I can't send a picture but the tip of the shawl looks like this 🌊 or this 🌪 now :( Thanks!!
4. Hi Andrea, I’m knitting the Vellichor and really enjoying it, I separated front and back for the sleeves and as I was ready to bind off the stitches for the neckband in the front I noticed I had am extra 10 stitches….yes off by 10 stitches for the whole sweater, the back piece has the right amount of stitches, any idea how I can easily fix this? I was thinking to decrease one stitch each side every second row at the neckband, I’m open to other suggestions, I don’t feel like starting over but I’m afraid it might be the only way!
5. Hi Andrea! A few weeks ago I started a birch pullover. After a little oops in the yoke, I put in a life line and a while later another. I’ve separated for the sleeve and knit and bit and took out the lifelines. I noticed two very obvious lines where the lifeline was. I tried spraying it, steaming and wet blocking but nothing worked to get the lines out. Any other ideas/tips or tricks? Many thanks!
5th Annual Rhinebeck KAL for Alpenglow Sweaters:
Ravelry: www.ravelry.com/discuss/magpi...
Facebook: groups/rhinebeck2022/
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 my Alpenglow I Sweater:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/a...
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A: forms.gle/pKM9gF9SixkdQwmS7
Sign up for the DRK Newsletter: eepurl.com/diPxsr

[@MandyRoeske]

When you asked if you were the only one excited for fall, I laughed and said “Um. No.” 😂 I live in central NC and it’s been uncomfortably hot and I can’t take it anymore. I’m so ready for fall to wear my knits.

[@jessicaolney4900]

For the person with Q5: You can take your needle tip (maybe smaller) and pull gently on the surrounding stitches (from the back maybe) to spread the tension out. Nimble Needles on KZbin has a tutorial on how to fix tension issues that may be helpful. It is tedious though. I did the same thing recently with my lifeline though it only occurred in a few places. This method helped me to spread it out so the gap is less noticeable. I hope that helps!

[@HalloweenMischief]

I think about fall year round... haha And it's 105°F here.

[@lindsayjackson258]

Here is what I would do with the line from the lifeline if it is caused by the stitches being larger for that round. I would take a tapestry needle or something similar, and use it to pull a little of the first stitch to the front of the sweater (so you have a small length of yarn extra). Then pull on the second stitch so that the slack is there instead (so the first stitch is the same size as all of the rest of the sweater but the second stitch has loose yarn). Then pull the slack through to the third stitch (the first two stitches are now the right size but the third has some slack yarn). Keep on going until the end of the round, pull any extra yarn to the wrong side and hide it there. You might need to pull the slack through each half of the stitch separately. I hope that makes sense!

[@madison3986]

i just came to the comments to give the same advice! I've fixed major tension issues (rowing out, gah!! man am i a loose purler!!) by doing this and it is tedious but satisfying. I have to laugh at the huge loop of yarn by the end of the row

[@lindsayjackson258]

@@madison3986 It's my go-to method for getting Kitchener stitch to sit well too - I deliberately do it too loose and then tighten it up, because I find it difficult to do anything if it is too tight

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

I use fishing line for my lifelines!

[@roxannashively3751]

Love your Rhinebeck sweater.

[@lizhandwerkkurt2167]

I think the second skein of hand spun would make a lovely Weekender!

[@dkmharry]

I attended Tom Jipson’s class in June and my brain almost exploded. The class and the experience of staying in the rooming house with amazing women was one of the highlights of my crafting life. I’m going back in October for another class, the experience of having an entire week with nothing but weaving was crazy good!

[@kimmcgow909]

For the curling I-cord edge on the Nightshift shawl, Andrea had suggested in a previous podcast to do a yarn over at the beginning of the right side rows. This worked wonders for me. I hate the curled look. I'm doing the same thing on another designer's triangular shawl now.

[@CraftyMamaShelly]

I can't wait for Autumn. I'm definitely not a summer girl. Last week we had the hottest 2 days ever in the UK and it was horrible. I much prefer cooler weather and being cosy in my handknits

[@conniesimonich2327]

So glad you are trying out weaving. I’ve been weaving for over 20 years and still learn something new. It’s so much fun to weave cloth and see the patterns come alive. I’m currently weaving up my hand spun into a blanket on my 35 inch floor loom and boy I’m getting a workout, but enjoying it. Please share the items you are making when you get it off the loom. Thanks for sharing.

[@sarahmatthews2737]

Are you kidding?! I’m ALWAYS looking forward to fall! It’s the best time of year for every reason. I live in upstate NY so the leaves, Halloween, sweaters, Christmas is coming, there are so many reasons! 🧶👻💀🎃🧦🧤❤️‍🔥

[@jennifercook6863]

Your precious second skein of handspun would make a GORGEOUS Weekender. If you don't have enough you could do the front in the handspun and the back and sleeves in a coordinating color. Can't wait to see what you decide to do. Your first handspun skein would be amazing in a Metamorphic sweater. So many fun options.

[@rebeccahunt355]

I love simple weaves. Towels. Blankets. Scarves and ponchos. I started weaving so I could use my yarn stash. HA! my stash keeps growing. I love weaving and knitting so much.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@squeelit]

Absolutely lovely sweater! Looking forward to collecting colors from my stash to make this one up right away.

[@kimcunningham2107]

Oct 29th!!! I wish! This summer heat is killing me. Lololololo. Love the new Rhinebeck sweater. CANNOT WAIT FOR FALL!!!🧡💛🍁

[@dreareneeknits]

bwah hahahah! Wow I really am wishing for fall!

[@joycepastore3860]

Guess I’m not The only one who caught October 29th EST, lol. Yes it’s still July and we are in daylight savings time, EDT. But I will be here before you know it, I am not a hot weather person and I am looking forward to it as well. I’m not going to Rhinebeck this year but I am planning to make your sweater and trying to make 🧶choices now. Your sweater is beautiful! And thank you for the discount😊❤️

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

Happy happy happy birthday love you hope this year brings blessings love and peace to you

[@embracingfiberarts1950]

I love the flow of weaving and also the intricate patterns you can make with a multi-shaft loom. It's magical.

[@jennifera5656]

I'm totally with you in feeling ready for fall (in the middle of summer)! I'm designing a shawl for Rhinebeck and it just puts me in the mind of all things autumn 🍂😊. Can't wait for my first Rhinebeck! The new sweater is stunning! I love seeing your newsletter come through to my email.

[@auntylinda7640]

Hi Andrea. My vote is to use your beautiful spinning project as colour work on a neutral background. Loving your podcasts! Much love from Shetland xxx

[@gretcheneiselt8665]

Another delightful episode. Thanks so much much for keeping this series going. Always so enjoyable, inspirational and learning new things every episode. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy life it’s much appreciated 😀

[@dianegiannini8968]

I have been a fiber person almost my whole life. My grandmother taught me to crochet when I was 6. I started sewing in 6th grade. And then I learned to weave in college and I was hooked. My husband bought me a loom 40 years ago. Don’t weave a lot but it it so much fun! BTW Factory 3 in Portland has looms. Can’t wait to see what you are up to with it. I am a serious knitter and spinning is a real thing for me now too. I am very much a beginner but am making pretty DK weight yarn.

[@lisaanderson135]

As soon as I saw your newsletter yesterday, I bought the Alpenglow pattern for Rhinebeck! The yarns are already picked out! I have three unfinished sweaters put aside and now I am going to cast on a new one🤦🏻‍♀️ Well, at least this one has a deadline, 😂 I live in southern Berkshire county which is about an hour away from the festival. I am so excited for fall to arrive! October and fall always fills my heart with so much joy❤️It has to be my favorite season! I look forward to seeing everyone in their own versions of the Alpenglow❤️ Let’s make this year’s festival the best! I am just about to bind off my Weekender light I knit in Purl Soho Santolina. It’s a beautiful yarn but not as forgiving as wool.

[@theislandlamb]

Yes, thinking about fall and all it’s gifts! I’m in the Northeast and we’ve had a few cool mornings and I feel so alive and even more creative when the temps drop. Love to see you visit Block Island RI sometime.

[@saramiller1371]

Yay! So excited about the Alpenglow Sweater!

[@lise599]

Weaving class sounded fun! I’m a new weaver and weave on a rigid heddle loom (a very small loom). I’ve made scarves and bandanas so far. I love playing with different colors and shapes in weaving! Also, since I’m not following patterns for weaving it feels like a very creative craft for me.

[@beckyshook3526]

You asked what we were weaving I have rugs on the rug loom I have mug rugs going on the table top loom and dish towels on the floor loom. It sounds like you are smitten with weaving? Like with spinning and weaving and knitting etc my goal this year to slow down and enjoy everything I do.

[@melissalampman7214]

October! 29th, you are way ahead ! I am a weaver, converted to a sock knitter, and wanting to knit all the pretty things. I loved to make rag rugs, making something useful out of old sweaters, and blankets. I also like to make blankets, it’s just so satisfying to make something useful out of a fleece.i lost my weaving mojo during covid, and took up knitting, cus it was something I could do on the couch by the wood stove,watching shows,or Podcasts!

[@katpraeuner9794]

This year I added dyeing my yarn in the mix and have been looking at spinners but haven't taken the leap yet. I think I would enjoy it though. I've been doing Christmas in July - making hats and cowls for gifts as it has been hot here in the southwest. I may or may not get them all done, but I've got a good start. And I'm using my hand dyed yarn to make most of it. Which really thrills me to see the yarn become an item. So much fun. Love your informative q&a's.

[@phoeberta]

I use crochet cotton for lifelines - one ball doesn't cost much and lasts almost forever if it's only used for lifelines! I have a variety leftover from crocheting potholders with "bedspread" cotton (Aunt Lydia's Classic size 10) and lace with size 30 cotton (DMC Cebelia). And it comes even finer if necessary - I think tatting cotton threads are size 70 or 80.

[@KnittingThrough]

I love this year's Rhinebeck sweater! It may just jump my queue. :)

[@lainieepstein7753]

Must knit your Alpenglow sweater and drop my other 5 UFO's! I imagine many different colorways. I'm a new spinner so understand how exciting learning a new craft can be. I have no doubt your weaving projects will be amazingly creative! Thanks for mentioning how many ounces of fiber you spun to complete the sweater.

[@simonebourque1061]

Love your videos! I love to spin, so happy you fell into it too!

[@karynspertzel207]

I got hooked on weaving too. Started with a rigid heddle, now have a 4 shaft floor loom and am seriously starting to look for an 8 shaft…. I still knit more than I weave but I love the way color plays in weaving (I’m a color and effects weaver much more than a techniques weaver). And you can use the cloth you weave to sew! I take most of my classes at Red Stone Glen with Tom Knisely but hope to get to Harrisville one day.

[@conniesimonich2327]

I would love to take a class with Tom Knisely. He is so knowledgeable. I do have one of his books. The baby blanket one.

[@JHa]

We are so close in age! My birthday was July 28th and I turned 39! Happy Early Birthday from one birthday girl to another!

[@tracie8004]

I would totally use your first handspun yarn you shared for color work. ❤️

[@shelleyfry]

Aw - I’m not a weaver, but you had me waiting to see what you’d achieved in your class. Next week - or Instagram perhaps…? Your spinning is gorgeous. I’m sure the first two skeins would look beautiful knit as the Weekender, but if in doubt… swatch? Congratulations on the new sweater.

[@MelanieInnis]

Can you please add a link to where you got your coffee mug? I love everything in your video (inc that cute mug ;)) And big YES to Fall (I’m in the South - New Orleans - 🔥 🥵)

[@michellesetzer9366]

I join you in looking forward to fall. Sticky and steamy lately in Wisconsin. Waiting for the Wisconsin state fair next week and then bring on autumn!!!! 🍁🍂🎃

[@gratefulknitters8899]

Andrea, you are such an adorable person...love your new design and it looks amazing on you. Of course, you would look good in a sweater made of turds, just saying! Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us!!!

[@Karla-yz4qd]

Gorgeous Rhinebeck Sweater Andrea!! Yes Ma'am I am always ready for Fall!! A new Spinner here....definitely use your Handspun for your Weekender!! It is fabulous!!

[@erikawoods8975]

Here is north Texas we had several 110F days and a few even hotter. Yes, I am ready for the fall!! 😅

[@caitlinmoorebolt3548]

Definitely excited for Fall!!!!! As soon as July starts, I'm ready for Fall 🎃

[@molahi5779]

8:39 I know this to be the truth! I knit all of my collars as a separate piece.

[@darcystruble2441]

Happy Birthday :) My birthday is August 2nd and I love that ours align because I feel like I get a little birthday sale 😆 Also, I have totally been feeling the need for cooler weather! I’m ready to bust out sweaters again ❤

[@Katepwe]

🎉 Happy Birthday!

[@nellispinelli9]

I had a similar issue happen with life lines leaving obvious lines in the garment that didn't even out with the first blocking. With normal wear and blocking it evened out pretty well, it just needed some time to work itself out haha. Also for info it was a worsted weight garment and I used fingering weight yarn as a lifeline, not sure why it left such an obvious line, but it happens sometimes.

[@deejcarter2003]

Weaving,awesome! It’s a very good way to use up hand spun. I like to make fabric and then use for a sewing pattern. As for my Weekender sweater, I spun 15oz out of 20 during TDF. I’m continuing spinning the last 5oz for Tour De Fleece La Fem( the woman’s race).

[@heatherr9201]

Yes to gluten free donuts…. I am celiac too and that would be amazing!

[@rissareidel2119]

I can’t wait for fall any longer, I recently cranked up the AC and started some of my fall knitting because I’m done with the summer heat 😂

[@Soup.of.Mandrake]

This is not a criticism (so don’t come at me): I just want to acknowledge the fact that she was so hopped up on this episode and it was hilarious. ☕️ ☕️ ☕️

[@NicoleHenryRolls]

For the second batch of hand spun, could you use a contrasting color for all the rubbing to make it stretch for the sweater? I think the first batch of handspun might be nice in a shifty sweater.

[@knittwocultivatetwo2368]

My loom is harrisville and I love it! I bet that class was a dream! I find weaving to have a steep learning curve but once you get the basics it’s drops off.

[@sewmom17]

I am in Ohio and am wanting fall to get here. While I like the longer summer days I’m not a fan of the heat. Welcome to the world of weaving! I weave on a rigid heddle loom. I like making towels but the reason I got onto the loom was to we’ve cloth to sew clothes. I just started my spin for the Weekender. I wanted to finish another spin first. I have undyed fiber that I will dye as skeins before knitting.

[@klaskelangford8324]

1Love your new design; in my library; possible my next knit?

[@serenagodmaire5602]

Your sweater is beautiful! I agree that there should be a gluten free donut maker!! lol.

[@TheGingerNinjaJournals]

I live in Florida. What is this “fall” you speak of? 😂 Kidding aside, I adore your sweater. I’ve never knit color work before and I’ve been knitting for 15 years. 🫣 I’m so intimidated, but it’s a skill I want to learn so I can one day knit one of these beautiful designs. I love your podcast. I drink my coffee and knit will watching so it’s like knitting with a friend.

[@StitchesandPrayers]

Not spinning for my weekender, I'm on sleeve island, one down one to go.

[@EvieO1950]

No interest in weaving or spinning or dying. Too many hobbies (and all the stuff to go with them) already. I have Celiacs disease and gluten free doughnuts would be dangerous to my weight. JudyJust found your podcast and enjoying listening and learning. Summer here has been brutal and I’m anxious for fall - my favorite season.

[@susannevb3451]

I had the “I don’t have time for another hobby” moment with spinning 😵‍💫but here I am a Lendrum owner and completely addicted 😎

[@MandyRoeske]

I had that moment whenever I think about getting a sewing machine. My excuse is that I’m going back to school so I LITERALLY don’t have the time. But I’m saving money to buy one as a graduation gift to myself!

[@corteofs]

Yes please gluten free donuts at Rhinebeck I am Coelliac too. I will go for the first time

[@suegudmundson7103]

Love your you tube. Is there any thought of adding a hint about what each episode contains instead of “I’ll Knit if I want to!”

[@RKCALGARY]

I don’t believe you. I am a weaver. Self taught through JST online school of weaving and Kelly Casanova. You tasted the wine. Now it’s gonna be I will weave when I want to and knit if I have time. LOL. 😜

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

For the sweater with the two stretched lifeline rows, how about going over them as an accent row with embroidery. The sky’s the limit on embellishment.

[@jenniferhamilton1054]

Not knitting related but is that a new tattoo on your hand!? Also love the new sweater and can't wait to make my own.

[@nikkieknits7544]

I’m gonna spin and dyed yarn or dye the wool and then spin (I have not decided ) but I have my first wheel and I’m practicing trying to get a consistent fingering weight. I have knit the worsted version of the weekender and I love it. I am debating on doing a multi colour spin like you just showed or do a solid colour spin. What version do you think will hide inconsistent spinning better. Lol 😂

[@balancingbrom]

For the Lifeline question. Would duplicate stitching that whole row help? I'm not sure if the will make the rows even more different... hoping Andrea can chime in. Good luck❤️

[@kimlyne9700]

I’ve been wondering if you would try out weaving too, it’s addictive as well.

[@daniellepazz2821]

Did you mean tonight, JULY 29th?? 😉 your newest sweater design is gorgeous 💜💜💜

[@sosewnknits]

Had to do a double take haha! I was like “am I in the future??”

[@dreareneeknits]

Oh my! LOL I really am ready for fall!

[@EvieBear236]

Jessica McDonald also has a sweater pattern called Alpenglow. Much different sweater of course but the same name, so don’t be confused if you are searching for the pattern without the link.

[@acornknits]

What a coincidence, I took my first weaving class this week as well! I'm travelling in Lithuania and really wanted to try a local craft. I was lucky enough to take a tablet weaving lesson (so there was no loom involved) and it was so much fun! Your Rhinebeck sweater is stunning as always and those colour combinations look amazing together 😍

[@xiulinhu]

i wanna make the alpenglow sweater so bad and i have everything but the main color picked out 😫. would it be bad to make the sweater fingering wt instead of sport? 🤔

[@zabnol]

Hi Andrea, I just love your patterns! However I’ve been trying and trying and trying… to start your Cinnabar shawl with no success! I can’t get through the set up. I don’t know if the problem is with my yo or some other potential mistake. I’m at a loss! Can you help? Is there a tutorial of the shawl?

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi Elisabeth! All available tutorials are linked on page 3 of your pattern in the Notes section :)

[@paulaorsi5568]

Did you say expires Oct 29th 🙃 (pattern sale ?)

[@dreareneeknits]

LOL whoops! July 29. Apparently my dreams of fall are stronger than realized!

[@pamsavanovic3004]

I use dental floss as my lifeline

[@willowmallow]

Beautiful sweater design! [but the orange does not flatter your skintone]

[@robinstevenson5442]

Damn, just missed the deadline.

[@garyweybright3227]

The best “holding thread” for everything for my knitting journey is ………………….dental floss. ClaudiaSJI

[@gretawatson-pigg4600]

Thank you for the weekly podcast and your birthday sale!