I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 80

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 a hard time accurately measuring length while knitting. I feel like it’s easy to mismeasure. (Is that a word?) I was told to try counting rows based on my swatch. My question is if I’m using the rows/inch based on a blocked swatch do I use the same rows on the unblocked garment? For example, if my blocked swatch is 5 rows per inch and I need to knit 5 inches. I would just count 25 rows? Even though the measurement might not be the same since the garment is unblocked? Thanks for all your help! 😊
2. Hi, Andrea! I’m looking to branch out of knitting stockinette sweaters and try something with texture! How do you go about counting stitches in your gauge swatch when it’s not just “V”s and “bumps”? Thank you so much!
3. Just getting ready to start on my Alpenglow (hurrah!) and am curious... what is the construction reason / thought process behind picking up the neckband and knitting it at the end instead of casting on the ribbed neckband and either sewing it down at the end or knitting it down with the first row of yoke stitches? I haven't used this method before and was curious:)
4. I’m just about to start the Mackworth sweater but wondered if I could make the neck snugger - more crew neck than boat neck - how would I do that? Love your designs and love watching the vlog/podcast/show/whatever xx
5. I am curious about combo spinning. I love love love your Attune Shawl and when you have talked about it before you mentioned you did a combo spin. Can you please talk about your process for combo spinning? Do you combine different braids of fibers/colors on one bobbin? Do you ply different singles from different braids? I've been spinning for awhile, but this is a new concept to me and am trying to break out of my comfort zone which is sticking to working with a single braid at a time. Also, when spinning braids, do you fractal spin them or break them up in different ways? I love how you have combined your handspun and am wanting to try it myself. Thanks!
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[@sarahtrede-kritikakis8560]

Wow, love that idea with counting the repeats ❤ I had often problems to count stitches in swatches, especially when it’s a cabled pattern and that tip is just so helpful - thank you 😊

[@thekindles1183]

Love your little pollinated friends joining, haha! Thank you for the time! I can't wait to see more of the loom. Obsessed with the bag you created at your class, and I adore your outfit today! All the best, Kimberly

[@debbief7276]

I tried a combo spin project with fiber I had dyed. Started with 2 similar braids First, I spun then randomly taking one ply from one braid and one from the other. This was my summer in Finland project. The braids were compacted so I used my handcards to open them up. I can't seem to just leave something alone so I started blending colors. What is so amazing is they all worked!

[@robinphyfe5047]

I am currently modifying your Stripes pattern with GSR and it is working fabulously! I found a video of both the knit and purl side helped. Love love your weekly videosI I find they are very timely and super helpful.

[@susiewillis7376]

I love your podcast. You are so animate about the topics. I hope to take a class with you one day. I especially love hearing about your spinning and knitting but can see the loom as a great hobby as well.

[@dreareneeknits]

I hope so too!

[@beckyshook3526]

Looking forward to seeing the loom

[@TheMetatronGirl]

I use a needle, or a pen…or something pointy while counting rows, too! Is Jillian Moreno the ultimate spinning guru, or what? 😂 Yarnitecture was the BEST purchase. My first usable yarn (my third skein) was a combination BFL & Corriedale marled yarn that made 3 beanies, one each for my son, my brother, and my nephew… all thanks to Yarnitecture. I’m currently spinning the yarn for Stephen West’s MKAL, Twists & Turns. I’m halfway done with the singles for the 5th skein! Then I’ll be working on the yarns for a Shawlography, also Stephen West, out of my handspun. THEN, or probably in conjunction with the shawl, I want to cast on an Alpenglow for my hubby! I have a lot of knitting and spinning to do. 🥰😁🥰😁🥰

[@onesweetlife2469]

Yay for German short rows! And I’m currently working on your LYS in yellow brick road cashmerino and mohair held together! Such a beautiful knit! I’m not much of a crocheter but I DID master your crochet bobble!!! Almost ready to attach the sleeves…❤😊❤

[@sunnyw4148]

Always a fun listen. Thanks

[@kimb3rGee]

definitely relate to putting the loome together! When i first purchased my Ashford Kiwi i wanted the unfinished one to be able to make it my own style. Being able to sand and stain and paint and oil ‘her’ truly was a fun time, and i still love her to this day, in fact i’ve been looking into upgrading the super flyer and it’s nice being confident that i can do it all myself! Currently gathering yarns to start an AlpenGlow (plume is *chef’s kiss* amazing) and furiously knitting thru last years Stephen West mystery shawl so i can hopefully start THIS years shawl on time and keep up. and yes i say that every year, and no i never keep up, but maybe someday😂. Have a great weekend

[@Gail_Blanton]

Thank you so much for the book recommendation. Ive already ordered it😊. My weekend will be spent staying out of the heat. The first few weeks of fall are typically met with a heat wave in inland Southern California. I have several knitting wips that I’d like to make some progress on… so i can start new things 😂 I start a spinning class next month and am very excited. I’ve watched so many videos but just can’t seem to get it. Your attune shawl inspired me to get my inherited antique spinning wheel working. It’s ready and seems to be functioning well enough. I have the HHF club fibers waiting 😂😂😂

[@margiefarley6540]

Thank you so much. Have a GREAT weekend.

[@teripersing]

I have a Sockhead Slouch on my needles for my brother, who insists a plain,dark hat is the only one for him. Yesterday I applied to register for a knitting retreat next April. Today I will cut out and sew some underwear- maybe in red and white stripes!

[@kerriechristie6391]

great episode as always . I am spinning for next project . Went to a local croft which was great slow living and less carbon footprint ..... however steep learning curve with fibre prep .... hoping to get fibre for your next spin to knit . My daughter has just claimed my weekender for her Christmas eve birthday ... so no photos ahhh well there is always your next project. Kerrie

[@crocheh]

Ooh the sweater is beautiful!

[@annparsons6238]

I’m knitting the Spark cardigan for autumn 🍂 unfortunately I think my swatches lied ! as I’m knitting the sleeves again as they were too snug 😩but it’s totally worth it as it’s such a beautiful garment . Love your designs.

[@pamwhite768]

Love watching and love your patterns and tips! Yay! For the loom. FYI, for you and anyone into fiber, I just finished Victoria Finlay’s book “Fabric: The Hidden History of the Material World” it was fascinating and I think anyone would love it. Thanks

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Thanks for one more great information podcast. I believe the row gauge can also vary depending on the type of fiber we use, and the weight of that fiber. my first sweater was made out of 100% Alpaca, it turned into a dress after a while and I had to shorten the sleeves more than once 😉 I am quite sad to say I sholud now be at PEI Fiber Fest, but FIONA interfered with these plans, and the festival was cancelled. I suppose it could help if we could all send great thoughts to the people affected by the hurricane, and also think of buying from the vendors who prepared such lovely products and are now stuck with them ...

[@pamwhite768]

I have been thinking about those on the island, I am set for a cruise with a stop on PEI that I’m guessing may not happen next week. More importantly I hope the people and animals are safe.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

@@pamwhite768 I sure hope the people and animals are safe too. Many places are still out of power, but it is not so cold at this time of the year.

[@LS-ww8ux]

Good morning ..... just new to your channel and have purchased a couple patterns already. Luv your stuff. I am working on The Shift cowl in 3 colours as suggested by your pattern. I'm not an intuitional knitter and find i have to have my tongue hanging out and legs crossed to make things work lol.. Your instructions are great BUT i need to know how to pickup a dropped stitch.......... do you have any tutorials? I get too confused with the different stitches in a row. HELP ME ! lol

[@myrnadean2344]

If I'm worried about a neckline stretching out, I like to handsew some elastic lingerie lace or velvet ribbon on the inside of the neckline, depending on how much stretch (or not) I want.

[@Butterflyjonesful]

I have really enjoyed the question / answer segment. Also I must get that book. Hoping I find it at Rhinebeck. Will you be there ? Thank you for a fantastic video

[@verdelin2031]

Q: When do you wave your ends? after or before blocking? I use to do before, now I am wonder...

[@amandacrane8560]

Hello! I love your podcast. I watch it every week. I have a question that I have never asked anyone before. When knitting a sweater pattern and it isn't clear which side is the front or the back how do you know? This feels like a silly question but many sweaters I have knit I honestly cannot tell which side is the front or the back. I'm currently knitting the Birch pullover and I am not sure. I can think of 4 sweaters in my handmade wardrobe that this applies to. Is that just because it really doesn't matter? I always find myself trying to decipher when I put one on then I'm like oh well I can't tell anyway!Thanks so much! -Amanda

[@amberthomas2808]

Does the yardage in patterns account for the gauge swatch?

[@o0mgn]

Mismeasure is definitely a word so the red line doesn’t make sense… it’s in my dictionary as a word, anyway 😕

[@tinatimmins666]

Ohhhh what loom did you get?!

[@nicolebouille4441]

I am beginning your Sprite sweater and I ask if I can do german short row à la place de l’autre méthode Excuse my english I am from Montréal Québec thank you

[@dreareneeknits]

You totally can! There are lots of videos on KZbin for how to swap them if you need help :)

[@jaffra131]

mismeasure ˌmis-ˈme-zhər VERB mismeasured; mismeasuring to measure (something) badly or incorrectly : to make a mistake in measuring. From Merriam-Webster

[@margreffle]

Short rows - it's not even about resolving being easier, I never had a nice looking finished product with w&t.

[@danielepoirier7237]

Hi did not receive your email,😢 yes I did subscribe