I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 83

[@TheMetatronGirl]

PacaPeds is an alpaca based sock yarn with enough nylon to give it some elasticity and durability without changing that lovely softness, and Bernat makes some lovely acrylic sock yarns. Andrea, you are AMAZING!!! That was exactly what I needed to know. I’ll do a test knit to make sure my modifications will work for the sizing, then I’ll adapt the colorwork. It might not get done until this time next year, but I know where to start. I knew I’d eventually phrase my question correctly. I appreciate your answer so much! Love, light, and blessings to you and yours.

[@terrioxford2119]

Thank you as always, a lovely video. You should be VERY PROUD of your spin, absolutely gorgeous! I have no knowledge of spinning but you make it sound so lovely. I’m a bit behind in watching, trying to catch up. ❤

[@katereid4167]

It may be worth having a detailed chat with the person and working out whether they have a diagnosed wool allergy, or if it is more that they are sensitive to textures and find "traditional" wools to be too scratchy. I went through most of my life (up until I started knitting for myself) thinking I was allergic to wool because I grew up in the late 80s and early 90s with knitted items from that era. Turns out, I'm not actually allergic to wool - I'm just sensitive to scratchy textures, and a lot of the wool available at big-box stores is SO ITCHY. I have discovered I can wear Merino, BFL, and other softer wools with no issues. I've also recently been trialling myself with some alternative fibres like mohair, yak and possum. I find that I can wear my wool socks in summer, but my one pair of predominantly alpaca socks are FAR too warm. My younger sister is more sensitive than me, but she's been able to tolerate a merino wool scarf I made her with no issues. Things that people might be allergic to (other than just the texture) are the dyes, detergents, and lanolin. If you know which thing is causing issues, you can work out what the best way to deal with it is.

[@dianaantonacci6341]

I use wool for almost every knit. When I wash or block a wool garment I do the soaking thing. Then squeeze out the extra water. Then put the garment or garments in a lingerie bag or pillowcase and tie a knot so that the garment is not flopping around. Then I put it in the washer on “spin only”. I have never had a problem with felting and the drying time is significantly reduced. If I am using a wool that is new to me I will do that same thing with my swatch just to be extra sure. And thank you Andrea for the shout out to Barbara Walker and EZ EPS. Such great resources and two of my idols.

[@sarahw1421]

I find I generally cannot tolerate wool directly against my skin, even soft/smooth wools such as a fine superwash merino. The only store bough sweaters I can wear with short sleeves underneath are a merino silk blend and most of my hand knits I layer. If you could find a merino/silk yarn it could be good for socks with the silk giving it strength, although maybe a little pricey. As I said before, my work around for hand knitted socks is I layer with a thin pair of cotton socks underneath. I use to do this for hiking a lot as it means you don't need to wash your heavy wool socks as often, and have now adopted this for general winter wear. Helps that I get really cold feet so the layers keep me toes warm. You do need shoes big enough to accommodate the layers though.

[@theyarngoeson]

For wool free socks - I highly recommend the Premier Yarns Wool Free socks yarns. I knit up socks in this yarn for wearing in Spring/Summer (any warmer weather) these wear really well and keep their shape great plus have a nice feel to them where they don’t feel at all plastic-y or too cotton-y and do not cause “sweaty feet”.

[@Bexhalpin]

I have used bamboo yarn for socks & they have held up really really well. Bamboo is great at wicking and has anti-bacterial properties too (I believe).

[@ColoradoKai]

Bamboo Pop is a fun sock yarn. It's not very stretchy, but nice and soft and comfy. 😊

[@MyParamedicAfterLife]

I love the bamboo socks, too. But because it is pretty stretchy, I use a smaller needle and always allow for slightly more negative ease. My daughter has very sensitive skin and has no issues with wearing bamboo. 👍🏻 I do wear mine constantly and I wash and wear them as if they were wool. But, I did accidentally drop them in the laundry one day and hubster put them in the dryer and I was so happy to find that they were just fine.

[@jenrayeknits]

this was my immediate thought!!

[@lemenyh]

I second bamboo. One of my fave fibres. Could be great in a bamboo-cotton blend

[@brettnbecky]

I just love your fun personality. Your yarns are gorgeous, your woven towel is amazing. Have the best weekend at the festival.

[@plushy55]

Andrea, is there a pattern for this woven towel or you made it up? Wondering if you might be writing weaving patterns in the future!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much!

[@heathermacmillan3076]

I have messy ties on my handspun skeins too. For pretty photo purposes I poke them down into the skein or pull them to the back 😉

[@thekindles1183]

Love your sweatshirt, your yarn! Everything! Have so much fun today!!! All the best, Kimberly... oh the weaving!!! Gorgeous! That's on my list to learn.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Kimberly!

[@kerriechristie6391]

Lovely episode . I do like other both your answers and the responses of fellow viewers . I love the sweatshirt . I did ice dyeing with my niece and nephew who were visiting at the beginning of summer . It is great fun . You are right to be proud of the hand spun it is gorgeous . Looking forward to seeing what you eventually spin for the Weekender . Always plenty toes now and look forward to . Kerrie

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks so much Kerrie 😊

[@OriginalELQ]

as a diabetic I cannot often wear wool socks because they don't stretch enough when feet and ankle swell and it cuts off circulation. I prefer to use Cotton/Spandex yarn such as Cascade Fixation which has the stretch, good fit, and holds up to wear

[@jacquelinet9088]

I love that you wore your ice dyed sweatshirt in this episode! I just ordered a bunch of the cotton from today's shop update and I'm even more excited for it to arrive now! :) For non-wool sock yarns: if the individual is OK with cotton, HiKoo has a yarn called CoBaSi that it cotton/bamboo/silk. Normally these plant fibers wouldn't be the best for socks, but this yarn has about 20% elastic blended in to help give it some stretch/memory! Universal Yarn has something kind of similar called Bamboo Pop, but it has less elastic content. If you want purely synthetic, Premier Yarns has an acrylic blend sock yarn called Premier Fruits. It's got a bunch of cute fruit-themed colorways and is really affordable :)

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

Seriously, Andrea? You're weaving is amazing, absolutely gorgeous.😍 What can't you do? But with all your beautiful patterns(I have one column dedicated to them on instagram. lol) I can't keep up! This show makes me want to spin, sew and now weave. Good grief! Slow down, my friend! Love my Friday morning inspiration time with you. Thank you!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks so much!

[@blackstarninja6785]

For the tubular cast on question, another option is to provisional cast on and go back to it and work the collar and do a bind off you like or a tubular bind off! You can also then reposition the beginning of round to be in the back without having to rewrite the short rows.

[@joshey46032]

Always such thoughtful and informative guidance! Thank you! ❤️

[@dreareneeknits]

Glad it was helpful!

[@annicesevett5490]

I recommend CoBaSi for non wool socks. It’s a wonderful blend of fibers.

[@KarenTangeman42]

Another great book, Knitting in the Old Way by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts

[@PaigeTheFramer]

Manos Del Uruguay makes a sport weight alpaca cotton blend called Serena. You might look into that one as a good substitute. The blend of the two fibers is incredible! You could add some nylon or silk to the heels and toes for reinforcement. Good luck!

[@MarisaRose1]

Premier Cotton collage yarn for socks it is 46% cotton, 33% SW & 12% Polyamide is not completely free of wool of course, but sometimes just having the majority be from cotton can help. There's also a yarn called wool-like that's completely animal free.

[@maureendesmarais6955]

My favorite sock yarn is Fixation by Cascade Yarns. It's cotton with a little spandex. It is a DK so a bit thicker sock. Because of the spandex, very forgiving on sizing. I have also used bamboo which makes a beautiful yarn.

[@WendyAchatz]

Flew out with my husband from Michigan to check out this festival at Rhinebeck! Saw the big group on the hill taking photos. I had a great experience and I’m excited to learn to knit again ❤ thanks for being on YT!

[@dreareneeknits]

So cool! And hello fellow Michigander!

[@rebeccaknudsen6190]

Oh my goodness! Your weaving is so beautiful! Your yarn turned out so great too it's so gorgeous! I love it!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Rebecca!

[@nicolepalanzi9589]

Great video 😊loved your woven towel! I had a weaving loom and loved it. I sold it when. I moved and I am wishing I didn’t 😢. 🥰🌹

[@vivianhsu991]

Hi Andrea! Your towel looks fantastic...your in-laws will love it!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Vivian!

[@dianegiannini8968]

Bamboo Pop sock yarn and CoBaSi are both great for making non wool socks. So far, mine have held up well. Love your towels. Handwoven towels are the best. I still have some that I wove over 20 years ago. Just bought some cotton to weave towels for friends for Christmas. I am finishing up a warp of mug rugs using some of my handspun singles first. Also gifting some of those.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing Diane!

[@Simile95]

I like alpaca sock yarn from Lang yarns. I used it for a summer top, but it is 30% nylon and Maschine washable and super soft.

[@kristendroke5413]

I'm absolutely loving all of the socks I have made with Universal Bamboo Pop Sock yarn (Bamboo/cotton blend) super soft and delightful to work with and to wear. They have self striping and solid colors. I am working colors by themselves and also doing helix stripes. My husband is pretty happy with his 2 pairs, too 😀. I work them on US 1.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you for sharing!

[@sarahjanewheatley5472]

My mother was at boarding school in the UK in the late 1940s. The girls had 1 skirt (woolen), 1 jumper (woolen) , 2 blouses , socks and underwear for the entire 3 month term! She told me that they just sponged out any spills each night so they were dry for the next morning.

[@jilljarvis94]

Such a fun episode! Your weaving is so pretty! I need to set up my loom, maybe soon! Hope you have fun at Rhinebeck and meet so many creatives!!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Jill!

[@bonniemartin5430]

I second all those who said bamboo for socks! Yes! It’s soft and strong. I’ve used it many times!

[@silvamint]

I've used HiKoo CoBaSi as well as Universal Bamboo Pop to make more summery non-wool socks for myself, and both have worked out great.

[@marymitchell6733]

Added benefit of CoBaSi is that it wears like iron. My socks lasted a really long time, and it's easy to knit.

[@Stumpybear7640]

Hi Andrea, I love your and a's you are so generous with your experience in knitting. Re washing sweaters: I always wear a tshirt under my jumpers. If the jumper is lower in the neck, I have scoop necked T's for lower necked jumpers. I can then wash the cotton T and hang my jumper on a coat hanger to 'air' before it goes back into my wardrobe. Much love xxxx

[@karendavis7278]

My hands break out in a rash from wool but I can use superwash sock yarns. Superwash removes the lanolin which is what causes my hands to react.

[@daniellejohnson3364]

Oh your sweatshirt is divine!! Your spun yarn ALMOST makes me want to try spinning.. but thinking of all of the stash I already have makes me apprehensive to learn a new craft. So great to see you (and Spicy Pete) at Rhinebeck! ❤😊

[@dreareneeknits]

You can do it!

[@VivianneLaBanane]

I made socks with Alpaca Soxx from Lang Yarns, it is so soft!

[@DonLemont]

Recently I have found the premiere fruits it is a 97% acrylic and 3% Nylon I use this for a very wool untolerant friend's socks and it feels good in my hands it's very soft and the pairs I have made for her before seem to be wearing well just another option.

[@kellyrathmann7502]

Absolutely love you sweatshirt! I’ve never considered sewing a sweatshirt before (always wondered about the neck and cuffs and how to do that and where to get the supplies), but yours is so inspiring!

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Kelly, and you can do it!

[@jgreen1817]

Cotton sock yarn with elastic is great. It helps to simulate the natural stretch of wool and easier on your hands to knit. Regular cotton or bamboo would stretch out.

[@gailbaldwin9249]

I’ve used both bamboo and acrylic yarn for socks and each came out fine and were long wearing.

[@trinakurek3951]

Universal Yarn makes Bamboo Pop Sock. It is a combo of bamboo, cotton and PBT (?). I have made a pair of shorties out of it. I really enjoy them. The yarn is super soft.

[@bobbiallison1117]

There are some really nice acrylic sock yarns on the market these days. I really enjoy these sessions!

[@joycepastore3860]

Thank you for all of the show and tell. I love seeing your creations. I passed on Rhinebeck this year and I’m going to VKLNYC in Feb. I bought the big package that includes the gala so I decided I would only go to New York. Hope to be at Rhinebeck next year. Perhaps I’ll see you in NYC? 😊

[@ritam.4071]

I just discovered your podcast! Love it! Thanks for taking the time to make such thoughtful episodes. How do we submit a question?

[@cathyamos2269]

Love your woven towel - such a wonderful gift to your in-laws. Also love your three skeins of yarn you spun. I know whatever you knit up will be great - (would there be enough for a vest?)

[@dreareneeknits]

Oh thank you Cathy!

[@TessLinnKnit]

IGot my hand on Alpacca yarn with high twist. It's so hardwearing that I can't break it, I have to cut it. Ine thread of alpacca and one silk/mohair. Fantastic🤗

[@niknaiman5359]

Your blocking sound effects are next level. Lol.

[@netty062]

My very first socks were cotton and I still have them (7years) and the only difference between them and my normal wool socks is that they need to be washed about every time I wear them rather than every 4th time because they stretch out, and they never get holes!!! They are a Regia cotton blend.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Wow ! Your spun yarn is absolutely gorgeous !

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you so much Nicole!

[@drippydots]

I've got a great non-wool sock yarn recommendation: Katia Alpaquina. It's 75% alpaca and 25% nylon. I find them so soft and lovely but they have the durability and elasticity of nylon and are machine washable. Highly recommend!

[@elizabethbradley7794]

mohair blend for durability in socks!

[@lylianmae]

I just knit socks out of Plymouth Moon Shadow yarn. It is Alpaca Cotton and I reinforced the heels and toes.

[@arlenestein8020]

Regarding that second winding of a yarn cake, I find that yarn vomit is greatly reduced.

[@marthaellensmith7913]

Sock yarn -- Berroco Comfort sock (Nylon and acrylic) has worked well for me, bamboo Sock yarns are a good alternative and Universal yarns makes an acrylic and polyamide sock yarn that is ok. All of which being said, wool works best, but my husband and DIL can't wear wool.

[@janloughran1503]

Thank you for the link to the sweater dryer! I don't own blocking mats or pins as I don't like the idea of sticking pins in my newly hand knit fabric! I live in UK though so have sourced one, shipping from US is more than the item cost! Now I just need to finish my Weekender Light so I can justify buying the "pringle" 😆 I always learn something on a Friday morning. Have fun at Rhineback 😁

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Jan!

[@eleanork3692]

Love your weaving project!❤

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Eleanor!

[@deejcarter2003]

Thanks so much for all the information you dispense 🥰. I’m a spinner who knits and I just love when you share your spinning and what you may knit with that hand spun. Also Dreamingrobot( electric eel maker)has a yarn counter you might like for your handspun.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Dionne!

[@audreyfleming3344]

I enjoy the knitting and spinning information you share each week. With regards to gluten-free dairy-free pumpkin bars, try out Danielle Walker's pumpkin spice sheet cake. I use a DF cream cheese to make the frosting and it turns out pretty good.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you for the tip Audrey!

[@walkerkids5]

Bamboo sock pop by universal is lovely as an alternative for socks.

[@rosita3671]

Your vlog just found me.👏👏 I’m so enjoying all you are sharing. Your shawl is outstanding the color, everything about it. In reading the transcript, to confirm, on line 9:49+ you mention the “giant mesh Pringle from Cocoknits” . I cannot find the item anywhere I’ve looked on their website… perhaps it’s called something else. They do have a ‘special drying towel’ which isn’t what you recommend, nor I want. Can you help? Please…also as far as the pattern for the pullover I went to Etsy and of course, was sent down Alice In wonderland’s rabbit 🐰 hole… can you please mention which pattern # and maker you used for your super pullover? Thank you in advance.

[@beckyshook3526]

I am curious what loom did you decide to get would love to see it great job on your first project I find weaving so soothing

[@CrazyAuntVal]

Superwash wool is 'superwssh' because the fibres are coated with a polymer or/& resin. Since the fibre is basically shrink-wrapped with the coating, *the wool never comes in contact with the wearer's skin.* I have never had a customer or student (who has a wool allergy) who has had a reaction to superwash wool. On the 'washing vs "dry" cleaning' question, the petroleum-based caustic chemical swill that is dry cleaning fluid guarantees that your knits' lifespan will be reduced by 50-75%; and while it doesn't guarantee the user &/or wearer a variety of cancers, it is a known carcinogen - and really, who wants to wear knits soaked in flammable liquids? Also, as the name indicates, it is *fluid* so it may be called "dry cleaning," but as we all know, fluid is *not dry* so it defeats the point if the goal is to not have a wet garment to deal with.

[@mandabaker6721]

Loops & Threads Woollike could work well for wool free socks. It's fingering weight and its 85% acrylic and 15% nylon

[@wendym9021]

I work at my LYS and we sell a sock yarn called Alpaca Soxx. I haven’t used it myself but it does exist.

[@margaretgerth1067]

For the person who wanted to increase the size of the yoke on a circular yoke sweater - would another option be to start out with a larger size, then decrease stitches down to the required size when you split for the sleeves? Just a thought, but Andrea has a lot more experience than I do!

[@saraeclipse]

My husband is allergic to wool and I use a cotton/bamboo blend yarn for him and he loves them!

[@lightbringerrituals3288]

Your yarn is so GORGEOUS!!! I can't wait to see what it turns into =]

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks so much!

[@chasingthelook]

Really enjoyed the show & tell!

[@dreareneeknits]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hitzchicky]

For the first question - I haven't made socks out of it, but if you are in the US, Michael's has their Loops & Threads brand which has a line called "Woollike". It's 85% acrylic and 15% nylon. It's so fantastically soft. It comes in some beautiful colors and I would highly recommend.

[@joanmachado9063]

Great video thank you

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks Joan!

[@swoods7455]

Cascade yarns fixation is nice for stretchy socks and no wool.

[@knittingghost]

Omg if you ever get your recipe tweaked how like, I would love to see it in your newsletter. I'm also gluten free, dairy free, and grain free! (Yay for autoimmune disorders). I restrict sugar, too, but allow it on holidays. I'm looking for a recipe to make for Thanksgiving, and this sounds so good. Thanks for another fun episode!

[@verylikecheryl]

Ditto. Would love to see the recipe, too. I can’t tolerate refined sugar but am fine with maple syrup as a sub or honey (though some honeys have glucose syrup added. and I can’t eat those.)

[@knittingghost]

@@verylikecheryl I'm in the same boat as you. At the very least, we know we're not the only ones. ☺️

[@TheKnittedBean]

alpaca soxx might be an a good option, it is 70% Easywash Superfine Alpaca, 30% Nylon and machine washable as a bonus, though I never do! IT also comes in a ton of colors

[@hastenbeck1]

Bamboo cotton mix makes great socks. It's slightly less stretchy than wool knit socks so be careful how you cast on.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for the tip!

[@joannekellam191]

I have used the at-home dry cleaning methods on store-bought clothes, and I would NOT recommend for hand knits. Those kits require you to pretreat any spots with a solution that came in the kit and then put a sheet of similar size to a dryer sheet in a heavy duty bag along with the hand-knit piece and then put the bag in a hot or warm dryer. I would be afraid that the heat and the tumbling action would be really hard on a hand knit piece, and possibly even felt it a bit.

[@dreareneeknits]

Thanks for sharing Joanne!

[@terriluff]

My mother is incredibly sensitive to all animal fibre. She can only wear cotton, or linen. They are a nightmare for me to knit with! I make wool slippers so she can wear store bought cotton socks inside them. Hope that's an idea you can try. :)

[@dreareneeknits]

Nice idea!

[@siobhancrowe9832]

Hi all. Just a comment on Elizabeth Zimmermans methods using her math formulas. I have used her method a few times in the past. The issue I ran into knitting for my brother who was a BIG/TALL man is that her math is for a person that is for an average width for height. I as I started decreasing for neck/shoulder yolk the length: width was for a person about 12feet tall. I had to rip it back and do the neck decreases much faster to make it a good fit for him. Her patterns are all math which was very fun to do except for her proportions dont work perfectly for plus folks.

[@brandykai1]

Perfect Pair Yarn by Loops & Threads® At Michaels or Joanns My mom can’t tolerate any animal fiber. This is an acrylic/nylon I actually enjoy knitting with. Very stretchy with great bounce back.

[@simonebourque1061]

Your woven towels are amazing! How are you so good at so many things!?

[@dreareneeknits]

Thank you Simone!

[@pattyosborne6751]

Wool makes me itchy but not superwash so I knit my socks out of superwash fingering/nylon blends

[@heatherkather653]

Hi Andrea! Do you have a recipe you can share for the Pumpkin Bars you made? I’m also on a Gluten free, dairy free, soy free and yeast free diet. I’m supposed to avoid sugar but everyone needs a treat now and then! 😊 I always look forward to your podcast.

[@fibrewolf]

I would think nettle yarn could work for socks?

[@marilynlitka-klein24]

Many patterns say to “join in the round” but don’t offer any clear directions. What do you use?

[@jennifermckenzie2968]

For the non-wool sock questioner: I have knit a few pair of socks using a fingering weight yarn that was 70% acrylic 23% bamboo and 7% polyester for my mom who was also allergic to wool. She only had the chance to wear one pair of them before she passed but she wore them multiple times and they still looked new. The yarn I used is discontinued which is why I didn't list it. I personally would not use 100% cotton or alpaca for socks.

[@janieberks3201]

I have used bamboo and coton

[@bonniewright1137]

Yoga Mats work great for blocking

[@DeborahBrown55]

Just hang your knits outside in the Cold air to refresh.

[@crazyelfdesign]

Hello from Croatia :)

[@dreareneeknits]

Hello there!

[@sannevanbeers]

Hey I know this is off topic, but would you be interesting in doing a tattoo tour? 😊 I would love to see yours I think they look so cool :) don’t feel obligated or anything just if you would want to do something like that ;)

[@craftymystic4868]

There are many options for non wool yarn. There is cotton, hemp, linen, silk, and acrylic fingering weight yarns available either through Etsy, or at any big box Michaels or JoAnns has non wool lightweight wool. Good luck, it’s not hard to find at all.

[@sharmanklinefelter508]

the word from the 60s is ty dye

[@estherdigianvittorio5279]

Hi Andrea I have a question/problem for you: I am a left handed person that knits right handed. My stitches go from right to left . My problem is I can’t master Kitchener or tubular bind offs because I don’t have the dexterity to sew with my right hand. If I knit left handed left to right this wouldn’t be an issue. I’ve looked everywhere on KZbin but can’t find a solution I want my knits to have a polished finish. Love your patterns and podcast. Please help!

[@kristendroke5413]

Have you tried turning the work so you can bind off left to right?

[@estherdigianvittorio5279]

Oh never thought of that. I’ll try it thanks!

[@nicolepalanzi9589]

Great video 😊loved your woven towel! I had a weaving loom and loved it. I sold it when. I moved and I am wishing I didn’t 😢. 🥰🌹