I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 92

Featuring Special Guest Meaghan Schmaltz!
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. My mother-in-law and I are both knitters and we are having a friendly debate. I was hoping maybe you could help us settle this 😂 When making a garment, should you pick your size and then add your positive ease wanted and knit that size? Or is the positive ease built in? For example, if I have a 32” bust and sweater has indented positive ease of 6”, should I knit the size 32” or the size 38”?
Thanks as always for your insight! I love watching your videos and always learn something!
2. I would like to get into knitwear designing, however, I am a tight knitter. I usually need to go up one or two needles for most patterns to get gauge. Any suggestions on how best to express this in my pattern? Do I list the needle I use or the needle most people would use to create gauge?
3. I love, love, love your Everyday Sock pattern because it fits everyone so well. I want to make some shorty socks for gifts with this pattern. Do you have any tips for how to do that? What do I do after the heel is finished and I just have the leg left to complete.
4. Do you have a favourite sock style, toe, heel?
5. Do you have any knitting or designing or stash goals for 2023? Or maybe spinning or other craft goals?
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
I am wearing The Weekender:
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/t...
And a handspun Harlow hat!
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/h...
Meaghan is wearing the Attune Shawl:
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

[@marniebush1384]

So great to see my favorite knit wear designer and my friend Meaghan together. Meaghan and I go back to a knitting group we were both in and she is an amazing knitter, designer, tech editor, friend and lovely human. What a pleasure and great way to spend my Saturday morning.

[@TheMetatronGirl]

This was so delightful! You have such obvious love and respect for each other…it’s wonderful to see. I’d dearly love to be able to sit and knit with a group of people like yourselves! Thanks for all you both do to bring us Andrea’s awesome patterns. Be well, friends, and love, light, and blessings to you and yours.

[@ddsmyth]

Loved this episode! You two are great together and so informative. Meaghan if you ever have your own podcast, it would be amazing.

[@Blaize24]

Meaghan you are a font of information. I'm with you - socks are my favorite and the whole reason I started knitting again several years ago, and top down, flap and gusset is the way. Andrea, that swatch is uh-mazing! It's so beautiful and I'm happy you were able to design the exact yarn you want to work with. I can't wait to see the sweater progressing.

[@cindyweldon5647]

Delightful! Thank you Meaghan for joining!

[@margreffle]

So ice to meet you Meaghan. You mentioned Kitchenering your toes. Have you tried the Finchley Method? It was a game changer for me. Easier to remember, and no doggy ears on my toes. Now I always feel sad when I'm wearing older socks and I see the doggy ears. Andrea, for swatching, I add purl bumps in the first row for the needle size. Not as awkward as the eyelets.

[@everystitchaprayer6268]

OMG, Meaghan! Sending tons of love and appreciation! Thank you for all you do!

[@lisaschweitzer7767]

Wonderful as always. FWIW, I was taught that a “turtle” is what you get with a Turkish spindle and a “cop” is what you get with top whorls, bottom whorls, etc. Spindle spinning is easy once you get the hang of it, like everything, just don’t start with a dealgen. Let that one wait.

[@monte4321]

OMG, this video has brought me so much happiness. Thank you so, so much, Andrea and Meaghan, for sharing your expertise, your thoughts, and your general awesomeness! Love you! Mean it!

[@sharonkennedy8612]

So nice to see both of you lovely ladies. Putting a face to the name is great. Love the swatch, excited to see this weekender knit up.

[@karenwhite2601]

Such a lovely episode to listen to and watch. Your friendship is wonderful to see, you're both so natural with each other.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

Happy kitting and happy teaching !

[@irbelligerent]

As you mention the snow that Andrea brought to this podcast, it's currently snowing outside where I am as I'm watching this!

[@mikedianestephens8010]

It was great to meet Meaghan, she has helped me through my "Cinnabar struggles!" Thanks Meg! Thanks Andrea for the swatch "needle size" tip. I have been doing eyelets and find It a pain, then I did purl bumps but not liking that either. Knots it is!

[@saragoose]

I love when patterns have finished garment size rather than intended to fit because then I can decide based on multiple measurements. For example, I can pick a size that has 1-2" of ease on my hips and then also confirm that it won't have ridiculous ease elsewhere. And yes, what Meaghan says, to compare to an existing garment that I like the fit of! Also when you live alone, measuring a garment is easier than measuring myself haha

[@seasonseasthk]

Loved meeting Meg. Clearly a fount of knowledge. Andrea, that weekender swatch made me melt and then swoon and then wow! You achieved something incredible there!! 😊🎉

[@jhuntsman17]

What a fun I’ll knit of i want to episode. So fun to see Megs face. I bet you two have so much fun together. Loved hearing both of your thoughts on the questions. Have a great weekend

[@ericasimpson7740]

This episode was great! The Portland Edition of I’ll Knit if I Want to!! Haha.

[@charrissereynolds1509]

You guys are way too cute together...what a wonderful team! Andrea I love seeing your 'side' for fun knitting (socks)...and you made me oh so happy that your thinking about designing w/ handspun. Yay!

[@juliesellars969]

Lovely to see Meaghan and see the interaction between the two of you. I am totally looking forward to more spinning designs - I started spinning at the start of the pandemic, so would love to see handspun projects. And, totally toe-up. Every time. 😃

[@yessysdesigns]

Enjoyed this episode very much. So nice to meet Meghan and a little more about the work she does behind the scenes.

[@SonyaDintaman]

Meg is delightful!

[@myrsinisanimals9971]

In the beginning because the walls behind you change colour I thought you were on a video call 😂😂

[@6_Cherubs]

What a wonderful addition Meaghan was to today's podcast!! It is clear what a special work connection you have that flows into a friendship. Great job, ladies!! 🤗

[@cherylhavelaar6487]

Good to see Meghan! She is super helpful!

[@robinphyfe5047]

I love the heel flap but had to modify it with my own magic size number!!

[@knittingghost]

It was fantastic hearing Meaghan's perspective and thoughts on things. Thank you for joining, Meaghan! And thank you for inviting her, Andrea!

[@jessicaolney4900]

What a fun episode! It was great to see Meaghan and to enjoy your interactions with each other. Interesting about the sock preferences, also. Safe travels and happy crafting! (P.S. send some snow to Florida please!)

[@tyanneagle4630]

Great episode. I liked hearing Meaghan’s perspective. I am with her on the top down socks. I was all ready to start the drk everyday socks until I saw they were toe up. Maybe learning toe up will be my January goal. I knit socks with dpns and that cast on seemed tricky

[@CassieDA17]

I love the fleegle heel, it’s my favorite except I don’t like it for contrast color heels. Love hearing Meaghan’s input on the questions.

[@TiredKnitter]

Thanks Meaghan! This was great! And thanks to our lovely regular host who is also a delight.

[@normawoodburn9430]

Loved this episode!! I always have socks on my needles.

[@hellosunshine71]

Meaghan has always been an enormous help for me when I have questions! Thank you. :) So nice to put a face to the name. I love your handspun yarn for the Weekender. It's beautiful!

[@KateMH_]

Meaghan is a delight please bring her back in future eps

[@daniellejohnson3364]

Thanks for having Meaghan on the episode! So informative ❤

[@bryndiscurtin6481]

I like cuff down better as well. When I do up toe up, my bind off is always too tight.

[@amivice5499]

Such a fun episode! So great to "meet" Meg and hear about both of your thoughts on design. Love your weekender swatch! 😍

[@lgassin]

So fun to see Meaghan!! Appreciate all she does!

[@simonebourque1061]

Awesome video, I can tell you two love this crazy knitting, designing, yarny thing you do. I love to spin so much too, it fills me with joy. Lovely to hear about the cool designing process. X

[@kgouthroeater]

Watched while struggling through my first-ever toe-up (tuku Honey). They're going to get finished, and they're going to be beautiful! Thank you for all you have done for the knitting community!

[@jandkcon]

Love both points of view and the Oregon map behind you guys ❤ so much intelligence in one package!🧶🙏🏻

[@lynnlanglois8867]

What an amazing episode. You two have great chemistry. It was so informative and enjoyable. I see future episodes hopefully???

[@bicyclist1693]

Meghan, with all the letters, thank you for joining Andrea and all of your great work. Fabulous knitwear all around. Winter means more down time for knitting and winter has started in Southern Wisconsin. Happy Holidays!

[@melcgermo]

Loved your chat together! Andrea - one sock might be wearing out faster than the other due to leg length! My mom has this happen with her shoes since one of her legs is just slightly longer than the other, and the longer one wears out soles faster. I hope your medical leave goes well & thank you for these videos ❤

[@virginiauberti7701]

Thank you so much for answering my question about the socks!!! It was so fun listening to your reasoning and now I can get on with my gift knitting!

[@rhondacutler6712]

An incredibly informative episode. Thank you, Meaghan and Andrea!

[@alialldredge9688]

Loved listening to you two talk shop! More please!

[@lorrie6736]

Yay for designing with hand spun yarn! I’m a spinner and would love that! You were talking about spindles and I love them ! In addition to wheels they are portable and I find them so relaxing also. I think you should give it a try! ❤

[@nicolegibb1655]

Thank you very much for the episode! You two together have such a good dynamic. Loved your opinions Meaghan! Greetings from germany, Nicole

[@donnac368]

Loved the banter, especially the "no holds barred" sock talk. That hat is amazing!!! I was going to ask where you got the yarn but...

[@knitstory]

I just loved this episode! Meaghan, it was so interesting hearing your thoughts and your Attune is beautiful! Andrea, I love when we get peeks of your hand spun was excited to hear you want to include more in your patterns!

[@mjmartin8029]

Great interview and loved the conversation and information sharing between you two.Thanks so much.

[@cvellacav9991]

Read your newsletter of 12/13/2022. Wishing you well. Hoping for a relaxing rejuvenation for you. Love your Patterns and your channel!! Have a wonderful Holiday and a Happy New Year.

[@rosaliecovello441]

Loved the episode. Have a few questions - you seem to always have these beautiful color combinations in roving for your spinning. I never hear of any issues with the wool itself, but I have had such trouble with dyed roving that is felted before I even touch it. So it’s not fun buying rovfing that’s totally less than the quality of fiber I want to be spinning with. Can you share a few companies you value that are not superwsh roving? Most appreciated. Thanks Rosalie. Take care of yourself, will miss you!

[@dinah5662]

Megan, I'd love to find your magic sock numbers.... I really appreciated listening in on your diagnostic thinking about your sock results. Andrea, I just finished your EveryDay sweater and I'm very happy with it, the EveryDay socks are on my needles, and I'm planning the Weekender next. Love the value you bring to the fiber world!!

[@jennifercook6863]

Loved this episode so much! Loved getting to know Meaghan and seeing you both collab together. So fun.

[@dianachristie5700]

I am a pear shape so I usually knit to fit my hips;) so generally I stick to less positive ease so a drop sholder sits at my hips. But for a more fitted I knit to fit the hip. When I say hip, it's usually the top if my hip, below my belt

[@debbief7276]

Thank you for the introduction to the world of tech editing! I would love to be one, but I don't know how. It's not like looking for job listings. I would add that finished sizes should be included in the pattern description, too. I don't want to spend $$ only to find out that the item won't fit.

[@stephanietorres1256]

Great to meet Meaghan!

[@deejcarter2003]

Spinning is AWESOME and you can make such unique yarn🥰 I’m excited to see more patterns using your hand spun.

[@lisethomas8495]

Have a Merry Christmas and a terrific new year Andrea to you and your beautiful family! Take care!

[@thekindles1183]

Thank you! That bust sizing always confuses me, and I think that helped! I appreciate the time gals! Stay well! - kimberly

[@nancysteiner8814]

Loved this! 💕

[@Katepwe]

I’ve knit the DRK socks as shorties with a 3/4” rib right after the heel. I have small ankles and calves and find them loose at the top - about 1 1/2” actually. The top ribbing is a contrast colour and a wool/acrylic blend so maybe that contributes to the looseness or maybe I need to do a few decreases over a couple of rows before the ribbing…..I’m not sure.

[@dieboervroumariette]

Loved it so much!

[@happycrabknits9109]

Love this episode!!!!

[@ginnerlucreates1884]

Thanks for having Meaghan on. It’s nice to have another persons perspective from their experiences. That said, I love your DRK everyday sock pattern. I have been knitting socks for a year and trying to find the pattern that fits best (due to my weird feet, ankles, calves) has been quite the journey. Because I have a narrow heel, basically no ankles & large muscular calves I use 2-3 sizes of needles to knit my socks & go up 2 sizes more on the bind off if knitting a leg that’s higher than 3.5” after the heel turn. Perhaps this information can help others with similar feet, ankles, calves 😊

[@brighteststitcher6007]

What a fun episode!

[@ivylking]

Fun episode!

[@cece_tee]

This was so fun! ♥️ My first sock is always looser 😂 weird!

[@rosaliecovello441]

I like to knit 2 socks at a time which keeps every sock exactly the same!

[@zoedoodle9824]

Totally off topic but just curious why there is an Oregon map on the wall. I'm an Oregonian and am pretty sure that you live in Maine. PS Love your Friday answer sessions. I learn so much.

[@prairie8356]

You’re going to turn me into a spinner yet, lol. I already have a wheel I bought as a kid I just need to clean up.

[@annettechaney2594]

"One abrasive heel" LOL

[@annahutchens5446]

Just read your email concerning your health. Please, please do what you need to do to get yours of healthy and back on track. Have no fears because we will be waiting right here for your return: Take care, Your sister in knitting

[@lindawatt1791]

I made a sweater once that recommended using the upper chest measurement when considering what size to make. Another designer also recommends using the upper chest measurement for a better fit in the shoulders and around the bust so the sweater is less likely to be baggy in thoses areas. I wonder why more designers do not provide this measurement for determining what size sweater to make. What do you think? Thank you for your thoughts and your wonderful podcast!!

[@mst7574]

I also love the heelflap gusset and find they fit the best. But can that be done from toe?

[@bethanyharper5760]

Is that a map of Oregon behind you? We lived in Medford, OR for five years and just moved to Washington state this last summer!

[@elisekt1860]

I used to hate doing toe up until the Turkish cast on, especially with 2at a time. This way my socks are the same because I was like you having one looser than the other one. Also, can you suggest how to do 2 at a time cuff down easily ? Thank you.

[@susan3258]

Do you have an easy sock pattern. Toe up or top down

[@janebarter5810]

I have a lot of Quince Chickadee and would like to make a slip stitch cardigan would you consider designing a slip stitch cardigan?

[@Tiger-Creations]

Does your mother-in-law have a KZbin channel?

[@Chanalaz]

what type of heel did Meaghan say is best?

[@daniellefrechette2443]

hello what is the pattern of the hat or tuque you are wearing? thank you!

[@dreareneeknits]

Hello! That is the Harlow Hat :) I knit it in one color, and extended the length of the hat by about 3"/7.5 cm to have a nice big brim to fold back. You can find the pattern here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/harlow-9

[@daniellefrechette2443]

@@dreareneeknits thank you si much for this and all the tips you give. Have a nice day.

[@susan3258]

What is the pattern or Meghan’s shawl

[@dreareneeknits]

Hi Susan! That is the Attune Shawl :) You can find it here: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/attune-shawl

[@halloedangel]

Fleegal is my fav. It’s much more fluid.