MEL MAKES STUFF Episode 015: one FAIL 😱, one FO, and THREE new knitting projects!

[@lawyer-skp]

Have you ever thought about donating a garment that didn’t turn out to fit? The piece that was too big for you would fit someone else to a tee. You could write it off and make a gorgeous hand knit piece available for someone else to treasure.

[@brendah395]

Love ❤️ your podcast! You are one of few that strictly talk about knitting/crochet/fiber. You’re informative and entertaining without going on and on about other subjects I don’t really care about. I learn so much about types of fiber you come up with and why they work or don’t work. Also, you’re not real commercialized. Plz don’t go off in that direction as others have done. I really wait with bated breath for each episode!

[@level2ginger]

The gold/purple swatch is unreal. I just found your channel and am enjoying binging through the projects. 😃

[@fainachait8904]

HI. I AM FROM NY. I FOUND YOU ON THE INTERNET AND AM GLAD I DID. THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH

[@Dreamknitgirl-1]

Nerdy knits sent me here! You are fabulous!

[@Jennie8684]

Yet another excellent and informative video 👍🏻

[@janelangdale6022]

Your channel just popped up on KZbin....it's brilliant, love your content. I would never have put together pink and mustard but oh my, wonderful. Thank you. Jane

[@susanadams4964]

I found you through Selma and I'm currently bingeing all your episodes and am thoroughly enjoying them. Hi from Scotland!

[@kristinm3729]

You know, you can still put the Sarah Hatton project up as the first on Ravelry (and then note that you've frogged it). Admin joy shouldn't be limited simply because the final object it's not the right size. :-) I'm sure whatever notes you may include would be awesome and helpful to the second person who catalogs it with a project page. FWIW, whenever I finish a project and rip it back 10 minutes after blocking, I find it useful for my future self to keep notes about it in my project page because I rarely go back to my working notebooks. PS: Your Willowwood is gorgeous. I just checked out the yarn and noticed that the bulky version of the yarn is not superwash but the 180 (worsted) is... I've not seen that before. (And I found your podcast randomly, about a year and a half ago, I think...)

[@melmakesstuff]

Good point! I did make notes and left my Rav project up, but marked as frogged. That is so odd re: the two versions of the Lana Grossa… I wonder if one of them is a typo?

[@scalthouse]

I agree!!

[@agnespetrik4489]

I found your chanel as a result for searching "knitting with mohair" or something like that...and oh my...I'm still grateful for choosing your video🙂 That content is gold! It was so soothing that I'm not a weirdo when I don't wanna hold a strand of mohair of all my projects🤣 After that I just got hooked, so I literally binged your podcasts in the last two weeks and I was so happy yesterday when my first notification came up🤩 I really like how thoughtful you are, your knowledge and choices are completly outer space experience for me. Thank you so much for this chanel and for your hard work🧶

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you! Yes, sometimes I can get on a roll with the mohair and other times, not so much!

[@Lisamakes]

That two stitch icord bind off looks so great!

[@melmakesstuff]

Right?! Keeping that one in the tool bag for later!

[@edinacole6382]

I can tell you were on vacation :). You look happy and relaxed!

[@littlebigknits]

I need to be more daring with how I use mohair. I will be consulting you for sure! That isager cardigan is really awesome! Well as is that Pom Pom sweater!! And that Lana grossa yarn!

[@janflaherty4582]

Hi, I found your podcast by chance. I really love the projects you're knitting and I enjoy listening to your process. I find it educational. I'm in MA too, but on the North Shore. Keep up the good work, it's really an enjoyable podcast.

[@sewilhite1938]

Your podcasts are like mini seminars! So informative and educational!

[@helengall2556]

Loved your podcast. Found you after watching The Thoughtful Knitter.

[@_tonya]

I found you through Megha of Skeins of Dreams! She shared about your video on plant fibers and then I had to stay for the other content!

[@amyj9907]

I found you a few months from Selma’s podcast (Little Big Knits), and I’ve been enjoying your content ever since!

[@darcycady6286]

I love your thoughtful creative process. Hearing your insights on yarn and project construction are very helpful for new knitters like me🤗😁 great episode! Now I want to check out the POM POM issue! TYTY

[@melmakesstuff]

Yay, a new knitter! Enjoy the process, it’s so exciting 😊

[@darcycady6286]

@@melmakesstuff I have made my first summer top, frogged it, but it came out great the second time😊 I love that it can be undone and made again!! Happy knitting!

[@melmakesstuff]

That’s great that you persevered until you were happy with your top - nice job!!!

[@jandkcon]

Pretty much sure it was Selma of Little Big Knits and I thank her for the recommend! Your style and mine are definitely not always the same but I appreciate all that I’ve learned from you both 🥰👏👍🏻🧶

[@colleenbarker3827]

I have the same blackbird fabric and feel the same way. I’ve been following you for a while but thought I’d let you know that Ailie from the thoughtful knitter mentioned your linen knot tutorial last time I visited with her.

[@cherylclough4309]

I love love love your podcasts. As a fairly new serious knitter, I find them so impressive. Your thought process has given me such inspiration. Plus, I’ve learned so much. I love that blue yarn w the fabric you purchased. That will be a stunning outfit. Also loved the last swatch you showed. Can’t wait to see that worked up. I’m using some Dan Doh yarn, 100% cotton for the Breezy V summer top by Yumiko Alexander. The yarn is very like a strand of flat paper and the pattern...well, the combo is very interesting. I think You Tube listed you as a suggestion in my feed. But since then,I’ve heard you mentioned by many, many podcasters. Thanks for sharing all your information with us. Stay safe.

[@melmakesstuff]

How are you liking that Dandoh yarn? I’ve knitted one of Yumiko Alexander’s patterns with it - it’s a weird experience, but I kind of like it? Definitely feels like knitting with paper though, you’re right!

[@sandranewman8191]

Your videos are GREAT and very INFORMATIVE. Amy Palko recommended you

[@ellenhenrie4826]

Always a treat when Mel shows up on the tube. You make me think beyond my usual yarn/pattern choices - for instance Vair, I never saw myself knitting until I saw yours (not sure about the puffy sleeves, but there are options). Sigh. So many ideas in my head, so little time.

[@christinevalentine3373]

I found your channel using the KZbin ‘explore’ feature. I like your garments and your concise explanations for your choices of yarn, size, fit, drape,colour, and anything else. Thank you for sharing your process.

[@melmakesstuff]

Awww, thanks! Yes, the straight sleeves in the Vair pattern look beautiful too, it’s nice that she has both options written out. I can definitely relate to your last sentence - I need more hours in the day for all of the ideas 😂

[@christinevalentine3373]

Sorry Ellen,it looks like I posted my comment under your comment by mistake . I agree with you 100% though ☺️

[@SONDERknit]

Fantastic episode as always - I learn so much from your podcasts and the way you talk through your process! Thank you!!

[@davidgarza7568]

Hello there, your podcast is excellent. You are an excellent speaker. I don't think I've heard one word whisker at all and all the episodes that I have been binge watching. Thank you for producing such high quality content. Take care and be safe. Stephanie from California

[@preetiverghese6920]

New subscriber here! I found your channel via Megha from SkeinsOfDreams Podcast when she mentioned your review on using various plant fibers. I watched that episode and a bunch of others. Love your attention to detail about the garments you make - such a wealth of information!

[@dorteeis8764]

I found your channel randomly about 1/2 a year ago, I think. Iam so much looking forward to your episodes as I think you are such an inspiration. I really like your interest for the colour combinations, different techniques, swatching etc. And then I think it is really cool that you show not only knitting but also your sewing skills, patchworks and what have you. I get so inspired for my own projects and how to manage my way. Even found that the swatching is something that’s worth and interesting to do 😄 Thanks a lot for creating these lovely episodes 🙏🏼

[@carolsmiley8178]

I found you via Selma of Little Big Knits. I'm so glad I did. Though I am not much of a garment knitter I learn so much from you, mostly how to think about knitting. You are such a thoughtful, intelligent knitter. In this video I enjoyed kearning about yarns with Chaintech construction.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you Carol!

[@mairead5891]

I found you as you popped up on my main YoTube feed, but Megha of Skeins of Dreams mentioned you recently. Love everything about this podcast, as I do every one. You are a Knitter's (note the capitalisation there 😆) knitter. I really enjoy the thought and care you put in to planning your projects. It's made me become more thoughtful about my plans too.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you so much, Mairead! I appreciate the compliment 🥰

[@jorichardson7444]

Hi Mel. I was sent to your channel by Ailie from the Thoughtful Knitter podcast. I m glad because I really enjoyed your podcast and will be going back to watch previous episodes. Happy days! xx

[@trinefrickmann8693]

I found your channel via 'The thoughtful knitter's channel - and consider me a regular viewer from now on: I just love your knitting 'nerdiness'

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you Trine! I don’t know why we don’t see more folks knitting Isager patterns, the style is fantastic.

[@scalthouse]

I love your podcast so much! Thank you for sharing so much detail about what you’re making and the process. The one you did on joining linen yarn was so timely because I was knitting up the Staple Linen top” by Joji and it saved me. 😉 you asked in one if your podcasts to share who mentions you and Cady Jax did in their most recent podcast. I’m not sure who led me to you first but I’ve been sharing your info with my knitting group at bewooken in Champlin, MN. Please keep sharing!! 😊

[@TrickyNight24]

Most recently Nikki mentioned u in a knitting w cat hair podcast but it was the second time I had heard a podcaster mention you. lol, it rang a bell, but I can’t remember the original reference. You def make a lot of interesting pieces. Looking forward to new content.

[@dorkbaitart]

I just started watching, but had to comment - those pants look a great deal like the Arthur Pants by Sew Liberated, and she has a very inclusive size range for her patterns! Highly recommend.

[@melmakesstuff]

Good call, they are very similar in the leg shape! I’ve been eyeing that pattern too, but I don’t know how many oddly-shaped wide leg pant patterns I can justify owning 😂

[@sdh9165]

Hi Mel! I am Sarah from Amsterdam. I came to your podcast via Megha’s Skeins of Dreams podcast. She referred to your episode about summer yarns, which was just what I wanted to watch a couple of months ago. I am getting started knitting with linen. And I have stuck around because you knit different patterns and colors than what I would tend to gravitate toward and it’s fun to see. I both sew and knit. I also saw you pop up in the Yarniacs podcast group’s COFKAL planning thread with your very cool pants / sweater outfit plans. So I am excited to see how that goes for you. Today I was knitting a self-striping vanilla sock while watching. I am nearly finished with the second sock and plan to get on to some linen summer top knitting after this. Hooray!

[@melmakesstuff]

Welcome, Sarah! I’m a little intimidated to start those pants but I need to get on it 😬

[@sdh9165]

@@melmakesstuff you can do it! I am cheering for ya ;)

[@valeriebishop561]

Thanks for all the work you do to bring info to all of us! Hmmm single strand of mohair with LINEN? wow. Never would have thought of that. Cool!

[@veronique7094]

I also found your channel looking for information on combining lace weight mohair yarns with other yarns. Your videos are truly informative and so inspiring. I always watch each episode from start to finish (which is not true with many other channel I have subscribed). You’re definitely in my top 5! PS: I much prefer your hair loose than tied 😉

[@postulatedspace]

I am a new listener to your podcast. yeah, selma mentioned your program. I am really loving it. You have lots of insights to share and I am amazed how thoughtful you are. You make me want to be more conscious about choices I make with pattern, size and yarn.

[@catherinefalce]

Hello from Australia, Melanie. :) Your channel came up as suggested in my feed, so I have just watched a couple whilst working on my own project. Love your explanations, and would also love it if you could recommend any good 'knitting bibles' or such. (You mentioned various ways to cast on those stitches for the Nereides, and I realised I only know of one method!). .. apologies if this is something you've done before, as I have only seen a couple of episodes thus far. Looking forward to watching more. :D

[@vickistockley1711]

I found you from watching Ailie of the Thoughtful Knitter. She said you had some cool techniques for splicing yarns with different fiber content so I thought I would check you out. I was not disappointed. Your sense of design and color are amazing and your finished garments are very professional with excellent knitted fabric. I thought maybe you had a career in fashion or textiles. Anyway, I have subscribed and will love to continue watching and learning. I have been knitting for 12 years, but mostly socks, shawls, cowls, but no garments yet. I am intimidated by them and have yet to find an in person class in my area due to all the covid issues. So hoping I can gain confidence to maybe start on something easy like the Weekender or No frills Sweater by Petite Knit. If you have a suggestion that would be great!

[@melmakesstuff]

Wow, I’m honored! You can absolutely make a garment with the experience you have. I haven’t made either of the patterns you mentioned but I have heard of many folks using those for their first sweaters. Andrea Mowry in particular is a very clear pattern writer, but I’m sure you will have success with either one! I also might suggest Ysolda Teague’s sweater patterns as a good place to start with, I like her pattern writing too.

[@AnItalianKnitter]

You make me want to use more sage greens! 😍

[@melmakesstuff]

Yes! Join me on the sage green bandwagon 🥰

[@ThisSilentCloth]

Jimmy Does Knitting sent me here!

[@444Raine]

I'm always happy when I see you've uploaded another episode!

[@korhay21]

Great episode I love your swatches and how you explain the information you get from swatching.

[@julieknitsandspins]

Love all the information about details. Learning learning TY

[@hilaryleckridge2817]

Hi Mel, I just watched my first ever episode of your podcast and enjoyed it immensely. Thank you for providing such detailed information about your projects. I was guided to you by Amy Palko of The Meaningful Stitch podcast. Looking forward to watching all the previous episodes now!

[@loispatrick2594]

Your channel just showed on my feed. I love your sense of colour and yarns with patterns. I especially love your colour mix with that topaz yarn with mauve mohair and the other colours you chose to complement them for the embroidery.

[@ladyjacquiehawey5191]

Hi! Regarding the construction of the heart motif from the sweater you're swatching for have you considered reaching out to the designer to find out how they cast on for it? I do agree that the 3rd heart had the best shape. I really enjoy how you share your thought processes behind each of your projects and the things you've learned along the way.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you! I was planning to reach out if I really couldn’t figure it out in the swatch, but I think I’m happy enough with that third one. We’ll see how it goes!

[@casuarinagirl8067]

Wonderful as always! It was thoroughly enjoyable and very informative, I always learn so much. Thanks for sharing and happy knitting 🥰

[@valturner2151]

Gah!!! Another great episode!! You’ve never ceased to amaze me with your thought processes and ability to explain them so clearly. Thank you! I think I found your podcast before it started, somehow…LOL. 😉

[@melmakesstuff]

You are the OG supporter of this podcast, for sure - there at the literal beginning of the journey 😉❤️

[@josjewosje]

I found your channel through Amy Palko, and I have been watching all your videos. I love the way you talk about your knitting, the depth you go and the nerdyness. Thanks

[@melmakesstuff]

Proud yarn nerd here, thank you 😊

[@karinam4343]

I also found your channel looking for information on mohair. You give very detailed and useful information so thank you for that. I would be very interested in seeing your yarn stash and if you have any good ideas on how to build a ‘sensible’ yarn stash.

[@melmakesstuff]

I love that you think my yarn stash might be “sensible” 😜 - this is a good idea for a future podcast, thank you!

[@jeannievega1639]

Another great episode Mel. Thanks for reminding me on why a purchased the two Pom Pom books. Loving all your swatches, WIP's and how you play with color. The fabric you showed looks fabulous. I look forward to seeing what you decide to create with the beautiful fabric.

[@deelonnevik9397]

So glad to have found you! Thanks for sharing your knitting knowledge . Its very useful info to apply to my next garment. Thanks so much!

[@mindykannon4650]

Another great one!!! Thanks for all the info!

[@giuliapoddie2056]

I loved to make the plumetis! It is in my queue since I bought the magazine! I found you couple of month ago because of a recommendation from Amy Palko

[@melmakesstuff]

It’s such a well-written pattern! I’m actually debating making a second one 😂

[@patriciadurdey3146]

Thanks for another great video, I am in the process of sewing the Terra Pants by Pattern Fantastique, and will be very interested in hearing about your make of this pattern. I really like the shape of them. I am dyslexic so can’t write much! Thanks again, I really appreciate your videos

[@helenajeppsson3474]

Hi! I found your podcast after watching the Thoughtful Knitter! Love your swatching and hearing your thoughts around choices of yarns!

[@audetouzot1519]

I came upon your podcast via another podcast which I do not remember the name of... when I was browsing for inspiration and was looking for "summer top/ linen top" podcast on KZbin. I watched a couple of last spring/summer episodes and I really like how informative they are (about construction and "structure" of the yarn especially). Plus, I now know for a fact that we have similar tastes ;-)

[@ryoknits]

Amy Palko sent me here! I love the way you explain your choices, and the fact that you aren't just knitting the trends. I am going to take another look at Willowood now that I see yours. It's amazing what seeing a garment on a body in motion does for my understanding of it. In the photo it just looked dramatic and impractical. Your Nereides is going to be exceptional - I love blue but especially those "petroleum" shades.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you, I’m glad you’re giving the Willowwood another look! I just posted the next episode so you can see the finished result, it’s surprisingly wearable!

[@cindyfrye3026]

I found you on KZbin . The first post I saw was your learning the Irish cottage knitting. I am anxiously waiting the last project with the embroidery to make the plaid.

[@sofia_stickar]

I love seeing your swatches! So inspiring 🤩

[@annijuutiknits]

I love how innovative you are with your yarn choices! That last swatch was insanely cool! Love the pink and gold together. 🤩 your projects are superb as usual. 👌🏻

[@melmakesstuff]

Thanks so much, Anniina 🥰

[@pamelawilkinson177]

I so enjoy hearing your thinking about yarn/pattern pairing. Your textile exploration discussions are so helpful! Happy Solstice!!

[@chileanchinch]

Again another insight into your process and detail. I just love all the detail you go into! I'm keen to try that Mika slipover to pair with linen trousers in the spring. Love the new hairstyle!

[@CelticPurl]

I love your sweater! Also, the color combination for the last project is beautiful. Can’t wait to see the finished product.

[@jochalder-royle9130]

Hi, I found you because your “5 ways to join linen yarn” caught my attention in the KZbin suggestions. Since then I have watched all your episodes and enjoy your podcasting style. I hadn’t thought of doing a mid-project block but would be keen to try it and wondered if you could talk through or show how you do it in wool. Specifically….what you do with the ball of wool & cord? Is it ok to get live stitches wet as I have several projects on the go that are woollen spun yarns. Can you spin it in the machine? Can you tell in the final garment if different parts of a garment have been blocked differing numbers of times? Thank you 😊

[@melmakesstuff]

Thanks for the suggestion, I can certainly talk about this in the future. If I want to block something still on the cord, I will use either a sink or a plastic tub. I’ll usually try to keep the cord mostly out of the water, and I don’t submerge the needles. Most cords will be fine if they get wet, but that’s just what I do. The ball of yarn and needles just go off to the side of the sink or whatever you’re using to hold the water. I don’t spin the water out in my machine in this case, since I don’t want any metal parts of the cord clinking around in there, I just wrap in a towel and squeeze, and then lay flat. I also always wet block the whole thing again at the end of the project, so there is no difference between previously blocked and new knitting. I hope that helps!

[@jochalder-royle9130]

@@melmakesstuff Certainly does, in fact it answers all my questions. 😀Thank you from NZ and I’m looking forward to your next pod cast.

[@janatherton9194]

I found your podcast after looking for finished versions of the Vair sweater, which I'm thinking about knitting for myself, but I needed to work out how to shorten the sleeves. Your episode where you talk about your project was very helpful, thank you!

[@melmakesstuff]

So glad you found me, and that the Vair episode was helpful!

[@lmrharper3586]

Lol! Watching this half asleep . My first thought was “why does her teeshirt only have one sleeve.

[@cassandra3399]

It is a shame that you feel you should frog that sweater. It looked to me like it fit you beautifully. I am not a fan of things fitting too tight. It gives you a little leeway to grow a bit. And also the sleeves were beautifully shaped and looked very subtlety like a puff. I loved that and the I cord edge. Lovely.

[@kg4824]

Selma of "Little Big Knits" recommended your podcast.

[@heidicase3512]

Could you show how you did that icord bindoff?

[@melmakesstuff]

Next time I do one, I will show it! If you google "two stitch I-cord bind off" you'll find a lot of good videos showing it too.

[@heidicase3512]

@@melmakesstuff Thanks!

[@lauraberkholtz7959]

I found you via Amy Palko of the Meaningful Stitch. She did a little plug for your channel.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you for this, I’m glad you came over to my channel - Amy is so kind and supportive ☺️

[@susansatchwell8482]

Nice projects. Did you make the pants you are wearing I could not catch the name. They are cute!

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you! Yes, I made the pants - they are the Demi Pants pattern by Tessuti. Very easy to put together :-)

[@genier7829]

I have issues with edges on linen or cotton. Would using a provisional cast on make picking up stitches more consistent? I've never done one but have you tried this?

[@melmakesstuff]

Hmm, I think it would depend. If you have a circular yoke where all of the neckline sts are cast on at the beginning and worked in the round right away, a provisional CO would work in that instance. For something like the Mika with the front and back worked separately, I don’t think it would work - you’d still have to be picking up sts along the curved sides, I think.

[@Serenity-fu8xz]

Oh, don’t rip that out. That shirt looks great on you. It’s not too big fits really well. Hope you don’t rip it out. It’s all perspective really❤

[@KatarzynaSzmigiel-Rawska]

It was Selma Selma :)

[@nadiarogo4511]

I know it's cotton but maybe it would have shrunk in hot wash...

[@melmakesstuff]

Maybe… I’m not sure it would have been quite enough to make it fit! Already frogged and the yarn is ready for the next project 😊

[@nadiarogo4511]

@@melmakesstuff ok then! :D The yarn will find a better project I'm sure!

[@maswannie]

I found your channel from another podcast but I’m just trying to remember who it was…

[@doritbrockmeier802]

Hi Melissa, I really appreciate your yarn-nerdyness! Haha, thanks a lot for sharing your thoughts on starting new projects. I learn a lot, and find myself thinking about drape and yarn sub in a different way. This, by the way, is wonderful Ailie recommending your podcast: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e4OyfH6coruWnrM. But I came from a recommendation from ‚knitting with cat hair‘. Have a great day!