MEL MAKES STUFF Episode 017: 🧶 A Colorwork Knitting Bonanza

[@nadinedetain6765]

Wow your version of the bunaberry pull-over is the Best one I have seen, I like bell sleeves in général but your short ones with dramatic fairisle are stunning I find. Also colours are a good choice emphasizing motives. Thank you for sharing, I would never have choosen this pattern in the original version.

[@carlajewett1091]

Any serious knitter who is unaware of your incredible channel is seriously deprived.

[@melmakesstuff]

What an amazing comment, thank you ❤️

[@thegentleknitter]

Frankly, I was sometimes having a hard time concentrating on what you were saying because I was mesmerized by the beauty of your Kilim! It suits your colouring so well!!! After years of being haunted by missing out on the Lerwick (Club #3), now I have to also be tortured by not having access to #7, lol. That darn Marie Wallin! Thanks for your inspiring content!

[@melmakesstuff]

Aww, thank you so much 🥰. You actually just reminded me - part of the reason I finally decided to do the MW club is because I had read something about getting access to the previous club patterns once you’ve participated in one club. That Lerwick pattern has been on my mind for years too, so now I’m off to follow up on that!

[@edinacole6382]

Thank you for sharing that you were grumpy. I completely relate to that and it’s really nice to hear that you have similar experiences to me when you make a garment

[@Lisamakes]

I am so in awe of all your work. Just in awe.

[@melmakesstuff]

You are too sweet, thank you ❤️❤️❤️

[@zandragotteberg1007]

The Kilim cardigan is a beautiful fit and shape on you.

[@donlanghorne9656]

The Kilimanjaro looks great on you and the sweater pattern is beautiful!

[@Vompan58]

I love your fair isle cardigans and vests.. so beautiful 💖

[@tricothon]

You are just amazing Mel!!! I have been knitting forever (35 years+) and I rarely learn new tips … ever! Except on your podcast. You are just so full of valuable knowledge and share it so well! I have successfully knitted all over colorwork garments (honeysuckle fir instance) but tiur process is so much more thoughtful and you end up with stunning garments that fit just perfectly. I am in awe 😮❤. The Kilim looks amazing on you, please wear it! And that Gudrun Johnston sweater is just perfect 🤩👌

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you so much 🥰

[@cindyfrye3026]

The sweater you have on in this video makes your blue eyes pop. I think it is the neck and button band that does it. I can't wait to see if you end up with a Ralph vest and if so how you do it.

[@feliciameier1929]

Spectacular work!!!! All of it :)

[@sylvieboisvert]

You are a very talented young lady, beautiful work. I do that too, 2 sleeves at a time and back & front with steeks, makes our journey a lot smoother.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you so much! Hopefully we can spread the word about this steeking method 🥰

[@ProPollys]

Yes, finally!

[@sefikaayar484]

It's a great job. Kilim means a kind of carpet in Turkish. These motives are so similar with traditional handmade carpets. I dont know if the designer inspired from them. I agree with you that the motives would go better with blanket.

[@suzipam1234]

That jersey is lovely

[@maryusa8526]

👀 this pattern is as beautiful as it is tremendously hard to create (for me lol)

[@clearwater7000]

Stunning work!❤

[@anawilson8740]

All your work with color theory really paid off! Love the latest color work garment. Thanks for sharing your knitting wisdom. Looking forward to your next share.

[@cathyjencks5107]

Your knits are inspiring!

[@annijuutiknits]

Omg the Kilim is epic! You are so fearless what comes to knitting, I don’t think I could never finish such project. Bravo Mel! ❤ and that Chestnut looks so lovely, you have a great eye for colors. ❤

[@melmakesstuff]

Awww thank you Anniina ❤️❤️❤️

[@genier7829]

I think Kilim looks great on you, better than the pattern photo. I don't think I would have the patience to make this sort of complex + color work project, congratulations!

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you ❤️

[@dashamanshina]

Yay, another video! Cannot wait for the upcoming updates!

[@nadinedetain6765]

Your Kilim is actually so beautiful on the inside ! Very tempting, dont you think to show off the floats ?

[@nadiarogo4511]

Kilim suits you so well! It looks beautiful, not even close to over the top or anything. It looks very well balanced, even muted.

[@melmakesstuff]

❤️❤️❤️

[@jessicatressawell5970]

Amazing work, Mel!!! My mind is officially blown!!! Wow, just wow!! Love it all. You are an amazing knitter and I learn so much from you. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you! 🥰

[@booksstringsandthings]

I’ve been working on one sweater with color work around the yolk only for…5 years. I am in awe of you right now!!

[@meganolivia6970]

Amazing projects! It makes me think to be a lot more thoughtful on the patterns I knit, and all I want to do now is knit colour work. Always love seeing you! ❤️

[@streakyj2]

your Kilim is spectacular! we've all felt a little 'grumpy' about some project. re: the Ralph sweater--> vest. iirc, Arne & Carlos have an ep where, on a finished sweater, Arne does with a neckline exactly what you plan to do with the armholes, so... good plan!....i'm using the steek-to-avoid-weaving-in-ends idea in my current Sea Glass cardi; i never thought of doing that on the sleeves [tying dozens of 'magic knots' instead]. steeking the sides--so clever! more colors ftw! best wishes for a happy & healthy holiday season for you & yours!

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you so much, and great idea for the Sea Glass! Hope you have a lovely holiday season as well!

[@streakyj2]

@@melmakesstuff (disclosure: i got the Sea Glass steek idea from another raveler, and i'm grateful to her ).

[@tiateri541]

Another great video! Wanted to tell you I just watched an interview that Marie Wallin did earlier this year on The Woolly Thistle podcast, and what you are doing with the steaks in your pullover is exactly what she recommended for anyone who prefers to knit her pieced patterns in the round. ❤

[@melmakesstuff]

Oh interesting! I’ll have to check out that interview!

[@soniaboudeau2140]

Hello Mel, c'est encore une fois magnifique ce que lus faîtes 🖐️🌹

[@jandkcon]

Love this-your thought process is amazing 👍🏻🥰

[@vijayasullivan2887]

Well done! Another great epiisode and 2 great tips. Love your colour work on Chestnut pattern and your steek ideas for the sides. Your Kilim looks great and definitely suits you!

[@kristinm3729]

That J&S Shetland Supreme is some of my fave yarn. I think every colour is gorgeous - and that it's undyed just makes it more sheep-forward. I also prefer the spin of this yarn over the regular fingering-weight colours sold in the smaller balls. It' has awesome stitch definition.

[@fibreandflowers]

Hi Mel have discovered your podcast thank you they are great. I am learning so much and going back to older episodes. I wanted to respond to your ?s about flat knitting/fairisle re Marie Wallin and Rowan that you wondered about. I am a English knitter who has picked up her needles after many years. I have discovered a new world that has changed everything I thought I knew and practised in my knitting. English knitters to my knowledge were never taught or had knowledge of anything apart from working flat separate pieces which included purling fair isle, unlike the Scottish knitters. Knitting in the round from the top was never mentioned to my knowledge.I didn't know it was a technique! I think Marie and all the other designers are from this old school and probably remain resistant to working in the round.Its not what they know about. That's my opinion. The main advantage is in the ability to be able to shape garments apart from that there are no good reasons to not in the round etc! I am now embracing circular needles and changing to in the round etc I might even try picking rather than throwing.....Excuse the ramblings but hope this make sense. Juliette

[@melmakesstuff]

Hi Juliette, I’m glad you found me! Thanks so much for weighing in on the flat colorwork knitting tradition, it’s fascinating to hear about how folks learned originally and how those styles might be changing. Having just finished a couple of garments that involved a lot of steeking, it did occur to me that another benefit of knitting colorwork flat would be to avoid extra bulk at the seams - I’m not sure it will make me a flat knitting convert, but it does make for a nicer finish on the inside 😊

[@fibreandflowers]

of course 'throwing ' makes purlng easy and the continental 'picking' doesn't suit the purl stitch and they avoid it and @@melmakesstuff that maybe another reason for the divergence. I think Ravelry has changed everything and now even Rowan is beginning to bring out in the round patterns. I think that Marie Wallin will have to bring out all her patterns in both options. Best J

[@marybethirwin9684]

Your kilim looks great, the fit is perfect! My problem with these uniquely constructed sweaters is that it is very difficult to adjust the length of the sleeves. I had a great experience with FI Club, but in the end the sleeves were too long on my Magnolia. Great episode, thanks again!

[@melmakesstuff]

That is a great point, I think I got lucky with the Kilim sleeve length, but I usually shy away from sideways-knit sweaters for that exact reason.

[@mindykannon4650]

It will look great as a vest...can't wait to see it! I also want to do the Chestnut into a pullover so going to watch how you do it closely. So interesting!

[@emilythomas6776]

I think the Kilim looks great on you! I imagine it would look fantastic with bottoms in any color that appears in the garment or any neutral (black, grey, tan, white). I almost fell like because it's so extra, colorful, and show stopping it would look great with just about anything because the sweater is what draws the eye.

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you!! I hadn’t considered a lighter neutral on the bottom but I really like that idea too… have to go dig in my closet now 😊

[@suemcevoy5510]

Wow~your handwork is just BEAUTIFUL! I'm knitting while watching your podcast and trying to keep two threads from twisting...HAPPY NEW YEAR!

[@riittatammi1149]

Thanks for sharing all the colourwork knowledge again! Now after almost two years of active knitting I feel I might be ready for Fair Isle knitting, and the Chestnut cardigan would be a really nice project for next year. The sleeves of your Bunaberry look super good!

[@melmakesstuff]

Yay! That’s exciting, have fun with the process 😊

[@marlier2403]

These techniques and modifications BLEW MY MIND!!! I feel like i learned so much in this vid ❤

[@melmakesstuff]

That makes me so happy to hear, thank you!

[@ellenhenrie4826]

My head is spinning with all this gorgeousness! And your favorite neutral - I feel that way about J&S Heritage Light Grey. It has sort of a soft, pearly quality. I'll have to compare the two.

[@melmakesstuff]

I’m going to have to check that light grey color out too! The one I used is definitely more on the fawn side, as opposed to grey.

[@dorteeis8764]

So inspiring and really great to hear about all your thoughts about the design, pattern, construction etc.

[@alexandrah535]

I’m currently gathering my wits and courage to steek down my Amaryllis pieces-the sweater turned out perfectly as a size L, but I have since lost weight and need a size M 🥲 It was a helpful reminder to see your Chestnut, since it’s almost like a pre-planned version of what I’m doing :)

[@melmakesstuff]

You’ve got this!! Bummer about the sizing, but it’ll definitely still be cute as a slightly oversized layering piece 😍

[@beccabrown3992]

Loved your colorwork mini series. Will definitely be using some of your tips when I do my next colourwork. Also love the palette you have chosen for the Chestnut/Wild Rose mash up!

[@salafarris4695]

I only just discovered your channel, and I love your stuff!! But I also have a question for you. Where do you source your long DPNs?? I've been searching for them for years and I can't find them anywhere!

[@davidgarza7568]

Fantastic episode mel! Really appreciate showing the beautiful color work, your alterations, and how your work comes to life. It's really encouraging to have people out there in the world that geek out about knitting the way I do. Lol. Be well and please be safe. Take care, Stephanie from California

[@melmakesstuff]

Yes! Knitting geeks unite 🥰

[@sarahwilliams6488]

Love seeing your colour work projects and always find it interesting and helpful to hear the thought process behind your different choices. I love the Chestnut cardigan by Marie Wallin, and whilst I think her colour pallet is beautiful, those colours are not the most flattering for me, so I'm really inspired by your version and can't wait to see how it turns out! Now another project idea to add to my list of many... I also have a Shetland knitting belt and started with the 14 inch needles but I've swapped to using 30cm (approx 12inches) as I also found the 14in ones uncomfortably long. The shorter ones have suited me much better. Hope you manage to find some that work for you too!

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you 💕 So good to know the shorter needles exist!

[@talitharitter3176]

So glad to see your finished Kilim. I am still working on mine. To be honest, it’s been in hibernation for a long while. I wish I had skipped the FB group as you did, because a lot of the other knitters in there gave me a bit of anxiety over many things and I’m afraid to screw it up now! I don’t know why, as I know that I will make it work, as you’ve done. Enjoy it in good health!

[@melmakesstuff]

Awww, I hope you pick it back up when you’re ready. I totally get it, the social media stuff can often be a bit too much for me too ❤️

[@katerinamelin734]

Amazing project! ❤

[@julieedwards6937]

You are so clever changing the construction of your knits and I love your colour changes. When you knit the first sweater which just has the colourwork at the sleeve cuffs do you change needle size for the colourwork section?

[@melmakesstuff]

I didn’t change needles, just because my colorwork gauge tends to be similar to my stockinette, but I do think it’s a good idea to do that

[@LizBethA63]

Can you point me in the direction of information on the KAL you mentioned/where apart of for the Kilim. You mentioned it was run well and another (blanket I think you said) may be starting next and thinking I may need some type of support like this for trying a project like this. Can you point me in the correct direction You’re work is absolutely beautiful and inspiring!

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you! The KAL is run by the designer, Marie Wallin. If you go to her website and look for info about the Fairisle Club, the next one will be #8.

[@olive5890]

Mel, I want to be like you when I grow up 😅 I tried doing my first colourwork and yarn kept tangling (both in right hand), can you recommend any video for how to hold yarn??

[@melmakesstuff]

Glad you’re giving it a try! I knit colorwork with one yarn in each hand so I don’t know of any specific videos for holding both yarns in the RH only, but have you checked out Very Pink Knits on KZbin? One thing that may help with the tangling is keeping one ball on each side of your body, and make sure you’re not twisting the yarns on the back of the work. Searching KZbin for “how to catch colorwork floats” might help with that.

[@nadiarogo4511]

Quick question. You are knitting in the round and the colors repeat regularly. Why do you cut yarn every round? You can just carry over each strand to the next section of the same color and only have the beginning and the very end ends to weave in, none in the middle. When i do an in the round colorwork sweater that's what i always do and it works no problem. Even flat, i would not cut yarn off if the next row of the same color is close.

[@melmakesstuff]

I don’t cut every round; if I won’t be using a color until four or more rounds later, then I’ll cut it. It makes me crazy to have too many balls of yarn attached at the same time, and also the tension at the side seam can get wonky if yarns are carried up the side over too many rounds. Just personal preference, I guess.

[@nadiarogo4511]

@@melmakesstuff Personal preference is the best reason for everything ❤️ 😀

[@debrahookham1620]

I'm trying to figure out how you work your sweaters inside out, do you purl?

[@melmakesstuff]

Nope, I’m still knitting as normal, just with the garment turned wrong side out. I’ll try to show this next time I start a colorwork garment so it’s a bit more clear.