Millcast Episode 110: Carl Nelson, Barn Builder

[@joansummerside4225]

Loved the interview with Carl & seeing the buildings he has made! What a treasure! Peggy, watch a KZbin tutorial on "combination knitting" for fixing the looser knit stitches in rows of ribbing or cables. When you switch from the knit stitches to purling, the length of yarn is longer when you shift the yarn forward to purl than when you move the yarn to the back to knit. To counteract this, you purl the stitch after the knit by REVERSE wrapping the yarn. You will get a tighter stitch this way. The thing to remember is, this will mount the finished stitch backwards, so when you come around (if knitting in the round) for the next round, you can continue to do combination knitting, but now you work the purl stitches through the back loop. You will see that your columns will start to look more unified & even. I knit all my ribbing this way now & especially the purl stitches after cables so the cable doesn't look wonky.

[@sunnyw4148]

So grateful for your energy, organization, and you

[@michelepalmer1002]

Thanks for another super millcast! Chiaogoo has a second type of cord for use with their interchangeable needles called swivel. Since the needle swivels on the end of this cord as the knitting project progresses, there is less strain on the join and therefore less chance that the join will loosen.

[@judyperodeau4945]

Awesome interview with Carl. Ty so much Peggy 👏🏼🧶

[@jetv1471]

Wow ! I didn’t know someone like Carl existed ! He is amazing! Thank you!

[@karijames381]

Swivel cables are what you need. They are a game changer. Really enjoyed the interview.

[@woldten]

Peggy and Amanda, You both know me so well, and if you could see me right now, you'd see me wiping away tears at your more than kind comments. I too am so grateful for our relationship and your constant inspiration with such beautiful yarns. Thank YOU for your support, encouragement, and joy throughout the design process. Thank you also to all the knitters who came out to show me your work at the Vermont Sheep & Wool Festival and NY Sheep & Wool, and who have supported my designs. Seeing your projects on Ravelry keeps me energized and invigorated, and I'm constantly in awe by the color combinations you put together and the support that you give each other through JFM's community groups on Ravelry. Thank you and best wishes for a beautiful holiday season and joy in 2025 ~ Happy Knitting! xo Ona

[@estherrubin867]

I only use fixed needles because they are so reliable and less fiddly. I’ve tried so many different brands over the years, and Chaiogoo seems to have the best combination of point, join, and non-kinky cord. Little by little I’ve collected needle sizes and lengths of cords in their metal and bamboo needles. Since I usually have multiple projects going on, I do have extra needles in the sizes I use most often, usually 3-7 US. Thanks to both of you for starting the mill and creating the most beautiful yarn. Wish you and your families joyful holidays and continued success in the new year.❤

[@janchow88]

I only will use Chiaogoo interchangeable. I use one of those wide rubber bands used in broccoli bundles. I put the T-pin in the cable hole and wrap the needle in the rubber band and tighten just a little. The rubber band creates a perfect tension and I’ve never had issues with it coming apart no matter how I’m knitting. I use this process on all size needles. ❤

[@roxannetarjan1411]

I too am a “broccoli elastic band” convert. One in everyone of my knitting accessory pouches at the ready!😁❤️

[@janchow88]

@ Fantastic. And broccoli is good for you 😄

[@kimsechrest2202]

Holiday Greeting to the both of you. I use ChiaoGoo needles most all the time. My trick to keep it tight--is to put the T-pin in the hole, and using a gripper (I cut up a jar gripper into several smaller pieces), I stab the pin tip into my quilting mat (which is my work surface where I knit) and twist it very tight. Sometimes it's hard to get them unscrews, if so, I just reverse the process. Works for me. Thanks for the interview with Carl. He's a lost art indeed.

[@kristiwood2926]

I so wish that I lived near so I could possibly work at the mill. It would be a dream! ❤

[@jenniferkabana468]

Unexpected delight in Tokyo. My first opportunity to touch Making Tracks yarn - in person - at Moorit, a teeny-tiny yarn shop :}. Merry Christmas!

[@ASquareGranny]

Happy holidays ladies! ☺️🧡🎄 xx

[@francescabrescianini7565]

Happy Holidays to you all! You make a fantastic team and products! I also really enjoyed the interview with Carl Nelson. I am not a woodworker, but I am in awe of people who can do that. When my son was young, I was hoping he grew up interested in woodworking and we could have a workshop, him building and me knitting.....well, it didn't happen . My son was at the same Waldorf school where I work and his class went to the Shelter institute in Woolwich, Maine, to make paddleboards for their canoeing trip. That place it so cool too . Post and beam but for houses.....every time I drive up route 1 I see it (they have cool tools too).

[@jenlikestoknit]

Swivel cables help a lot with the unscrewing 😊

[@CindyTRH]

Fascinating interview, thank you! I think craftspeople can understand and appreciate other craftspeople that much more. I agree with Amanda, I use the fixed Chiaogoo circulars now. Addis click in and don’t come apart, but the joins are bumpy. Love the new yarn! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@paiges1262]

That yarn is stunning. Wow! 🤩

[@SusanSorabella]

Thank you for this interview. Very interesting! For interchangeable needles I use a piece of rubber(like for opening jars) and tighten the needle.

[@elaineenstone6834]

Mainly I use Chaiogoo fixed needles when not using dpns but also have some interchangeable needles to fill gaps for small projects. Have a wonderful Christmas. 🇬🇧

[@roxannetarjan1411]

Thank you both for a wonderful year following your wool mill, gorgeous yarn and such a positive display of partnership, engagement and pride in your art and community. I love every moment I get to experience it through the podcast and the positive energy you are putting out into the world. Wishing each of you, your team and your loved one everything wonderful in 2025. 🎉🎉❤❤

[@bgbaltuth]

Happy Holidays everybody! thank you Peg and Amanda! I have the same issues with the interchangeable Chicago. I also have a Lyke interchange and they do the loosen a bit less..... And I have a large collection of fixed . What obsessed knitter doesn't? I love the barn guy. Wood and wool good stuff.🧶🎄❄⛄

[@loritomatz2862]

I agree with both of you….I bought myself a set of (expensive) interchangeables and have nothing but the same frustrating problems you shared. I take them only on vacations now if I need different needles, but mostly i grab my “normal” circulars for knitting important garments. I have had the interchangeables unscrew while knitting a chunky sweater and about 20 stitches came flying off. Good thing it was a thick, sticky bulky wool. I have even broken the metal peg that you use to tighten the joint!!! And I hate that my yarn gets stuck every time.

[@kristiwood2926]

Definitely need to use some kind of rubber to tighten the needle to the cable. When I do that I have never had it come loose. Loved the interview!

[@ellenowlin]

yall really harmonized there in the intro singing millcast lol good job

[@Mammaknits]

Merry Christmas! I also only used fixed circular Chiagoo needles. They are the best. Your interviews over the last year have been so interesting and informative. Looking forward to seeing more in the new year!

[@NilBreak]

I suggest using swivel cords to help with the interchangeable needles loosening.

[@KathyLandry-o8i]

I do love my Chiaogoo interchangeable needles but I have found that if I don’t tighten them with the T-pin they unscrew. When I tighten with the T-pin or a safety pin they stay locked for the whole project I’m knitting. Good luck and thank once again on sharing such interesting people and the art that surrounds us every day. Yes, I do find it sad that his art and knowledge dies when he retires. Kathy from Massachusetts

[@maureenholian1560]

Hi Peggy and Amanda, Thanks again for another enjoyable and inspiring episode. I love my Chiaogoo interchangeable needles. I do what Amanda does...if it's a big project, I invest and buy the size needle needed...no worries! Chiaogoo needles are the best! Merry Christmas to you both and your families! Happy Knitting! Looking forward to the yarn sale! Will set my timer! Happy New Year too!

[@beaudoin1987]

Merry Christmas!! The interview with Carl was interesting. Thanks for sharing. I love my ChiaoGoo interchangeables. Mine loosen up occasionally when I knit a combo of knit/purl stitches. For one project it was a beast. I used some of the blue Locktite and it worked like magic! It was a little finicky unscrewing them, but the locktite rubbed right off the screw part. I have not used a rubber band to tighten. I will try that in the future.

[@lindayoung3720]

🧶I love my ChiaGoo interchangeables and always use the ❤-shaped silicone patch that they provide, holding the tip firmly while tightening with the pin.

[@kymdelmar9304]

II have Hiya Hiya Sharp interchangeables and have never had a needle come apart. Love the interview you did with the barn builder, such beautiful work. You are blessed to have three of his structures on your property.

[@olive5890]

I always use knitpro interchangeables (here in the uk) and don't have issues with the joins, I just tighten them and they work fine. Merry Xmas to you all ❤🎉

[@Tinkergrumpybuns]

Happy Holidays all!😊

[@edandrenateburns3170]

I can't believe I am the second viewer on todays video . Merry Christmas from Canada :)

[@rachellep3077]

I have Chiaogoo needles. My needles and the cord have a small hole for the tightening pin. I put a pin in each and turn them against each other be just using 1 pin with the rubber grip. Hope that helps!

[@jla110661]

My Chiaogoo interchangables never loosen up. I tighten up with the pins and holding the little rubber heart thing that came with my set to get a real tight seal.

[@dianaweiske3162]

I use Addi click interchangeable needles for over 10 years. They haven’t come apart while knitting (yet) . I had some knit picks ones and the cords kept unscrewing; then bought the interlocking addi’s.

[@jevery2498]

I'm with Amanda... non-interchangeable needles. I LOVE fixed needles. I can't stand the joins or the loosening of the removeable tips. I buy old lots of circulars on eBay... love the old nylon needles the most. 1 piece construction. I've been knitting 50 yrs (started at age 8) and I have never owned a set of interchangables. Great episode, ladies! Merry Christmas!

[@bernadetteseeley3084]

I have had the same problem with the Chiaohoo needles. I now use the tightening pin and grab a rubber elastic band and hold the needle as I tighten the needle. This seems to work for me.

[@misha76]

Addi has an interchangeable "click" system. Hiya Hiya also has an interchangeable needle set that rarely gives me issues, whereas the ChiaGoo's frustrate me relentlessly. Lately I've been using interchangeable needles from a new set I just bought from Indian Lake Artisans, and the needles are hexagonal. They're supposed to be more ergonomic and they're all handmade, and they've been great. Hope this helps!

[@aprilabbatoy]

I use rubber to grip my needle when tightening. It's possible the cable you are using is faulty. Happy holidays!!

[@LindaKarlinsky]

I’m an addie fan. They very rarely separate.

[@tamarahogan3912]

They are an investment to be sure, but I found the Tulip interchangeable set to be perfection. They are bamboo, made in Japan, and you do NOT need a key to tighten them AND they swivel !! I first heard of them on the Modern Daily Knitting blog. Then I waited and eventually used a coupon for 40%off at JoAnns. Carry C Longs. I have used many interchangeable sets over the years and these are the best IMHO.

[@amandatrask9695]

I love the Chaiogoo needles. It is frustrating when they loosen. I have more success when I tighten using the rubber grip. Hiya Hiya are also very nice but I prefer the Chaoigoo cords. Happy Holidays.

[@therealtomkreider]

I only use Chiaogoo interchangeable and they never come apart. Do you use the little red heart shaped rubber gripper to hold the needle firm while tightening the cord with a T pin? I tighten it until the T pin begins to bend a little. Again, they never come undone until I want them to. I knit entire blankets and sweaters with not a single issue.

[@shamszakhour6076]

Peggy, when you set up your needles, do you use the tightening tool? I haven't had problems with my Chiaogoo interchangeables, but I do tighten with the T-pin. I also have lots of Chiaogoo fixed needles for the sizes I use most.

[@CondorsCroft]

Are you using two pins when you tighten the needles? Much tighter that way. Mine don’t come undone and I use the same interchangeable needles.

[@bodinjohnson]

Timber Framers Guild for more information on timber framers in your area.

[@debbiewhitehead1091]

Unfortunately I feel Amanda is correct the only solution to not having the loosening of the needle is to have a non-interchangeable needle.

[@shamszakhour6076]

Ooooh! I don't like brown yarn so your current offering doesn't interest me. But white or dyed yarn with the silk bits?!?!?! Yes, thank you!!!