Ep 91: A Cardigan for Arwen, A Twisted Affair, Stella Quilt Cushion - Mostly Knitting Podcast

FOs:
A Twisted Affair by Joji Locatelli
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Snowbloom by Jennifer Steingass - test knit
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FRIEND FROM THE VAULT:
A Cardigan for Arwen by Kate Gilbert
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WIPS:
New! Two by Two by Anne Gagnon
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New! Stella Quilt Cushion by Laura Penrose
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Peacock Tee by Lene Holme Samsøe
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The Throwover by Andrea Mowry
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Clay Sweater by Ozetta
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OTHER PATTERNS I MENTION:
Magnolia Bloom by Camilla Vad
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AQUISITIONS
Ole Hat by Susanne Muller - gifted by Isabelle - Thank you Isabelle!
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Laulu Pullover by Sar Nordland - gifted by Michelle - Thank you Michelle!
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Number 10 by Lori Versaci - gifted by Daniela - Thank you Daniela!
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PLANS
Zipper Sweater Light Junior by Petite Knit
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Heimathafen by Isabell Kraemer
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Moby Sweater by Petite Knit
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WHAT HAS CAUGHT MY EYE
Sailor Soft by Anne Ventzel
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Gloria Sweater by a.dor.able_knits - coming Dec 19
Lite Bright by Wool and Pine
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KZbin CHANNELS I MENTION
‪@a.dor.able_knits‬
‪@twopurlsinapod‬
TUTORIAL PLANS - in no particular order
1. Pick up ratios
2. Ravelry Tips
3. Measuring gauge in a swatch in a lace pattern
4. Mattress Stitch Side to Side and bind-off to bind-off
5. Sewn Bind Off
6. Fixing Mistakes video - how to spot them, which ones are "fixable" without ripping all the way back etc.
7. Adding waist shaping - sides, princess seams
Thanks so much for watching!
If you have found my videos helpful or enjoyable please LIKE and SUBSCRIBE. If you would like to contribute further, you can buy me a coffee at ko-fi.com/most... or gift me a pattern from my ravelry wishlist ravel.me/tashb...
My details are:
I am @tashbalaz on ravelry and Instagram
My email is [e-mail]
Address is PO Box 64, Menai Central Post Office, Menai 2234, NSW, AUSTRALIA
Affiliate Links:
BABYLON LEATHER
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Use Coupon Code Mostly Knitting for an extra 5% off if there is a current discount on the website
If there is no current discount, the code is good for 20% off.
TWICE SHEARED SHEEP
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MS BLUE - Affiliate Link - Use the COUPON CODE Natasha15 for 15% off
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Endcard sweater:
Sorrel by Wool & Pine
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[@theknittystew]

I feel smarter every time I watch an episode and this one was next level! Knitting math is fascinating to me. Wish I would’ve had that same response in high school. Enjoy your well-deserved 7 weeks off 👏😀

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Leanne. x

[@DillyDahlia]

I love how you explained your fits and starts with the quilt cushion pattern. This is one of the things I love so much about knitting. I tend to be an impatient person, and like what happened with you, sometimes that gets me in trouble. When I figure out where I went wrong, it’s a learning lesson all over for me to slow down and pay attention. I hope you can get an answer to the gauge question from the designer!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences. It does help to know that I am not the only one who has a propensity for coming unstuck through rushing and not paying close enough attention. :)

[@Helen-x4e]

Thank you Tash. I thoroughly enjoy your podcast. Your choices for projects are always interesting, and when you’re describing your maths equations it’s so great to learn about pattern adjustments. 😊

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Helen. :)

[@heatherharrison4855]

Now i wonder 2hy your a maths teacher... its so good to listen to youand how you explain your calculations. Imsure the cushion willbe beautiful when its finished. I love how excited you get talking about your knitting and all the peojects you make. Will miss the weekly podcast but totally understand. You dont want to burn yourout and lose your enthusiasm. Look forward to the next 7 weeks and enjoy yor podcast whenever you can. P.s. watched your tutorial for Judy's magic cast on for my first pair of toe up socks. Brilliant and im now on my second sock so thank you for that. ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for the encouragement Heather. I am really happy to know that the tutorials continue to be helpful. x

[@carolbyrne3241]

Blimey those maths and loved how you worked it out I would have put it in the naughty corner straight away 😂. I loved your friend from the vault, so beautiful ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Carol. I almost ripped it out but i am getting much better at checking and thinking it through first. :)

[@Stumpybear7640]

Hi Tash, I am a bit lost as far as the maths are concerned, thanks for explaining that square is concerned. I was one of the arty kids at school and things like maths were a mystery to me😂. Loving your podcasts they are always full of valuable information on the projects you are doing. Much love to you and your family ❤❤❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much xx

[@Agnes_KR]

Hi Tash, I loved your story about the Stella Quilt Cushion and how you explained the maths. I was off gauge (around 20 sts / 10 cm) when knitting it and my whole cushion cover measures approximately 50x50 cm (20”x20”). I never thought about the diagonal of the square, but it makes perfect sense. Back to school to remember the basic math 😊. I bought bigger inners (60x60 cm, 23.5”x23.5”) and the cushion cover fits perfectly. My joints did not line up perfectly either, but it can be nicely hidden when making the square around it or when making the back of the cushion. My husband said when I finished my first cushion that it was so beautiful that he was afraid to put his head on it 😊. There is a reason why I knit it with easily washable acrylic yarn and with buttoned back 😊. I am currently knitting my second one with Motif 1 and I am planning to knit another 2. I bought 4 inners to keep me motivated 😊. Have lovely holidays. I am kind of sad about your next year plans for the podcast, but as long as you keep podcasting and whatever fits your busy schedule, that is fine 💕.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Agnes. Love hearing your experiences with your cushion and how your husband loved it also. x

[@Palouseweaver]

Hello, I just wanted to mention that I really enjoy listening to you talk about knitting and your projects. Thanks, too, for sharing your mistakes and how you fixed them. Cheers from Washington! ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for the lovely comment and taking the time to leave it. x

[@Macasmum]

I love your math gymnastics for the cushion cover. It makes perfect sense. Its 4 squares across to equal a 20 inch square so it could never be a 4 inch square. Also ive noticed your needle storage on the wall, could you please show us what it is. Id love to make one.😂👩‍🌾🐑🐮

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. I was thinking it was going to be a LOT of negative ease if they were all 4" square, especially when you lose a row or column when you pick up sts along each side. I imagine a little negative ease helps the cover to not look loose and floppy around the insert. But that would have been too much negative ease. Video on the needle storage is coming this weekend. :)

[@Macasmum]

@mostlyknitting thank you 👩‍🌾

[@lisacoy8524]

My goodness you must have an incredible wardrobe. So many beautiful garments and so well knit! I also can't believe how long your knitting lasts.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Lisa. I am very careful with how i store my knits. If they have anything that might be attractive to moths, they are stored in ziplock bags. That protects from moths but also helps them from getting roughed up in the drawers. :)

[@maryannbergeron9531]

Love all your projects and definitely your math calculations. Those are always so helpful for a math challenged person like me. I finished my second Twisted Affair hat and will soon be making another. Enjoy your time off!!! Looking forward to see all you accomplish while you are on vacation. ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Maryann. I'm glad you like the Twisted Affair enough to make multiples. xx

[@DanielaLehmann-c8b]

Hi Tash, thank you so much for mention the NUMBER 10! I will also knit the cushion, your thoughts were very valuable and helpful ❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Daniela. And thank you for gifting me such a fun and beautiful pattern. :)

[@jennymiles4426]

Just cast on the Shore tee and want to thank you for your tutorial showing how you placed your markers for the shoulder increases. I found it very helpful and followed your suggestions and think of you every time I get to the backward yarn over that slips over the next stitch! I’m using KFO cotton merino held with Trio 1 as I prefer knitting with cotton merino to more linen/cotton yarns and so far it’s looking good.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Jenny. I am so glad the video on that was helpful. :)

[@pattishanks3788]

Enjoy all of your projects. The Peacock Tee is in my queue, so I’m looking forward to your decision on lace length. Personally, I would stop where you are now, and I must try and remember that when I start mine! Happy to hear you will continue sharing in the new year, even with your increased work load.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Patti. :)

[@cynthiagilbreth1352]

That cardigan is so lovely. I love all the hats, I am working on a Musselburgh for hubby. If I search through all my clothes and I might find two. And I live in Colorado, but don’t usually wear a hat until the temo is around 20 degrees F (-7 C).

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Cynthia. I am a real baby about having cold ears so I love a good beanie. :)

[@magsohara7908]

Thanks Tash. I would have been all over the maths of that too 😂😂. Our wee knitting group have been making squares in the same way(corner to corner) to create blankets for refugees. Even ladies from one of my bookgroups knit for us too. Between all of the knitters were now onto blanket No. 31. Beautiful work on all of your projects. I’m inspired to try something more adventurous when I watch your vlogs - I really fancy the colour fade jumper. Enjoy your hols 🙋🏼🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! That is amazing how many blankets your group have made. How wonderful! :)

[@Baghwanita]

Lovely, Ienjoy your podcast so much. And I m really exited for all the things you will be doing in your School holiday

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@sunnyhawk]

That cardigan is stunning! Beautiful work.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much :)

[@evelynszpyrka2550]

Beautiful job on the cables, the whole sweater is just beautiful❤

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Evelyn. x

[@gailfirenze4760]

I learn so much from you Tash, thank you. 🙋🏼‍♀️

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Gail. x

[@bethany5830]

LOVE the knitting maths 😅

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Bethany. That makes me very happy to hear. :)

[@KnotablueKnits]

A couple of weeks ago when you chatted about your plans and said something about doing the Stella Cushion, I think you were describing it as a bit of a mindless knit. Having done it last year, I kind of chuckled because I figured you'd need to slow down to get a handle on the construction! It's really fun though, once you get going. I did the heavier weight yarn and used a splitty yarn, so I'd like to do it again in nicer yarn and fun colours!

[@mostlyknitting]

Ha! You could have predicted what was going to happen last week! Glad to hear you enjoyed the knit. :)

[@jla110661]

You nailed the twisted affair. Perfection!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@joanspiller1553]

Beautiful knitting. I like all your projects.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Joan. :)

[@lauracurry9917]

I bought the Lite Brite pattern a few days ago. I love fades and am looking forward to this knit.

[@mostlyknitting]

I have to admit they intimidate me a bit - choosing something that will work. But it is really exciting when it does. Do you have yarn in stash or purchasing?

[@lauracurry9917]

I’ll be using one skein wonders in my stash that were purchased with no thought of what they could be used for. But I will also use leftovers. Fading is fun but it can be daunting. I tend to use a color family and more variegated and/or speckled yarns but not all the time. Hope that helps.

[@nadinestapler3881]

The Arwen pattern sure is a pretty sweater.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Nadine. :)

[@donnanelson2967]

Tash, you’re my inspiration for me and many others. I’ve seen your name mentioned in the alpaca phone app.

[@mostlyknitting]

That’s so kind of you to say, thank you so much Donna! And how cool to have been mentioned in the alpaca app. Thank you for sharing that. 😊

[@michelleann4259]

Wow that’s a very heavy load! As long as you keep doing the podcast that’s fine with me lol. Enjoy your holidays I have one more shift then off till the 27th!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Michelle. Enjoy your break as well. :)

[@MikiCrespo]

Beautiful A twisted Affair 🪻

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much. :)

[@JoyfulFreckles]

Love that cardigan Tash! The cable pattern is amazing, and I really like the contrast between the ornate cabling and the casual feel of the hoodie. The Twisted Affair beanie is definitely on my to knit list now, but oh my goodness so many knits so little time! I've definitely messed up a basic pattern (Sophie Scarf I cord edge) - forgot to slip the stitches and just went on autopilot with the garter stitch. Was many rows down the road before I looked back and noticed a garter ridge on the edge urrggghhhh! P.s. maths was always my fav subject in school, I enjoy nerding out relating to knitting too ❤ Also, in my opinion, don't add another lace repeat on the peacock tee, since the neckline is a bit looser like you said, it's probably dropped the yoke slightly for you already

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much for all your lovely comments. Glad to hear you love your math! x

[@JulieSchillhammer]

Most pillow inserts are slightly rounded or domed and that takes up more material.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Julie. :)

[@colettefoley5526]

You could use sweater clips to close your Cardigan for Arwen

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks for the tip Colette! That's a good idea. Given it is quite a warm garment, it would be good to be able to close it as it will mostly likely be chilly when i am wearing it. :)

[@Helen-yl4cw]

I am sure your blanket will turn out fine, the colours are very pretty. It seems that you are not familiar with Laura, you should watch her podcasts to get to know her. She can be a little scatty as a busy mum of young children but she is lovely. I have knit several of her garments and am yet to knit her cushion for which I do have the pattern. I will be interested to see how the measurements work out when I do get to it. Thanks for the warning if I don’t meet guage.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks so much Helen. The pattern is well-written and well-supported with videos. I dont have any issue with that. I just know if i had released a pattern and something was off with my numbers in a way that might confuse knitters, I would want to know. And I wanted to mention it on the podcast as someone else might make the pattern and think they needed to rip back. It wouldnt be an issue with the blanket but with the cushion, it is meant to be a specific size so people might rip back and think they need to change something if their square is larger than 4x4". I will share how big the whole cushion ends up as I go and hopefully that will be helpful. :)

[@karineberhart2496]

Hi Tash! Thanks for another great podcast. I would stop with the lace of the peacock tee. Maybe you could block it to see if that changes the length before making your decision.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Karin. :)

[@lennicelytle2654]

Your Arwen Cardigan is amazing - how did you do it with littles in 10 days? All I could manage was knitting felted items during little kid time😂. I’ve shared your video with several of my knitting peeps as I love your math help. It sure does help! Enjoy your 1st week of vacation!

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much! It was a pretty large gauge which helped and I did a lot in the evening. Thanks so much for sharing the podcast with others. :)

[@jilliankonig2759]

Beautiful job on your cardigan with the cables! Did you have a wide cable section that was folded to the inside for a facing? For your hat, would it be worth doing almost as much stockinette if you sure you'll turn up the brim, since the underneath cables wouldn't show when it's turned up? Will you consider changing Snow Bloom to long-sleeves since it's not a summer weight yarn? Maybe a flesh tone bra would solve the lace problem on your red sweater; that way, if there's just a little show-through, the bra would match your skin. One of the biggest changes you'll see from a heavier teaching schedule is not just the change in planning time, but the additional grading time. (I'm a retired 5th grade and G/T teacher.)

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Jillian. The cable on the cardigan is actually reversible so it is only one layer. Good point on the A Twisted Affair hat - it would be easy to just have more 2x2 rib and skip the first cable that is underneath the turn up. Then, as you say, dont have any worries about the first cable showing. Yes, the writing exams and marking and reporting time will definitely increase. So switching to recording every two weeks will be what i need to stay on top of everything. :)

[@AnnieDaddo]

Oh Natasha...not Tash today..Nat asha..😉I am a very curious person and I did listen to you..but once you hit the Pythagorous theory...twas interesting but I would have fudged , gone up or down a needle size & watched the video AND definately not played that Mario game.Don't worry, Im a slow learner, in your masterclass. Be patient with me.xx

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Annie. Your comments always make me smile. xx

[@jillallen4879]

Oh my goodness the math! I want a math brain but alas I don't. I want to knit the Dagmar Jacket by Petite knit and have swatched in a 4.5mm and 5.00mm needle. Love the 4.5mm fabric but gauge is too small. I know you have a tutorial on the math involved to work out what size to knit which I will hunt down and work out rather than to just go up a size. At the moment the swatch is just sitting in my lounge room where I see it every day as a reminder. Thanks so much for that Tash. I really appreciate the education sessions. With the twisted Affair I note the wool required is a bulky, yet you used a 5ply and lace weight. How did you compensate for that gauge difference? These are the aspects of patterns I need to get better at. It looks so beautiful & squishy. Good luck with the extended teaching role. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you & the family.

[@mostlyknitting]

Thank you so much Jill. I think the Luft can be knit at a bulky gauge but it can also be knit more like a heavy worsted, aran weight which is how it seems Joji has used it with a 5mm needle. So the plump sport and the fluffy laceweight has worked well as a substitute. I also saw someone else had used this kind of combination and it worked - looking up other projects in raverly when choosing yarn is really helpful. Thank you so much for your lovely comments and well wishes. x

[@suzannejones5992]

You are not alone, I have, hundreds of times, not properly read the pattern because I know. Lol. 55 years later I'm still making the same mistake. Excitement......?

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks Suzanne. I like to think it is just excitement and enthusiasm... :)

[@paulalafontaine8020]

Cable innocent here. How do you know what row to eliminate from a repeat without compromising the appearance of the cable?

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Paula. For A Twisted Affair, there are 10 rows in the repeat and only one cable row. The other 9 are all 2x2 rib. So it is easy to just drop off one of those plain rows, at least for that pattern. :)

[@Zillah123]

May I ask what brand your dressmaker’s body form is? I’ve been getting back into sewing and am looking for a good one.😊

[@mostlyknitting]

I'm sorry i cant tell you anything about my dressform. It doesnt seem to have a brand name and I bought it about a decade ago.

[@lisacoy8524]

Hiw do you measure for long tail cast on,? Any tricks?

[@mostlyknitting]

I know if i leave 1 inch for every stitch cast on, i will have plenty. Probably about the right amount if the needle is around 5mm. For a smaller needle, i could get away with about 0.8" for every stitch i need to cast on. My wingspan is about 60" so i rarely get out a tape measure. I just say do one and half wingspan. I dont mind having a bit too much yarn in the tail. I can just cut that off. :)

[@lindabjork2067]

How do you walk and knit?

[@mostlyknitting]

Hi Linda. I only make take small projects like a hat or socks and have a knitting bag over my wrist. Once my son has finished his current exams, he will do a little video with me on a walk and I can hopefully show it better through a video. :)

[@Kera.S.]

I am usually a very nice person but I'll be honest, Laura Penrose, I am not happy with her. I'm honestly hoping you say something to her about the math on this. I get so sick of everyone singing her praises all the time. I will no longer have anything to do with her at all, no content whatsoever. I guess she struck me the wrong way when I found out she will never pick anyone for test knitting her patterns if they don't have IG. I mean wtf! So the only people she picks will be those who podcast and, actually said, with higher reach/followers. I understand that is her way of advertising for free, but it was my understanding the testing was for making sure the pattern was correct. Anyone who puts sales over quality... Nope! That's how things like crappy pattern math get through the process. I don't want to test, that's not the issue, but I certainly don't want to be forced to have an IG if I choose to. I download lots of designers test calls just to see details about a pattern I like, yardage requirements etc before release, never have I seen anyone else say that. Come at me in the comments if you want to fellow knitters, but IMHO, we are better than this! (sorry, I've been salty about this for awhile now and haven't said anything, I apologize it was here) lol

[@mostlyknitting]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I understand your frustration. We all have things that bother us. Mine is designers who are active on instagram, promoting their patterns, and yet dont answer any questions around the patterns they sell. If they make time to promote the patterns, i believe they should make time to give some support to the people who have purchased them. But that's my beef...