💎 PURLS OF WISDOM 💎 our knitting life lessons & tips for beginner (and not-so beginner) knitters

📸 Paige's instagram: @purlswithpaige ( / purlswithpaige )
🧶 Paige's ravelry: www.ravelry.co...
📸 Sarah's instagram: @sig_knits ( / sig_knits )
🧶 Sarah's ravelry: www.ravelry.co...
📧 Email: [e-mail]
⚖️ The Standard Adult Beanie Unit (kanecoulton.gi...)
____________
WEARING:
Paige:
🧣 “Sunday Sweater Mohair” by Petite Knit
🧶 Rowan Kid classic
(www.ravelry.co...)
Sarah:
🧣 “April Cardigan” by Petite Knit
🧶 Morris & Sons Maya Baby Alpacca

[@divinelyengineered]

LOVE finding more STEM girlies who knit! My people!! Your personalities are so contagious and I love when I can catch your videos early 😊 these purls of wisdom were great. My purl would be: if you don't like the trend, don't feel pressured into knitting it! I've come close to falling for trendy patterns, but then I realize it does not fit my style at ALL, even if I love the pictures.

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG I couldn't agree more! I have knitted more than a few things that were cool at the time and they just haven't stood the test of time...

[@peerreviewed]

Related but slightly different to the point about buying a needle set, what I did was that instead of buying fixed circulars to start, I would buy the tips and cords I needed for the project. I didn’t find it much more expensive than buying fixed circulars, but it meant that over time I’ve basically built up a needle set a little at the time. I did a lot of research and so still buy the same needles that I started with, but it also allows you the flexibility to try out different brands and models of interchangeables if you wanted to

[@twopurlsinapod]

Smart cookie, that's definitley a less overwhelming way to sample different needles and see what you like.

[@astudyinpanic]

That's kinda what I did as well. I tried a few different needle tips but pretty fast found ones I liked the most and then got a whole set of those. I did upgrade later on on a new set but only after like 10 years of knitting and being in the position to "waste" the money for a new set I really wanted. 😅But yeah, hardly have any fixed needles lying around...

[@elleandish]

i agree a jumper is the most exciting as a first project! 🎉

[@twopurlsinapod]

So much more wearable!

[@Ferrousfibers]

My latest purl of wisdom has been embracing knitting in environments that aren’t at home on my sofa. I just spent the day knitting by the river and honestly it’s life changing. My sofa doesn’t cut it anymore. As a cold weather knitter my summer has been less about what I’m knitting and more about WHERE I’m knitting. Loved this episode!

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG I love this so much. Sounds blissfull.

[@pattimaley]

Love girls with brains and a love for yarn!! Congrats to you both!!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha thanks so much lovely 🥰

[@tanyat5765]

I've just recently discovered you two (a recommendation by an American knitter who's "Top 10 favourite knitting podcasts" episode appeared in my feed--congratulations on making her list!!). It's lovely to see and hear Australians, even better, Melbournians (I'm a regional Victorian), and I love that you have this wonderful hobby in common and can enjoy it together. I can't help but think "Where were you when I was younger?". Born in the early 70's, I've knitted since I was a child, but it was never cool, and none of my peers did. I guess there may have been a community of others like me, but with no internet, I never came upon them. The discovery of Ravelry in the late naughties was a wonderment and I have gained so much pleasure from this hobby and the knitting community since. Searching for Australian Knitting content, I initially found Fruity Knitting a few years ago (made in Germany by Australians) which has been hugely influential and enjoyable for me,and now to have you two sharing your enthusiasm and ideas I have even more TV knitting pleasure! Congratulations on what you're doing, and I look forward to watching the rest of your past episodes and will enjoy looking forward to new ones. Also congratulations on your achievements in your professional fields. As a (no longer practicing) physio, I have huge admiration for all in the health profession, and know what a delight it is to have an enjoyable hobby.

[@lavendercottagefibrearts]

i think starting with a dk-worsted weight yarn, and a lighter coloured yarn, with good stitch definition is a really good way to learn to read your stitches.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ooo that's such a good point, you're so right! Thanks chicka 🥰

[@ledraslavik7868]

I am very much a process knitter. It is my therapy. I prefer paying for yarn than paying someone to listen to me complain! 😊

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha a double win cos at the end of your therapy you get a lovely knitted thing :P

[@torisandifer518]

I finally found something that makes me do my gauge swatches every time, which is I can practice the textures / cables. It helps with my perfectionism too! I definitely only swatch for garments though, not wasting time or yarn for a beanie

[@twopurlsinapod]

Yep, that's a good carrot to get me to do a gauge swatch as well. I find my first set of cables are never the best when I dive right in...

[@veraetches-co4mg]

My tip about getting the gauge swatch done is to do it for the next project before you finish your current one (as something interesting when you current project is dragging). That way, it feels like you are getting a jump on the project vs taking time that delays it.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Omg this is genius!

[@AilsaDaly]

Hi guys, love your podcast. I have a purl of wisdom for a beginner knitter which is related to investing in a needle set early. There are circular needles available in spotlight and lincraft that are of no use for the purpose of knitting whatsoever. If you started knitting with those and you didn't know there were better options, you would never take it up as a hobby as the experience is just so difficult. At least a cheap yarn will physically work, but bad quality circular needles are just not even fit for purpose.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ugh I remember those, so unpleasant to knit on. You're so right it's like a self-fulfilling prophecy.

[@robyn.ouimet]

Great advice! I would add this: *always* use stitch markers when doing repeats of lace or colourwork, whether the pattern calls for it or not. Since I started doing this, so many times, I have caught mistakes quickly and avoided ripping back several rows for a fix!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Yes!! Good point!

[@simovj]

Hi girls, my pearl of wisdom is, when doing a tubular cast on, use a straight needle, that way the stitches don't twist. You can transfer it to a circular after the 2 set up rows. 😊

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG this is genius! I have only just started doing tubular cast ons and it's an absolute nightmare, so thanks so much 🥰

[@BrendaBeckett-ob8wf]

Love the purls of wisdom. I’m definitely a product knitter, but I’m here for the process. My first project was a Lopi colorwork sweater. That’s what I wanted so that’s what I made. I was lucky to have a roommate that was a knitter who helped me along the way. Later, when I got better, I used to help a friend with all her mistakes. She used to say that I knew the anatomy of a stitch. I work in medicine so it’s a perfect analogy and I thought you two would like it as well.

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG the anatomy of a stitch, that is such a perfect term!

[@nancygillarddoran7213]

I really love your podcast! I’m in a knitting group called the Knitwits, and someone in the group told me about it. I’m having so much fun knitting up a storm while watching back episodes. Your projects and yarn choices are inspiring, and I love to hear a little about your lives. 😊❤️👏🏻🧶

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha omg I love it, Knitwits! Also, in general knitting groups are the absolute dream. Say hello to everyone for us 🥰

[@mary34160]

I just have discovered you two pearls. Love listening to your podcast while I knit. Great discussions and so much positive vibes. The joy of your friendship and mutual admiration just shines!❤

[@twopurlsinapod]

Thank you so much, is such a fun way to spend time together

[@michaelvanwyk4314]

I completely agree with Paige.. a jumper is a great start. I started with scarfs and beanies.. and ended every project with a "meh". Taking on a jumper allowed me to still have the repetitive nature, but mix in new techniques. I recently have been doing a test knit and learned Japanese short rows.. and it is a game changer. The new techniques make the process exciting. Even something like making a striped jumper.. the colour change is exciting! I also suggest trying a top down for your first project.. it allows you to try on as you go, and that makes it more exciting. Tincan Knits have an amazing free app, with a step by step tutorial, beyond size inclusive and great first projects. P.S- I love watching and do so from central Canada!

[@twopurlsinapod]

I have just googled Japanese short rows and my mind is completley blown. Thanks so much for sharing

[@michaelvanwyk4314]

Right!?! They are also nearly invisible. I’m in love.

[@moniqueknowles1906]

Hi Sarah and Paige! I was just in Melbourne recently (I'm from the NSW Central Coast) and I loved visiting Maker maker and Sunspun and getting to squish all the yarn! I think a gauge swatch is good to do to see if you actually like the fabric you are getting. If the gauge is a bit off but you love the fabric then you can always do knitting maths, or choose a different project for that yarn. I also agree with you about investing in a good needle set early. I love my Chiagoo interchangeables!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Hello! GLad you liked them. I think in hindisght I would say that my purl would be closer to what youre saying that it's swatch to create the fabric you like, then work from there regarding the instructions.

[@karenpayne-du1oc]

I’m a new knitter & my first knitting project was a beginner friendly scarf pattern from Morris & Sons. It was a great way to try casting on, knitting, creating a picot edge, increasing & decreasing & casting off. My second project was the PetiteKnit Sophie Scarf. This was another learning curve with the knitting, noting RS & WS, learning how to kfb & skp & reading the pattern. To keep track of the row counting & stitch count I ended up setting up a grid so I could track which row I was on & how many stitches I should have. I used Rowan Kidsilk Haze & Alpaca Soft DK which was another learning experience of holding two yarns together. I didn’t find the knitting boring but rather it was a confidence building achievement for me & I loved it! Now I’m ready for a bigger project & it will either be the PetiteKnit Stockholm slipover or Florence Miller’s basic cardigan (her tutorial for this is great). For me the biggest thing is deciphering the knitting pattern…. 😮

[@twopurlsinapod]

This seems like such a nice step up for patterns. I really enjoy making sophie scarves (maybe cos I'm a prject knitter and I love wearing them). Good luck with your garment!!! 🥰

[@gisellecubillos871]

So many good purls on of wisdom. But the one that really hit me was about not being a monogamous knitter!! 💯 I think the idea that was planted when I started knitting that I needed to finish a project before starting a new one actually contributed to me leaving the hobby for years because I was hating a project and just could not force myself to work on it 😑

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha I can't imagine working on only one thing at once, you need options!

[@jordnthomas]

my first project was fingerless gloves in a hand dyed yarn. it was fun to go into the yarn store and pick a beautiful yarn and complete the project in that same week. it’s been a year since then and i’ve been hooked ever since!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Oooo I like that, it small and gives you the satisfaction of finishing a project quickly but not to complicated. Sounds like it was the perfect gateway...

[@SilverDraco]

Dr's! That's so cool! No wonder you have perfectionism in your knitting when it's demanded in your work. I'm glad you've relaxed for your knitting, though. Unless it's really visible, knitting time is too short for all that ripping back. Paige, you're going to do great as a Peds Dr. You'll immediately put your pts at ease because when you smile, it lights up your whole face. The kids will see it immediately. Sarah, the public needs all the GPs it can get. Thank you for taking that specialty! I loved seeing your friendship and your FO's. You've got a new subscriber!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Thanks so much lovely 🥰

[@lorishockley3891]

Hey! I’m a pediatrician in Iowa! Love these “clinical purls”. Totally agree with all of them, especially the advice to frog it if you don’t wear it!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha thanks lovely 🥰

[@mr.percyknits]

I don't know how to go about saying this, but don't impulse buy patterns based on designer's photos alone or one viral photo. Always look at the project pages of others. You'll get a better idea if what you're seeing in the pictures is achievable. Also, if you're using different yarn then what the pattern recommends, see if anyone else used something similar to what you want to use. Sometimes your project might not look the same! It could have more drape or show stitches differently. Just bc you have yarn doesn't mean you can knit whatever and have it turn out the way it looks in the pictures.

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG this is so true, so often I've fallen for a pattern and turns out it was just beautiful styling and not feasible for real life. So so true

[@Abipolz]

Agree with many many of these! Will reference this video for new knitting friends. Also - I’m a physician Knitter as well - we call them Board exams in the US - congratulations!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Thanks lovely 🥰

[@heatherr9201]

Yes I knit and crochet several projects at a time and rotate as my need and mood needs:)

[@twopurlsinapod]

Omg I’m the same, you need options!

[@tracischieber4253]

When people want me to knit for them, I have started saying No, but I’ll teach YOU to knit.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha such a good way to pivot back to them 😉

[@user-jy5nf7zb3v]

Thanks for the fab presentations, another southern hemisphere doctor here. I’ve returned to knitting after giving up knitting a sweater for my now 30 year old which had loose left leaning decreases, frogged into a slipover. advice for restarters like me 1. good lighting for those winter knits nights, reading lights are a gift. 2. don’t knit dark coloured socks on tiny needles in winter, not fun, done that never again only do fun knits, 3. embrace circulars and as the world of current patterns opens up…though I can’t bear to throw away my old straight needles in my mother’s knitting bag. Thanks for your great advice

[@twopurlsinapod]

Hello! All very sensible and excellent tips 🥰

[@marionmcintyre4115]

I knitted my first jumper when I was ten. I am now over seventy and have only knitted a few scarves in that time. they are boring. Since retiring from teaching my knitting has been my saviour. I occasionally knit for other people, but have never been able to put a price on it. I recently knitted a jumper for a gentleman who lost his wife and had the yarn and a partially knitted jumper. Luckily it was simple in structure but needed sewing together. I had to watch a few KZbin videos to help me remember what to do. As there was yarn left over I knitted him a mussleborough hat. He was very happy with the resulting jumper and gave me another WIP along with the straight needles. I have not used straights since I realized that they gave me tennis elbow. Thanks for the lovely chat with Aussie knitters. I get very confused with the seasons. At the moment I am knitting my first summer top which is called Room to Bloom by Veronica Lindberg. I am using wool and cotton and shortening the sleeves to make it more summery!

[@twopurlsinapod]

What a glorious long knitting career! That sounds like a lovely combo of jumper and beanie 🥰

[@tessa5]

I found even, colour-changing yarn really helpful in learning to read my knitting. I knitted my first sweater (the Flax sweater by Tin Can Knits, a free pattern that comes in loads of sizes) in a thick-and-thin tweedy yarn. Most of the time I had no idea how to read what I'd done. Then I knitted a sweater in a colour-changing yarn (Lang Yarns Cloud) and each round turned out a different colour. This made it much easier to see how the stitches were shaped, where each round was and where something had gone wrong!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ooo that’s such a good one!

[@leighhuggins5030]

I agree with so much of what you shared; thank you, Sarah and Paige! I learned how to knit in middle school but just picked it up again in 2023, and, of course, I decided to start with a drop-shoulder V-neck sweater in a cashmere blend fingering weight yarn. WTF was I thinking?? I WISH I'd had the fortitude to frog it, but of course, I tried to wash it to make it fit better and completely ruined in 😭 Honestly I didn't knit something that I regularly wear until late last year. It took me 6-8 months to feel comfortable enough reading patterns, knowing which yarns to choose for myself and the climate I live in, knowing what kind of design choices I prefer, what colors suit me best, etc. However, a huge part of my building that comfort was continually challenging myself to take on more complex projects. For example, I committed to knitting my uncle (basically my second father) the Zipper Sweater Man for Christmas, and I finished it in 2 months using really lovely alpaca yarn. I took the time I needed to make it fit and to get that zipper in as best I could because it was so important to me that he loved it and wore it as much as possible. That was a massive confidence booster for me and it led me to finish my first cardigan with hand-dyed yarn and begin my first fingering weight top, etc. I am most definitely a polyamorous knitter, and my ChiaoGoo interchangeable steel needle set is my ride-or-die. I still don't knit gauge swatches but that's more because I'm confident in my ability to adjust patterns accordingly to fit me and I now understand how different fiber bases bloom, block, etc. Great advice, thank you for sharing!

[@twopurlsinapod]

This breaks my heart, but I'm glad that your knitting story has a happy ending❤️

[@rachaelwalker6490]

Loved this video as I’m still fairly new to knitting. My first project was a pair of knitted socks, due to crochet socks not working for me. Watching you two fellow Aussie ladies is so much fun and real. You always make me laugh and feel like I’m sitting with friends. Thank you ❤

[@twopurlsinapod]

I'm so glad 🥰 I'm also so impressed at anyone who starts with socks, mainly cos it took me years to work up to trying socks...

[@KnitsByNayla]

Such a good idea for a video and so many gems! I love the one about it being okay to be a selfish knitter. I’ve found a lot, especially since I started more publicly sharing my crafting, that people’s first response is that I should monetize, I should sell my work or do custom orders, or asking me to make them things. But this is my hobby and I do it because I enjoy it. I don’t necessarily want to turn it into a business. I have occasionally taken a commission. But I don’t typically enjoy the pressure that comes with it. So I’m learning to just say no (although not all the time, I’m a work in progress 😅). I’m not even sure why but the pressure of a test knit deadline versus a commission deadline is sooo different. I will test knit all day. But it’s so much scarier to me to have someone pay for my work and maybe miss the deadline or not meet their expectation in the final product. On the other side, I do enjoy gift knitting for the most part when there isn’t really a deadline associated. I just made my sister a mini mock neck tank and I’m so excited to give it to her. But when people ask for things I’m always doing mental math like well if I agree to make that then there’s another project for myself that I have to delay. Who knew there was so many feelings and thoughts involved in to knit or not to knit?! 😂

[@twopurlsinapod]

Omg everything you have said resonates so much. Such a good point.

[@leitesta1725]

Great vid - thanks for sharing. My purl of wisdom is to decide how much positive ease you like and choose your size based on that, not necessarily what the pattern calls for. I personally do not like a lot of positive ease so I have had awesome results since I made this realization and have chosen sizes based on the finished garment size based on my own size and kind of ignored the recommended ease!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Oooo good one! I feel like I'm so beholden to the pattern but really I should be more bold to just knit what size I want... Thanks lovely 🥰

[@illiamw]

On Ravelry, hiding designers and patterns you aren't interested in makes it so much easier to find your next project.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ong I didn’t even know you could do this! Great tip 😁

[@susiesparkesactor]

Love all these purls of wisdom! A recent one for me is to banish the idea of sleeve island! I was hoping to finish the sleeves on my jumper so I could wear it to the Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival - very kitsch festival in South Gippsland! 😱🧶🫖 Got to the elbow on one sleeve so I popped it on a Barber Cord, and I just left the needles dangling on the other sleeve. Under my coat you couldn’t tell but you could still see the colourwork around the yoke and the hem. 🤣 Love your podcast to bits!!!😃

[@twopurlsinapod]

Hahaha this is absolute gold. I've been known to tuck an unfinished hem into my jeans still on barber cord but this is next level. Oh so impressed.

[@nicolelafontaine1720]

I just love this episode. So many great advices. I agree a little mistake is OK, I wouldn't do one on purpose, but there is always one I accept to leave for that good reason, just to prove it is handmade ! I totally agree on investing on good needles, it make all the difference. I love to knit my socks toe/up, two at a time, I love magic loop, but this is because I have a set of mini from Chiaogoo and their cable is so very flexible, it just makes life easy. I never get second sock syndrome, plus my socks are always the same height, without having to count their tiny rows ... I also love to use a row counter, especailly on lace, I just slide it on the cable, change the number every time I pass it, easy habit to acquire. I used to accept to knit for others, now, I offer to teach them to knit, it works. They either not ask for anything anymore or if they learn to knit even something small, they become so much more careful with the knitted items you do for them. They do not felt it on the first wash, complaining it was "bad yarn" (like cashmere) and ask for another one ... I also get people to cocreate their knitted gift : color, yarn choice, size, pattern. They then realize how much work just these choices are, let alone the knitting itself. Last winter I had a friend asking for 4 pairs of socks, size 10 US, grey, dark bleu, beige and green, I told her it takes me 2 weeks to knit one pair, but she didn't seem to hear ... This spring, I offered her the first pair and she said there was no time line on the others, so it will probably be 2 pairs / year, one for Christmas, the other one for her birthday. 😉

[@fitzroy5862]

The only thing I love more than a cute knit is a pair of mad trousers! Paige’s fit for the win today - those pants are 🔥. Elizabeth Zimmerman once said that you will spend a lot of time with your knitting so use the best tools and materials that you can afford, to make for not only a beautiful finished object but a wonderful, mindful creative experience (I’m paraphrasing, but you get the gist!). I have never regretted following this advice (especially as more of a process knitter). As always, love your infectious joy for the craft, always makes me pick up my needles 💗

[@tacistudio]

Congratulations again on passing your exams Paige. I’m amazed at your accomplishments. I can’t believe how much k it it g you get done when you are so busy and studying for a doctor degree. You are an amazing young lady. Congratulations 👏👏👏💖

[@twopurlsinapod]

Thanks lovely 🥰

[@myrellard7274]

My first project was a sweater! A yarn shop lady tried to discourage me. I went elsewhere bought beautiful yarn and am so proud of my first project!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Yesss so glad that you stuck to your guns 😁

[@alexjames_fiber]

ok this is so funny because the video I posted today is on the same topic!! I agree with absolutely everything you said except the acrylic yarn thing🙊 I knit my first sweater out of pound of love acrylic and LOVED knitting with it! It is my most worn garment and it only cost me $12! I don't knit with acrylic anymore for environmental reasons (don't love plastic clothes) but I think there is totally amazing acrylic yarn out there for your first project. Also cost was a big barrier to entry for me so because I was able to get a whole sweaters quantity for $12, I found a hobby that I love and will do forever :)

[@twopurlsinapod]

Hahah great minds! I saw your first pod episode and love the vibe 😁 It's such a goldilocks zone with yarn, but you're right theres a time and a place for more inexpensive yarn I recon. Glad it's still getting enojoyment 🥰

[@barbarabuckley511]

Loved your pearls. As a relatively new knitter I would add take some time to learn about yarn properties and how much you personally need to make items for you and what makes a good substitution. I regret some of my early yarn purchases where I purchased beautiful yarn without an exact project in mind and have either not enough or way too much or it doesn’t have the correct characteristics to substitute. i have decided not to worry about the seasons and just knit a mix of summer and winter knits all year round ready for when I need them.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Oooo such a good tip 😁

[@karenjordan1822]

I love your purls of wisdom. Would you put out your final lists for us to print and share with our knitting friends (and those we’re bringing into knitting,too)? I’m so happy I found your podcast. Your friendship makes my heart happy. And your knitting is inspiring.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ooo good point, I’ll write up a summary and add to description. Stay tuned 😁

[@thelefthandedreader6632]

You guys. ❤I’m sitting here knitting my first garment as a new knitter. Yes, I did a scarf first. 😮. I’m still doing it! Thanks. This was so fun and worthwhile. Love. Love!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha keep going, it gets better I promise!!!

[@tacistudio]

Love this episode. About the tubular cast Jackie Rose for Jax & Roses ( she was formerly Cadyjax) has a fabulous tutorial for the tubular cast on. 🥰💖

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ooo thanks so much 🥰

[@TerraneanStitch]

I got some yarn to my husband like five years ago and cast on for a scarf for him. I didn't expect he would ever finish the project, I just wanted him to try what I do almost all the time. After five years, he still take up the scarf sometimes but it's kind of boring for him, because it's still the same and neverending. He would like to try himself a sweater but he feels like he needs practice before doing so. So we decided he would try a hat first! We chose Musselburgh hat because he will practice the increases needed for a raglan sweater (and decreases in the end as well). He's still been practicing the increases in a small swatch, but I think we will cast on the hat pretty soon!

[@twopurlsinapod]

I think a Mussleborough would be perfect! Great life choices 🥰

[@bathulhu]

I think another point in don't use icky cheap yarn is that nicer yarns are usually more forgiving and acrylic etc doesn't block to even out and cheaper stuff can be bumpy and rough/catch on needles which makes knitting harder/project look worse. I would also say as part of studying your knitting, to check the structure against other knits because a lot of people accidentally twist their knitting, and to try different types like English vs continental because some just "click" better with you.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Yesss, love both of these!

[@knittenpurl8572]

Loved your purls! Mine are that knitting has shown me what mistakes I can live with, and which ones I can't. Totally vibe with the "it's not as hard as it looks". My way of saying that is that every skill is easier than I think it will be. My version of knitting a swatch is that it's optional...if you're ok with frogging. I'll just cast on but a few inches in I'll block and measure. Mentally that feels better for me? I have recast on though... My biggest purl was understanding gauge math and taking the time to measure myself. It made it easier for me to adjust my knitting and I count rows vs measuring now! I feel like my knits fit so much better as a result

[@heatherr9201]

A good one for sure ❤

[@twopurlsinapod]

Oooh good one, I feel like once you have the confidence to play with yarns and gauge your options would open up massively.

[@knittenpurl8572]

@@twopurlsinapod I keep thinking of more now! Another one is that it is a hobby, so it's ok to end up not liking something. I've made a lot of stuff that I don't love with yarn that was maybe a mistake, and that's ok. I don't need to frog it, or give it away or sell it or find a use for it. I can just call it a learning experience and move on. I think because knitting is seen as a useful skill and "women's work" we can put a lot of pressure on ourselves that what we make is amazing and an heirloom and if we don't like it definitely frog it etc. But we don't expect the same kind of utility out of other hobbies, like video games. So I made a few awkward sweaters that I probably won't wear for years and years. So what, you know? But I do recognize that I'm in a privileged place now where I can afford to do that. I've also spent years just reknitting acrylic yarn. Maybe I'm more of a process knitter than I thought... But when I am frogging a whole sweater to fix a mistake, my mantra is, "if I wanted a sweater quickly, I'd just buy it..." 😭

[@andiestashed]

This episode was so much fun!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Thank you!!!

[@ensoknit]

I love all of your purls of wisdom! Your episodes are always such a treat to watch!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Yessss, such a good one 😊

[@paulgarry5497]

Great podcast Paige and Sarah!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Thanks ☺️

[@kathryndenne1717]

I recommend a kids jumper as a first project. My mum did the bands on my first Jersey. Re needles. How you knit impacts which needles will be best for you so my tip is see if you can try before you invest in expensive needles and don't be influenced by other knitters that you should only use a particular type. I am a wooden not too pointy girl who knits complex lace on her not pointy needles.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ooo that’s such a good one 🥰

[@RachaelMartelli-dx5ce]

Haha I too made a ballon cardi and frogged ! Reknitted yarn into and April and did the button band twice lol

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha not just us then 🤦‍♀️ I take a lot of comfort from that...

[@VilyaLsCpt]

I've actually knitted an improvised garter stitch scarf as my first project just to get used to the knit stitch. My second project though was a simple jumper and it turned out great - even though i had to go back and undo it a couple of times to fix mistakes so in the end i knitted like 1.5 sweaters :D

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha sounds eerily familiar...

[@truesummerknits]

I spend a lot of time contemplating youtuber’s color seasons so I just wanted to share my guess for you two - Paige seems to be a bright winter and I think sarah is a warm spring!! Love y’all’s videos

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ooo what a fun game, who are your other assessments? Also, I think you're bang on so thanks for the colour guidance :P

[@truesummerknits]

@@twopurlsinapod 2 I’m sure you know- I feel confident that handmade by Florence is a light summer and ne knits is a true summer! My favorite game to play lol

[@annievu5746]

​@@truesummerknits ah that's interesting as I always thought dark hair brown eyes tend to be winter of some sorts. I'm east asian btw. What makes you class makes ne knits a true summer? Btw what would you class String things with Mel?

[@melanieholland2898]

I don’t think I’ve ever knit anything without a little mistake in over a decade 🙈 I would say a beanie and a baby jumper are the perfect first project because they have all the skills but more instant gratification or smaller to frog if need be! Can always put on a Teddy! Re gauge swatching- you are supposed to measure gauge over 10cm not knit 10cm- the bigger the swatch the more accurate it will be as the size will affect how your tension acts and the amount of fabric you create will affect how it reacts to blocking 😊 now to swatch for the book club card….

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha yeh i always extrapolate my swatches out in the off change I do them, cos I can't bear to make bigger ones. I'm glad I did for my book club cardigan tho, made me feel serious and professional 🥰

[@torisandifer518]

I absolutely LOVE Shameless! Why are all my favorite podcasts from Melbourne?

[@twopurlsinapod]

Every week when their next ep comes up I'm just so happy to settle into the gossip session. So good.

[@jillsio]

your local Knitting shop owner is and will be your best knitting friend. If it is an amazing shop, you can call them crying and they will fit you in to look over your work and give you assistance.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha having worked in a knitting shop in a past life, I loved it when regulars came in and we worked on their projects and problems.

[@Yvonne-dr54]

Must be something about the April cardigan I have blocked mine then I’m going to do button band I think it’s a delay tactic on my part

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha know that feeling...

[@Clemdoiron]

You guys are so sweet. I have friendship envy! Watching you is like having a knit-girls night! Love all the tips, thanks for taking the time to record those videos.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Thanks so much lovely 🥰

[@Jess38]

I agree with a jumper for your first project. My first knit was a sweater from Marly Bird. It was called my first sweater... I think. It looked horrible , like an ugly rectangle. I pulled it out and knit the Sunday sweater.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Mmm I just looked it up, very 2-dimensional... Glad to hear it got a second life as something much more wearable.

[@emmaschreier1285]

I would love to hear a list of your favorite knitting podcasters :) also I am knitting the step by step sweater as my first sweater and it’s going very well!

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG perfect project! Enjoy. Maybe we can talk about some of our favourite podcasts next time we film :)

[@rebeccatownsend1897]

Such a brilliant podcast today -thanks for sharing. Loved the name! I love both the process and the product. The process keeps me sane.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha thanks! Yeh I recently realised how much I rely on knitting process to calm myself. My friends call it my cigarette...

[@sidneyerickson4883]

If you can, join a knitting group! You’ll make friends and learn so much, get inspired and stretch your skills!

[@twopurlsinapod]

Well knitting friends are the best kind of friends, so this is perfect 🥰

[@valeriesuttonpayne7413]

I just ripped out a project I was almost done with bc I didn’t like the way it looked. I don’t know if I’ll start it again or not. I LOVE the yarn and color way. But I restarted it about three times. I was being sloppy. I’m a perfectionist, too. Once I see mistakes I can’t unsee them. I’m mad at myself bc I spent a lot of time on this project. Grrr!

[@twopurlsinapod]

I heard this thing once that women making carpets in Turkey will deliberatley introduce a mistake into their carpets because only god is perfect. I thiink about that a lot, and how it informs on my attitude to perfectionism. Now its a flourish (deliberate or otherwise) that reflects my own imperfections :D

[@nestledinknits]

Agreed with all of those wonderful purls of wisdom! A scarf truly is the worst project you can start with haha

[@twopurlsinapod]

All these years later, the only scarves I still wear are my Sophie scarves. Everything else is a waste...

[@simovj]

It's so frustrating when you use circular needles, I kept starting over and getting angry. In this way, once the stitches are on the fixed needle, you then use your circular to do the set up rows so the all thing is automatically transfered ready for your project ❤

[@franmarel2883]

So entertaining listening to you both whilst I plough on with my project knit cardy for my daughter (Field Day Cardigan in black 😖) I love it when you find a design that speaks to both the project and process knitter in you. That’s why I cannot wait to start the Book Club Cardigan!!🥳

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG navy is as dark as I'll ever go, good on you!

[@tonyrigby6844]

Top tips from the aussie purls 😊

[@twopurlsinapod]

Haha thanks!

[@maryeberle8994]

Great information! My first project was a cowl with lots of different techniques: lace, color work, slipped stitches, etc. It's quite large, so it took a long time, plus I got stuck and went to my LYS for help many, many times. It's the Effuary Cowl by Casapinka. I love it. I've made several other cowls since then using a different pattern. Now I'm working on my first jumper--the Felix Cardigan.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Oooo cowl seems like a much more sensible choice than scarf for first project. Also love to hear you leveling up to garment!!!

[@erikafrey2974]

Paige: that final outtake- you dress like a Paed! Haha. Congrats on your exams. I have just submitted my PhD (public Health), after almost 6 years, so I am definitely with you on that feeling of relief.

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG huge congrats! That would have been such a slog. Hope you're relaxing with lots of kntting time now it's submitted.

[@kimbim96]

My first project were socks (and I didn't even make a swatch or learnt to purl or knit before). I think it depends from person to person but for me my learning curve gets increased by difficulty. My first socks weren't great and aren't warable but the 10 pairs which came after them are almost perfect😊

[@twopurlsinapod]

People who start with socks just amaze me. You are amazing.

[@kimbim96]

​@@twopurlsinapodI think I was just determined :) Love watching your podcast!

[@sheilamccart7553]

I’ve never gauge swatched in my life 😂😂

[@twopurlsinapod]

Don't tempt me with this attitude...

[@ThePattiw]

I thought you two said "pills of wisdom" being doctors and all, but then I read some of the comments that mention purls of wisdom , and duh! I get that too! 😂 Great purl pills!!! One of the things I would mention is to learn how to modify the pattern to fit your body It is not too difficult to do. And another: making a gauge swatch/ tension square really comes in handy to figure out how to sub a different weight of yarn for the pattern. I have found this to be priceless! Thank you so much for a great video!

[@twopurlsinapod]

😂 omg if only I could take pills of wisdom

[@emmaginaryfriend]

Hi Sarah! I'm loving your April Cardigan! You mentioned that you used 100% alpaca yarn and I was curious about your experience with using alpaca in knitted garments. Do you find that your finished object grows too much? I have a sweater's quantity of 100% alpaca yarn that I'm excited to use, but I've heard mixed thoughts about using only alpaca and that I should opt for a blend instead.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Hello! I am a full alpacca convert, they are increasingly my favourite garments. Whilst they don't grow in my expereicen, they are very drapey, so anythign that needs a bit of structure is probably not the best, but for classic simple garments where the yarn can shine I think alpacca is perfect 🥰

[@sunnyw4148]

first project hats are a great segway to socks.

[@twopurlsinapod]

Ooo I agree 😁

[@jilliankonig2759]

People are the same about sewing. When they see something I made, they say, "I made an apron in middle school. I hate sewing." Knitting a scarf as your first project is only good if you love scarves and wear them all the time. Also, if people want to learn to knit, they need to be willing to frog projects or mistakes. They can't be in a hurry to finish. Learning is the point. I restart knitting projects sometimes three or four times, and I'm not above frogging an entire sweater, because I don't knit because I'll have nothing else to wear until I finish it. I choose projects that feature something I want to learn how to do. People admire the finished product; they don't need to hear about the multiple starts. People will say, "Oh, it's easy for you." No, it wasn't easy, but I persevered anyway and now it's finished.

[@twopurlsinapod]

I completley agree, dismissing it as easy takes away from the work and the effort. I have to be carefull to not be dismissive of my own work and be more proud of it I think.

[@MakingItwithDee]

I've just started watching your videos and have loved them so far. This particular video though... One of your "pearls" made me realise my age. I felt a little let down with the "don't use cheap yarn from Spotlight" comment and I don't like to use 'woke' terminology, but I found that to be a particularly "privileged" point of view and I immediately attributed it to your generation. If I were wanting to pursue knitting as a hobby, I would have been put off by that comment. It sounded like "if you can't afford good yarn, knitting's probably not for you"... I started out using acrylic yarns and I feel like it was a great beginner-friendly material to practice my skills until I felt confident enough to broaden my horizons - bit by bit because I can't afford the price of good quality fibre. I did the same with my sewing while I was learning, I used cheap Spotlight fabric to build my skill levels until I felt like I knew what I was doing. Now I'm more confident as a sewer and will purchase more expensive yarn. Please consider the Joe Blogs of the world... unless your podcast is not for everyone...🤔

[@twopurlsinapod]

Hey Dee, thanks for highlighting this. I suppose the thing that I've taken for granted is that I'm considering these pearls with the benefit of hindsight, that I now know that I would keep it up, and it would be a worthwhile investment. But I recognise that when you're starting you might not have that confidence to commit financially if it turns out it 's not for you. I hope that this podcast can be for everyone, but I can appreciate how the message of "fewer nicer things" can come across and elisism and inaccessible, which is certainly not what we want. Thanks for pointing this out.

[@Izzabellaa]

Ah yes the first scarf that measures like 12 inches but you can totally style it somehow 😅😅

[@twopurlsinapod]

Hahaha, I wish I'd kept mine, just as a marker to remember how far I'd come...

[@diamantina2609]

Me gustaría poder verlas, pero cuando hablan normal tengo que subir el volumen y cuando se ríen me aturden. Una pena…

[@twopurlsinapod]

Lo siento.

[@knittingflem]

Loved the video, but honestly i am a bit disappointed by jimmy.

[@twopurlsinapod]

😂 disappointed but not surprised. Thanks chick 🥰

[@mrsgsfoodscience7346]

I have never knitted monogamously…but…I have projects that are …20 years old 😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫 so not bragging 😂 I am disgusting and will go away and find them under a pile of polyamorous scarves ……

[@twopurlsinapod]

😂😂😂

[@lorrainewalker9426]

I find drops yarn gives a beautiful experience at a very affordable price. ❤🧶x, I agree with all your wisdom tips girls, happy knitting. Oh love the April cardigan, colour is great, I’ve made 4 up to now 😮

[@twopurlsinapod]

I've heard so much about Drops, but it's so hard to come by in Ausstrlaia, but sounds like it hits that perfect Goldilocks zone of not too expensive and still good quality. WOuld love to try some day.

[@knotyeoldecrochet]

Omg Paige! You said that you're most probably preaching to people watching who are already knitters ... Guess what? I'm NOT a knitter ... Not yet! But I sooooo want to learn as I love lacework & colourwork jumpers 😍 I love your videos you two ladies are so great to watch & I'm learning so much! ❤ Susannah

[@twopurlsinapod]

OMG yessss, welcome to the knit side!

[@knotyeoldecrochet]

@@twopurlsinapod hahaha ... I always say that crochet is my 1st love, but sometimes I feel like a knitter trapped in a crocheters body lol