Knitting Goals and New Office Tour // Casual Friday 3-49

[@conniecamp5749]

Thank you. I continue to love you podcast. Congratulations on the new office space! My goal for this year is not so much knitting, sewing or crocheting - or even gardening - but rather to stop obsessing about how much I want to get done before I die and just enjoy the process of making things from start to finish. I want to live one day at a time. Again, thank you for the podcast. I have learned so much from you.

[@sunrhyze]

That's a great goal.

[@michelleellis1290]

I absolutely love casual Fridays 🥰 thank you for sharing your journey 🥰

[@karynspertzel207]

I’m doing the MakeNine2021 - it seemed a neat way of thinking about what I’d like to do in the upcoming year. I thought about what techniques I wanted to try, what yarns in my stash I was really wanting to use, and what designers I wanted to try. And it was only for big projects (sweaters or shawls). And that’s how I came up with my MakeNine. If I get through it all, I’ll be thrilled. If I don’t, I won’t beat myself up. The planning is half the fun!

[@melanezoe]

Oh, yes. As a professional quilter, I can assure you ANY fabric, not just quilting cottons recommended to beginners, are used in quilts. Velvets, corduroy, plisse, damask, denim, even paper and cellophane candy wrappers have come to me in customer’s tops for me to quilt. I’ve even quilted knitted and crocheted blocks onto fleece. Makers are endlessly creative. And one of our memes is “there are no quilt police.” Ditto for knitters.

[@ep9233]

I would like to try twined knitting and hope you will post a video about the type of yarn recommended and actual techniques used. Thank you for hanging in there during what I call the “lost year” and keeping us all interested.

[@traceyhall9018]

Wow, 40 unfinished projects! I thought I had a lot! I can’t wait to see your sweater creations from the 1940s and 1950s.

[@debbieschulz9284]

One of my goals for next year is to take apart a few sweaters that I don't wear and reknit the wool into sweaters that I would love to wear. I love to knit sweaters so I think I will alternate making a sweater from new wool then make a sweater from "frogged" wool. There is no sense having a sweater take up space in my closet when I don't wear it. I loved all the wool when I bought it so it's time to make it all shine.

[@JessicaSmith-gd1fu]

2021 will be a finish it up year for me. I will finish my Purl Together KAL of Norah's vintage afghan. Just now I am connecting the blocks. I plan to do a knitted I-cord edging. That need's to be done for a September wedding. I will finish the Lion Brand 2020 Traveling afghan. I have 3 more blocks to knit, then connect and edge. That need's go be done by August. The rest of the finishing will be quilts. One is basted and ready to quilt by machine. That needs to be done by June. There are two more tops to consider, if I get the time. Roxanne, I always enjoy these Casual Friday posts!

[@sandygrogg1203]

Wow.. That little red rug certainly puts things into perspective, doesn’t it? Your new office looks good! I just moved from a 3 BR, 2 bath house... Dr, kitchen, and LR.....into a one bedroom, one bath...very small... apartment.. most of my yarn was stuffed into three tall white cabinets.... Yarn tends to tumble out, when a door is opened! I guess my immediate goal is to get it all organized.... I love your Casual Friday’s, because I enjoy listening to you...no matter what thd topic is. I always learn something, and thst is fun... I have to admit thst I Hs do befn doing very little knitting, because my focus has been on crocheting lots of Preemie blankets and hats for tho new maternity sing’s NICU at Cincinnati’s Children’s Hospital. The idea is to eliminate the need to transport these delicate babies. Good idea!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

The rug really does give me perspective! When I was planning out the room on graph paper, I kept worrying that things would be much more cramped in real life than on paper, and as I moved things into the room and I had piles of yarn and books, I thought for sure I wouldn't have enough room, but it's working out great, so far!

[@buzzwaffle]

Goals for Early 2021: Finish up Level 1 of TKGA; knit some socks that fit & get comfortable with cuff down; then tackle toe-up sock knitting. In Fall, Start Level 2 of TKGA. Thank for all your help, Roxanne.

[@buzzwaffle]

I love the sweater you are wearing! Maybe you can move your desk perpendicular to the window, so your most used books are to your back;that way you still get the natural light. Put the heater on the shelf under the other window. When you get the closet bare, you you can use a shoe organizer, the kind with clear pockets, to store skeins. I can't help it, I like organizing and decor!

[@NYKnitter]

I enjoy TaskMaster but also not as background to knit to. Helpful to your viewers and myself is you do casual Friday casts that are informative and nice to just listen to while knitting. Tuesdays, for me, are grab some scrap yarn and try out what ever technique I would like or need to conquer.

[@karinberryman2009]

While some of us are watching you, and other knitting podcasts, to chill out during a somewhat surreal year, you are shutting all that out to dig even deeper into technique, resources etc.!

[@teresaallan6841]

Best wishes for the holidays and New Year! My goals are to continue knitting from stash, finish up some blankets, repurpose some yarn, and stop impulse buying!

[@sekwa75]

Knitting goals for 2021-22: cables, socks, a sweater. I just received 2 Tunisian crochet hooks from a prize draw, so learning that is now a 2021 goal as well.

[@jinnyedge6180]

I have had 4 major brain surgeries in the last year which have left my left side weak. So I picked up my crochet hook and am making a couple of granny square blankets for 2020. My plans for 2021 are to improve my crochet repertoire and makes items for donation, especially for Animals in Need UK. If that goes ok I might try just knitting tube socks for in the house. I loved your new craft room - great job of reorganisation. Jinny x

[@judyhbaker]

I'm going to continue working on two things I started this year. The first is working through Kate Atherley's book, Custom Socks: Knit to fit your feet. I've made several pairs of socks but none ever fit me. (I have narrow heels and thick ankles.) Using Kate's book, I've taken my measurements, made all the calculations for changes I need to make, knitted swatches, and have the first sock on the needles. The second is stranded colorwork. I've done several slipped-stitch colorwork projects but every time I've tried stranded colorwork I get so frustrated with the purl side that I give up. Until now, that is, when I began knitting Christmas balls in the round using patterns by Arne & Carlos, on DPNs. I did a pretty lousy job on the first three balls. But after about 10 balls I was even knitting with both strands of yarn in one hand! I now plan to try my hand at knitting a colorwork hat. I started watching your colorwork playlist for tips. Maybe someday I will be able to knit a colorwork project that involves purling!

[@jeaninegunn4118]

I hope to explore brioche more, knit a colour work sweater for one of my daughters, try different heels on socks that I always have on the needles and expand beyond the basics of Tunisian crochet. I also quilt and have several projects planned up in the studio.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Wonderful!

[@ShowandTellknitting]

One of my goals for 2021 is to complete a sweater knit from my own pattern. I'm basing it on the bodice of an evening gown worn by a 1930s socialite. I, too, am enamored of vintage knits and thought I'd try my hand at designing my own...a very big challenge for me! I am also looking to continue the good habit I established during lockdown: to keep chipping away at UFOs and being sure to complete one or two before casting on for a new project. Completion is the best feeling, isn't it?

[@newmoonjlp]

Love Very Serious Crafts. I've been following Heidi's career for years now and love to hear her lively chatter with her sister crafters. They are a great mutual support group.

[@basilrose]

Your circular knitting needle holder is fabulous, is there a pattern?

[@yarn_dragon]

I’ve been avidly trying new patterns and techniques of construction of sweaters and socks lately...thanks to your CF videos on the knitting through the 1900s... I’m a relatively new knitter (@4 years) and, like you, have really become enamored with knitting. You have just given me a new task for the next year-plan my knitting year! Oooo...the possibilities! I’m still working through modern knitting constructions...my next sweater pattern is likely to be a top-down saddle-shoulder construction from Garnstudio.com. And I’m in love with selbu mittens right now. Thanks for your weekly videos...they are the highlight of my Saturday mornings, knitting and watching your CF video of the week. ☺️

[@MonicaBarnesemceej]

I still consider myself a new knitter and there are still SO many basic things to learn and try. I love watching your videos. At first I didn't understand most of what you were saying but in the last few years my understanding has grown and I go back and view targeted videos as I'm trying a new skill. Last year I finally knocked out some firsts that had intimidated me and now I know I like knitting socks. But I have only knit two pair - both top down - and both on flexiflips when the patterns were for dpns so I had to do some translating and it felt great that I could do that. 2020 was also my first sweater (finishing my second now) and my first colorwork, first pair of fingerless mitts, first blocking and first marling. 2021 I think will include some more firsts: toe -up socks, a cardigan sweater, a mohair project, maybe some crochet, finish the giant yarn blanket that a friend gave me the yarn for and I feel guilty I haven't used it but it didn't thrill me, steeking, committing to swatches, and I'd like to knit a hat a month so in December 2021 I have 12 hats to gift! Also, I have so many shawls that I knit just learning to purl, lace, read patterns, change colors, trying out needles, etc., that I would like to inspect them, wash/block them, then give them to a local nursing home.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Sounds like you have some great plans!

[@katibere1966]

I’m learning to knit so I’ve already made 4 sweaters and am currently working on a throw and another sweater...LOVE it!! Want to give brioche a try 😬

[@maryannc7223]

My perpetual goals are using yarn from my stash and finishing UFOs. However, I knit to be creative and de-stress so I really enjoy - almost insist - on following my Muse. Not that I won’t push to finish something, but the idea of planning a year ahead? Well, I rarely even end up making the thing I intended with yarn I buy or I go to the yarn store with yarn in mind for a specific pattern and I’ll leave with something completely different. I enjoy that creative part of the process. I end up with yarn I don’t use and projects that no one I know will wear, but I’m okay with that. I do like the idea of Finish-it February, though, because I have some UFOs that stalled because I wasn’t up to solving the problem or technique that caused the stall at the time - glove fingers and picking up stitches all the way around the circumference of an open sweater come to mind. Now I think I can handle it and I will be happy to give those things to their intended recipients, although it will be several years late!

[@metaphoryarns8490]

I have been teaching knitting online . After every session I worry that I could have done better, but my students seem happy. My project goals are all related to class ideas I've had. I'm teaching a lace class in 2021 so I am knitting fingerless lace mittens by the boatload. I'd like to offer a brioche class , and that will give me multiple goals. Now I have to figure out how to knit something just because I want to make it for myself or family.

[@dr.evelynsharp2351]

For about the past decade, I've set 3 goals/improvements/ directions every year. 2020s were: 1) for me: improve spinning. 2) for environment: plant garden and 3) for community: volunteer for habitat for humanity. I take them very seriously, write them down, but don't get upset if not met but try to keep on track. Just starting to consider 2021.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

That's a great idea. It's easier to feel like you met your goals when they are a good combination of general and specific, because it gives you a direction to head in, without making you feel like you failed when you end up somewhere that you didn't expect!

[@phylliscaunt6197]

I have been knitting for a long time, but only started making sweaters for myself in the last year or so. One of my goals this year will be to increase my sweater skills, learning as much as I can about proper fit.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Go for it!

[@teriadams7398]

Elizabeth Zimmerman's version is I think the most practical to execute, and easy to knit. She was a brilliant designer for usable classic design detail. I've made many pairs especially for boot socks. I hate the seams they hurt my feet so this method I love.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Don't EZ's moccasin socks have seams, too?

[@annd9159]

Congratulations on the new office space! My goals for 2021 are to keep learning while enjoying the process. Due to some really tough health issues I fell off track for completing level one of the Master Hand Knitting program. So I really want to focus on that. I have been attempting to organize myself but it seems every time I got started I ended up back in the hospital. Being wheelchair bound these days has been very challenging for getting things organized. So January will be spent doing that. Fingers crossed I can complete level one by July. Thank you for all the knowledge you share. You inspire me every week!

[@tinekejoldersma]

I am a knitter and crocheter, I follow Arne & Carlos Vlogmas video's and enjoy their bantering. The way Arne knits is so fascinating. I want to learn that. I knit continental, fast, but his little movements are with the yarn over the left finger. I need to figure that out if there's time. And then there's the COVID. I've 86 wips. Both crochet and knitting and Tunesian. I never get that finished in Februari XD Plus, our seasons are strong here, I knit in winter and crochet in summer. I will see if I get that cardi out I have to sew together, that's in the corner for quite some years. I so don't like sewing knitting.

[@jennifersanders4165]

I didn't even know I'd be interested in knitting history until your Casual Fridays! I'm a sponge for knowledge and even though many of your technique videos are above my knitting skills I watch them because one day I'm going to meet those goals and be able to do them. Plus being familiar with your playlist allows me to quickly link videos on FB. I hope you continue with Tech. Tues. and C.F. for a long time.

[@karinwallgren4622]

Be careful Roxanne. Those jars of dye are a gateway drug to a whole other rabbit hole of creativity! Ask me how I know. :) Can’t wait to see what those natural yarns morph into. Happy New Year!

[@claudiafigueiredo7969]

I love the idea of Finish it February’ I hadn’t heard of it before. I’ve been planning on finishing up a few projects in January. For next year I’d like to make swatches! See, your videos are inspiring! I do need to read that book you recommended about the ergonomics of knitting: I hurt my hand knitting 😬 I think it’s because my technique is not ok. I have no problems crocheting for hours on end. But my knitting is too harsh. I’ll get there! Thank you for another inspiring video 💗

[@angelalouiedtm]

I've got so many projects in the queue. I too tend to set a direction with some general themes for myself and it doesn't work to constrain myself or hold myself to set goals. But I realized about myself that I am not very detail oriented, I am impatient yet would like to do something interesting (ie different). So I am often disappointed when my finished product isn't as impressive as I hoped. I have definitely improved in the last 4-5 years I have been obsessed with knitting but I wish I were even better. I love your videos. I have learned so much and I love following your journeys of learning!

[@lunaholmes5923]

I only started knitting in October so pretty new to it. Next year I would like to try mosaic knitting, double knitting and brioche knitting. And I really need to practice knitting flat piece, I've only worked in the round so far.

[@sophiataylor946]

Like you l too have taken out my sewing machine to make some flowing summer dresses, l choose the Frankie & Ray ‘Box TOP’ which can be easily modified to a dress, the pattern includes instructions. My knitting plans for the summer/autumn here in the Southern Hemisphere is to make some boxy tops/jumpers to wear over the top using summer appropriate yarns that l haven’t knit with before.

[@theastewart6721]

Great podcast Roxanne! I’m so happy that you’re in your bigger space! Thanks for the tour! As far as goals for the new year? I’d really like to finish up so many UFO’s. But it’s always a struggle. I try to plan but things don’t always work out. But I try, lol. And I’d like to learn new techniques. We shall see what the new year brings. Have a wonderful holiday season!

[@SammyMaeQ]

Bearfoot is still one of my favorite sock yarn ever. The mohair is the only thing that stands up to my sandpaper heels.

[@paulagrnsy]

It seems you usually use solids for sweaters, but you could get an interesting effect if you dyed the old favorite sweater before you unraveled it. There would be some natural resists.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

That's a great idea!

[@melodyneal663]

I am planning to spin for a cable/textured coat for myself. But before I start spinning I have to decide on a pattern so that I spin the right thickness of yarn.

[@heathersharp-keys9915]

I love the idea of Finish it February. I've been unraveling some UFO's to get the yarn, but I've never planned on finishing the UFO' s. Thanks, Rox

[@Hezz6142]

I tend to make unrealistic knitting goals. The year of sweaters for the entire family !! Well now I know about finish it February! So anyway a few years ago my daughter gave me a kit where you knit the sky color everyday for a year. My goal is to do it this year.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

That's a great idea!

[@verdandiknits]

I love the idea of having nine general projects instead of specific patterns. I always start the year with wanting to knit all the patterns I bought the yarn for for some years now and usually end up not knitting one of them at all. For next year, I now intend to knit at least one of these sweaters. and I recognised that I usually only knit in a couple of techniques or yarns, because these are the ones that suit my body-type most. But I do knit for my daughters, and maybe they would like to have something made with yarn or a pattern, I'd never use for me.

[@robincapuano8216]

Love the cabled aran sweater. What yarn is used and will you publish the pattern?

[@myphotoworldjeankd4001]

I just added Finish It February to my calendar, again. I did it last year after watching your episode. I frogged some and actually finished some things. I’ve heard of the Make 9 idea but not sure I want to commit to that. But accomplishing items from my Raverly queue is on my list.

[@garydonwest]

One goal I’ve had for years is to learn how to modify a sweater pattern to include a v-neck instead of a rounded neck. I really prefer a v-neck and have passed over MANY sweater patterns I loved because they had a rounded neck I didn’t like. I don’t really know how to figure this out, but that is a goal for 2021 so I have the freedom to knit any sweater pattern I like. Perhaps you have some tips to offer on this topic in one of your videos. Happy Holidays to you and thank you for all you do - I look forward to your videos each week!

[@Marielm1]

So I had to stop for a moment to see what Taskmaster was and saw Josh Whitcombe whom I have seen on QI a British show that I found because I like Stephen Fry. You might find QI fun to watch.

[@sandrafoster2211]

I've set goals for many years. Somethings they involve a 5 yrs period of time. The ones that are year by year are those in hope of. Not when but if. This years goal is to learn to make a sweater that fits my odd shape. Then to use this knowledge and apply it to other sweater patterns. And to make different hats using different techniques and designs. Socks are a carry a long and well continue to be there all year long. And to listen to your pod casts to further my knowledge of history of and the hows and whys different techniques can be used in knitting.

[@paulagrnsy]

I've wanted to do a temperature scarf or shawl for quite a while, but the initial investment scared me off. I have a week and a half to decide, I guess!

[@heathersharp-keys8240]

My goals are to try entrlac and brioche. Unlike you, Roxanne, I don't have any family to knit for. I've knit purple baby hats for the Cry Purple Project, but not really much else I like knitting cowls, but what do I do with the finished project which usually has at least 1 noticeable mistake on it. I don't wear cowls or scarves and shawls because 1) I'm always hot and 2) I don't like things around my neck. I'm improving in my basic knitting skills, so mistakes are becoming fewer. Do other people have trouble finding recipients foy their knitting? What did they do to solve that problem? Thanks

[@mkeller18]

Taskmaster! I love that show and don't know anyone else who does!

[@kellynickles2178]

I have many many future plans as full as my UFO stack! I want to knit my very first pair of socks. I also crochet, and dream of an Irish Lace top. This and make projects for my Grandies and Great Grandies. So much to do, only so many hands! 👵🏻❤️👵🏻

[@sheryltisdale]

You are giving me great ideas for 2021, Thank you!!!!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I'm so glad!

[@eternal-dreamer]

Please can you suggest me few useful book about knitting ? I'm a sort of very advanced beginner 😅 I wish I could know how to construct think my garments. I don't know how to make an anatomical collar and anything about. Thanks a lot for your precious information. Always grateful.

[@debragoe7465]

I want to learn to knit a sweater and then work on stranded color work plus improve my Portuguese knitting, possibly do and learn sock knitting

[@veronicazimmerman5704]

Main goal for 2021 is to enroll in the TKGA program I’m a fairly new knitter but feel like I’m not moving forward with skill development. I’ve knit sweaters and shawls, blankets and face cloths, etc but I’m never 100% satisfied with my results. I think the program could offer valuable feedback.

[@RoxanneRichardson]

Many people start with the Basics, Basics, Basics course, even if they've been knitting for years, just to make sure they have concepts down that they may not have considered. For that program, you're assigned an actual teacher and interact with that teacher. With the MHK program, you send in your completed binder, it's reviewed and returned. You can ask questions of the committee co-chair in response, but they really don't *tell* you what to do. There's also a Professional Knitter course (something like that), which is just focused on the knitting, and doesn't require all the writing that the MHK course calls for. Just depends what you're looking for!

[@sunrhyze]

Goals for 2021: Coming up on one year knitting, continue figuring out what kind of knitter I want to be. I like color work, but not Fair Isle (too many colors and patterns in one spot, overstimulating for me). Good to know. Everyone wants to knit a great pullover, but what business do I have making one of those when I have a hot flash every half hour? On with the sweater, off with the sweater, over my head, glasses fall off...ridiculous. I would like to do a project with a steek, which would be something new. So by the end of the year maybe I can knit a color work cardigan, with a steek, that's not Fair Isle and doesn't have any buttons (I never button up a sweater, ever). There is a goal! In the meantime be happy with smaller projects and just practice and don't rush. That's the other goal.

[@Gardenerbyday]

I have completed 2 socks in my own pattern. That is all your fault. Grin. You are the best. Thanks for being genius teacher. P.S. I love all your books.

[@TheSuzberry]

I’m stopping at 13:00 to say: I finally gave up repairing a pair of pink socks today. I’m removing the heels and knitting new afterthought heels. Great minds?

[@danellem6325]

Taskmaster! Theres a great audio pod about that show that follows each episode! Hank green (vlogbrothers) and his hilarious wife watch and discuss the show...formerly called Delete This they started the taskmaster content in August - TASKMISTRESS 01 - How Do You Make Brown?. Episode: deletethis.libsyn.com/taskmistress-01-how-do-you-make-brown. Media: traffic.libsyn.com/secure/deletethis/taskmistress_01.mp3?dest-id=1154456. Katherine, the Taskmistress, is here to judge the performance and judgement for Taskmaster Greg D....

[@loisjones9766]

Rox were the 1890,s sweater made for hockey or football to accommodate shoulder pads of some sort ?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

The 1890s sweater was designed for a boy of 8-10. (I upsized it by using a thicker yarn and larger needles) So whatever sorts of outdoor activities a boy of that age would be playing would be what it would be worn for.

[@karenb136]

I want to try entrelac crochet and knitting sometime this next year.

[@the_quiet_life]

I'm certain I'm not your only viewer who sews on top of knitting. I wouldn't mind if you wanted to publish a few videos on your sewing experiments as well!

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I think most people do not have only one craft! :-)

[@teriadams7398]

I can see that you knit many projects in pieces. My question is do you loose interest in this technique? I struggle with it. Do you have suggestions?

[@RoxanneRichardson]

I prefer knitting smaller pieces rather than having everything on my lap at one time, particularly toward the end. For me, the key to knitting in pieces is knowing that I can do a good job seaming.

[@victoriapileski3966]

Have you seen what Voolenvine is doing with her vintage knits you both seem almost to be on a collision course

[@mollympls]

Murder, She Wrote makes for some really great knitting tv. It's on Peacock (peacock dot com) for free. Also saw Star Trek for the first time this summer and loved it, watched every series available. Doctor Who too!

[@vindeljay]

I love your hair cut, suits you. Love the colour.

[@broadwayandcrochet1394]

I just began knitting this year during lockdown but haven't done it all that much because it's so much harder for me than crochet, and I enjoy crochet a lot. But by the end of next year, I want to be good enough at knitting to make this sweater: www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/betty--judy-lodge-sweater. It's inspired by The Haynes sisters, characters in my favorite holiday movie, White Christmas. So, I need to learn to knit in the round and use more than one color in a row/round. I suspect it will take me most of the year to learn those! Sometimes I think it would be easier to just convert the pattern to crochet. LOL

[@maggiebrimson5819]

Was watching one of your videos now cany find... you were wearing lovely jumper or cardi grey I think with a single cable and a wide border. I would very much like the pattern. Can you help please Thank you Maggie

[@RoxanneRichardson]

That's a sweater of my own design. There's no pattern for it.

[@debragoe7465]

What is the name of the hat w/ ear flapped for your husband... Been searching your back you tubes and can't find it... So want to do one for my 90 year old father

[@RoxanneRichardson]

That's the 1898 hat www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/1898-hat

[@michelledynamite69]

New knitter here and already making plans to keep learning fundamentals skills and see if i can i apply them in increasingly challenging projects. also i want to take more chances with knitting, knit some bigger projects that have construction like a pullover. also i am considering taking a knitting course online. i have heard about “basics, basics, basics” a couple times so might explore that. by the way i have already knit four pairs of your free hand warmers pattern for loved ones. i’ve been having fun giving these made-with-love gifts. thanks for all you do and what a much bigger and consolidated studio you have now - enjoy!

[@ourslerk]

I love Taskmaster!

[@teresaprice5070]

I thoroughly enjoy your content/topics, but the incessant hand-activity is super distracting to me...so, although I am a visual "listener" I tend to fast-forward through your videos in order to avoid seeing that...just an observation. 🤍