Shawls, Socks, Blankets, and My Favorite Knitting Books! - Episode 84

[@kymdelmar9304]

Your shawl is beautiful. I remember knitting one years ago and really enjoying the process. Paula was a wonderful podcaster(audio), and I remember her fondly. It’s nice that her pattern lives on. I want to try the marled socks, yours turned out great.

[@judithburke3637]

Thankyou amber it’s like meeting a friend a lovely natural manner you have and I so enjoyed all your vlogmas episodes I like your dad a very nice face xx

[@pattigolden1]

Old wives tale, working your hair into a project (especially if you're gifting it) is working a part of you into it, protecting the wearer, bringing luck like a hug. I've gifted to some pretty lucky/hugged people!! 🤣😂

[@CarylBurroughs]

The Cozy memories blanket would be a great baby blanket to tuck away for your future ( probably not too distant) grandbabies!!!💕

[@elsiehughes7130]

This was a super interesting vlog Amber . Glad you stayed with the cozy memories blanket and the socks for Lily turned out so nice. I was surprised and happy to see you had posted so soon after the holidays. Thanks much.

[@debraeaton5184]

Your Cozy Memories blanket would be a great start to making grandbaby items. It could be a special blanket to have at grandma's house. I really enjoy making blankets also, I also remember you started a crochet blanket from Attic 24, with squares!!

[@andreaderosier1461]

I loved your story about Lilly’s socks,

[@bigblackdogfiberarts]

Hi Amber. Word of warning, in order to kill off moths by freezing, first the wool needs to be at room temperature (70 degrees Fahrenheit) and then the temperature has to get to, and more importantly STAY below zero Fahrenheit for at least 72 hours. The rapid change in temperature and the coldness is what kills them off. This is why moths can survive winter in an attic. It rarely gets cold enough fast enough to kill them off. Meanwhile, the freezer on your refrigerator never gets cold enough and what's more, in order to keep it frost free, it brings the contents up periodically. So, either use a deep freezer that is set below zero, or better yet, any yarn you are leery of can be put into hanks, tied off multiple places and then washed at a simmer to kill off the little buggers, including the eggs. I'm told you can heat the wool in the oven at 120 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 30 minutes, but I've no experience doing that and I don't know if dry wool would singe in an oven. I've never been brave enough to try it. :)

[@RobynDagen]

Your Vlogmas was wonderful! Thanks for sharing! I loved the thrifting, crafts, and family time. Looking forward to seeing what you are knitting this year.

[@bg7491]

It took me 7 years to finish a blanket for my husband. I have another blanket that is just one, big granny square that has been a wip for at least 4 years. I have also finished some blankets in a month, but that took dedicated speed knitting. 😄 It's nice to have a blend of long-term and "instant gratification" knits to give one options and to keep things interesting. Carry on! 🙂

[@alovelyyarn]

It is nice to have a good mix of projects! I completely agree with you! Pulling out those blankets of mine only in the winter is a bit comforting, I have to say!

[@jenniferbarr140]

The marled socks are amazing! So pretty. You should run a KAL for them - I’d join in!!

[@kathybelcastro973]

I enjoyed every vlogmas. Thank you for giving me a Christmas present of watching a snippet of your life.

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you so much, Kathy! I'm so happy you enjoyed!

[@gmarcelle]

I am in the baby blanket camp. The small modules suit a cot size blanket and it would look lovely with a plain knitted border to complete it. The colours are beautiful! Thanks for the tip on module size too, as I am yet to start a blanket, but certainly creating lots of bits n pieces to go into one 😊

[@MsLaura-yb5yc]

Your cozy memory blanket will look beautiful wrapped around your first grandbaby. I would make it a square.

[@alovelyyarn]

You are right! ❤️

[@rowenaphilbeck1919]

Loved your Vlogmas!! It was awesome! Thanks for doing it!! Love cooking too!

[@deniseengel1451]

Thanks Amber. I’m interested to see your restart of the granny shawl. Thanks for sharing all that you do.

[@barbmckinlay5108]

I loved your vlogmas series; thank you for sharing your life and time with us. The Christmas Eve service❤❤❤❤!

[@KKnits]

Loved your warm and encouraging vlog! Full of knitting, crafting, love and family! Delighted that you saw the beauty in your mitered squares blanket. They are wonderful projects to do a little here, and little there. Maybe it can be finished for a future grandchild? Lovely books! I also loved the thrifting trips. And Family art time. 😄❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🎉🎉🎉 Thank you for sharing with us! God Bless and Happy New Year ahead!

[@Jessd85]

I'm getting ready to make my first shawl soon and I'm looking forward to it!

[@chattingwithu]

Enjoyed this podcast! It kept me company as I worked on some embroidery! I too collect all kinds of crafting books, from knitting and crochet, to embroidery, painting, and more. I will for sure look into some of the books that you shared. I don't know if you can ever have enough books!! I also enjoy CrochetObjet! Her channel is fascinating, and I appreciate all the different areas of life that she shares! My husband and I even enjoyed the coconut ball recipe that she shared on her channel. I have purchased several of her crochet patterns, the granny shawl being one of them. I haven't started it yet, but I will definitely give some more thought to the kind of yarn colors I will use when making it! Many blessings to you and your sweet family in 2025!

[@megrandmomjean5019]

Amber, you are truly AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I love your channel. How do you find the energy to do all that you do, my dear? Am happy that you are going to continue working on that blanket. It is already lovely & will be gorgeous when done.

[@gm749]

Hello Amber! You could finish the square blanket using the small square that you already have for the center like a medallion. Then knit big square around the center. You could finish it faster, fewer ends... I you understand my idea, sorry, English is my second language.

[@applecrafts615]

When I started my memory blanket I decided from the get go to do dk weight and a cast on of 60 stitches. So 30 on each side. I also have decided to do sets of 4 squares. My plan is to mattress stitch the squares when I'm done. I've made so many blankets in general in my life that I know that I cannot stomach the thought of something big on my lap anymore. So modular is more my style. If I can make it modular. I will.

[@EileenK64]

I got my sister that same miniature greenhouse for Christmas this year! I’d like to get one similar for myself. They have many different ones.

[@mrscraftalot]

The marled socks are so pretty! I definitely am inspired :) Hope you and your family enjoy the rest of the holiday season and best wishes for the new year!

[@sarahs6557]

Thank you for the word of warning about the red yarn. I have the same yarn in my 4 color Clint shawl. That’s great info to know! Watched every minute of Vlogmas, thanks again for doing it!!

[@Snowcrystalsfalling]

You have been the only podcaster I have followed from the beginning and to this day. What you share is wholesome and real. And you share your faith, which is wonderful. Your knitting is 💝🩵 which inspires.

[@alovelyyarn]

Awww. How incredibly kind of you. Thank you so much!

[@RobinznestKnits]

I started a cozy memories blanket with the small squares and it is languishing. I started another one with 30 stitches and I’m flying through it. The squares are about 6”. Makes all the difference!

[@karenb136]

I hope you have a happy and blessed new year. I love your podcasts. I’m glad you decided to keep working on that patchwork blanket. It is just beautiful! 🧶

[@LunchladyKim]

I’m in love with your red shawl/ scarf. I want to knit one, maybe not that color

[@carolslifka3383]

Thank you for sharing your life with us during vlogmas. I totalled enjoed it. Especially the one about Kraynaks. That was a walk down memory lane for me. I am originally from Farrell Pa and that was always part of my going up.

[@kimmiemamatomany6226]

Your hair looks so pretty up like that!

[@alovelyyarn]

Thank you! Love

[@kimmiemamatomany6226]

It makes you look younger. So cute!

[@babyZale]

Thank you so much! Loved watching your Vlogmas, as well as all your podcasts. 😊

[@janetjroberson2581]

Merry Christmas, from Swansea, Illinois. ❤❤❤❤

[@alovelyyarn]

Merry Christmas, Janet!

[@KateMH_]

I had that dollhouse when I was little! My dad built it for me from a kit when I was 3 years old (which was in 1985). Yours may have been finished later than mine

[@patriciahall8733]

Yes, always the hair in my projects, a result of having very long hair I suspect😉

[@athenahandknits]

My Cozy Memories turned into a wall hanging! Way too tedious! Definitely more stitches on bigger needles...

[@kimmacmillan6350]

I love your DK socks with the two fingering weight yarns. I did a similar thing with mittens, with a single white and a self stripping sock yarn and they came out similar to your socks. The pattern is Annie's Mittens by Holli Yeoh

[@JeanneKnits]

Your blankets look so nice. I have a cozy memories blanket that has maybe 10 squares. Started about the same time as you, wasn't into it and it just sat. I may have to get it out and start again. You're inspiring. I also am into the DK socks now. I find that I can use up little, little balls too. Combine a few that would be maybe enough for about a quarter of a sock that work well together and hold with a white. Great for odds and ends. By the way, I never expect a reply. I know creators would not have time to write to each. So a heart is plenty to say 'I read your comment thanks'. No stress. Thanks again for doing Vlogmas. It's a ton of work, and it's appreciated. Oh by the way, I have the Home and Away book. Made the Featherweight 2 times. Also, the Georgetown and Rosemont cardigans. I like the Georgetown (used Patons Wool), but the Rosemont doesn't hang right from the shoulders and I don't wear it as much. That one I used Knit Picks City Tweed HW. I like the City Tweed for next to skin soft, but prefer the DK weight.

[@stamdl]

I have fallen hard for DK socks this fall, I think I’ve finished 5 pairs. I just love how cozy they feel on my feet. My go to pattern is also the Crazy Sock Lady’s. One pair is marled and I absolutely love that look. I also made 3 marled hats out of sock yarn leftovers. So much fun right? I’ve started a Cozy Memories blanket with my left overs alternating with a square of Stroll in bare. It IS on the fiddly side but I know I’m going to love having bits of all of my fingering weight projects in the end. I love your red shawl and also the look of the crocheted one you are starting - can’t wait to see more of it.

[@PamKnitsToo]

You have inspired me with he Cozy Memory Blanket!! I have a subscription to Row One where I get about 10 news mini skeins each month. I think this would be a beautiful way to use them. Also, can you mention the lovely lipstick you’ve been wearing? It does look so attractive on you. I loved Vlogmas and I will miss you now everyday ☺️ Oh, yes, I have three dogs and long hair so I’m continually pulling hair off my knitting 🧶

[@nothingbutknit24]

Sadly, Paula the shawl designer and podcaster passed away a few years ago. She is missed.

[@patriciahall8733]

Maybe you should have done a vinegar soak first then wash after that.

[@ALifeWithWool]

I’m loving your Dk weight socks, I think I need to make a few pairs. Such an awesome episode filled with beautiful makes. What ever happened with the Jimmy Beans Wool blanket you started at the first of the year? Just curious as I was excited to see how it turned out. Happy knitting 🧶

[@KnittingAlongTheRockies]

I really thought I would love using 9” circular needles for socks. I tried and really struggled to get my stitches to stretch all the way around….do you ever have this issue? Also love the DK socks! Can you wear them comfortably in shoes? Thanks for the fun episode 😊

[@alovelyyarn]

I don't notice that problem with them not stretching. I usually knit fingering weight socks with a cast-on of 60-68 stitches. I can wear the DK weight socks in my boot type shoes but they are not as comfortable in more fitted shoes. I stick with the fingering weight ones for that.

[@KnittingAlongTheRockies]

I’ve only tried them once, the sock had a total of 56 stitches….maybe I’ll find a different sock pattern and try them again. Also Bobbie at Knitter’s Niche had a great pattern she shared for self striping sock yarn: the Everything November fingerless mitts 😊

[@faithlinkministries]

Did I somehow miss Lily's Pyramid tower that she got from the op shop?

[@susangorcoff1219]

Why did you put the yarn in the freezer????

[@alovelyyarn]

Oh gosh! I should have explained that! Any time I buy yarn secondhand, I stick it in the freezer to kill any insects/moths that may be in it before I stick it with the rest of my stash!

[@susangorcoff1219]

Makes sense… I was thinking that but didn’t know for sure. Thanks for answering…. Loved your vlogmas😊

[@catherinecunningham7126]

Thank you Amber for bringing us such a wonderful Vlogmas. My sister finally got her package a couple of hours ago. She loved her Raggedy Ann. Happy New Year! 🥳🥳🥳