Sock drama!

[@RKCALGARY]

Suggestion. Every time you cast on a new project take a photo on your phone of what you have cast on, just a quick snap shot of the cast on, label, yarn, and needles. Then you will always be able to scroll and figure out what size needles you used etc.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Genius. 👏👏👏👏👏

[@lindaw505]

I am only 2 years late to the party Tayler - I randomly watch your channel when I’m knitting 😊 I have to tell you I was totally cracking up when you switched to monochrome with your sock dilemma 😂 It just conveyed your feelings so well. Thank you for all of your videos ❤🧶

[@syddlinden8966]

omg, the vibes of having set down a project and not knowing what needles you used for it. omg. too accurate. lol

[@lesliegb5543]

Hi Tayler I was laughing so much every time you would switch to black and white with your sock dilemmas 😂! Also the aubergine color is stunning and one of my favorite colors. 💕

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

😂😂 I had to have a little fun with that. It was just so melodramatic. 😅. Glad it made you laugh. ❤️❤️. And I would say that aubergine is my most favorite color. ☺️

[@kathleenmcconnell95]

Really appreciate your sharing the bloopers. I make them in knitting and in weaving on a loom. Am humbled, but learning to think of if humorously as a Groundhog Day that just keeps repeating itself!

[@purlpeaches]

When the sad music randomly started playing it was so funny lol, love this episode!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

😂😂😂🥴🥴🥴

[@laurelrobbins8673]

I love your videos - they inspire me. I haven’t knitted socks in a while, and now I want to cast some on.

[@hopemcguan]

Thank you for sharing your knitting challenges. I feel more normal now.

[@theyarngoeson]

I always think the color “aubergine” sounds so much prettier than the color eggplant. Your socks with the patterning are going to be so pretty! And your Versal sweater will be really stunning! Just a little tip - whenever I start a pair of socks or other project I make a little written note with start date/ pattern name/ stitches/ needle size and stick it at the bottom of that project bag; as I go along if there’s anything else I changed I will write that on there as well. I’ve had a paper pattern that somehow I forget to write when I started it or which needle I used, borrowed the interchangeable tips for something else and “believed” I would remember the needle size… ugh😑

[@peggymccright1358]

Omg you are so funny! I totally understand the self doubt. Just found you last week. So I’m binging some of your old shows. Thanks for the laughs 😂

[@Ruth-tbk]

It’s so funny. I am always on the look out for a new knitting podcast to watch and feel like I’ve seen them all and then I find one that I love when it’s already on episode 59! Hi from a new viewer from the south of Germany 👋 😃

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Gosh, thank you so much Ruth. I’m glad you found me! Welcome! ❤️

[@cathyinmt]

Tayler…you crack me up! I just love your personality! Beautiful projects!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Cathy. 🥰🥰

[@solangethompson4251]

I love that brown and aubergine together, so beautiful! I'm not a sock knitter, but that was so funny, deciding on the needle size you'd used. Thanks for another fun episode.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

LOVE Anthropologie. I agree it's a great place to browse and get gift ideas! Just love the vibe there. With regards to the unspun... I never thought about the act of knitting it sort of working the fibers together. That makes so much sense. I was a bit perplexed about the appeal of knitting with unspun. 😀

[@Enig_Mata]

What a fun way to start the day. I have the versal on my wishlist and can't wait to see how yours turn out. Your color choice is something I would not have thought about and so ingenious. I like short row shaping, but I'm so easily distracted so I always place a lightbulb stitch marker each time I add a short row so I don't forget where it is and know when to turn. So excited for your versal and need to bump this up on my queue.

[@ashoakthorn369]

I am also trying to find my stride with colorwork. It's challenging! I did just make a (non-colorwork) pair of socks with Hedgehog Fibers yarn in Purple Reign! I loved working with it!

[@danettevandehei6875]

Love the “feel” of your video. You got me thinking about my knitting projects again. Looking forward to watching more videos. ❤

[@jessiandknits8294]

Sock struggles are so real! I spend a lot of time second guessing myself and I think it's because I love the yarn and I know I won't wear them if they don't fit me correctly.

[@pixiebellshop]

The reason a 1x1 rib looks messy is because a purl stitch uses more yarn than a knit stitch, so your knit kind of slumps over into your purl. The way to fix that is to use less yarn for your purl. Instead of wrapping your purl over the needle, wrap it under the needle. Your ribbing will basically be twisted ribbing on the inside and the outside won’t have that twisted ribbing look.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Diane, this is GENIUS! Thank you so much for sharing that. I’ve never considered the purl being the issue and it just makes perfect sense. 🤯 Leave it to an excellent hat designer to show us the way! ❤️

[@pixiebellshop]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS You’re welcome! Though, I do actually prefer a 2x2 as well, especially with thinner yarns. It’s less fussy and more pleasing to my eye. It’s so nice seeing you regularly, I feel downright spoiled visiting with you twice a week.

[@rachelmitchell2144]

@@pixiebellshop Thank you for this idea and info! 🤯🥰

[@quejyaille]

Just discovered your podcast and love it! I love knitting socks! I do all my socks on a size 0 because I’m a super loose knitter and have to use small needles for almost everything haha. Also re stretchy cuff… this is why I love knitting socks toe up! I can knit the whole thing then do as stretchy a bind off as I want to. Sometime soon I’m gonna start doing them two at a time!

[@sherismith9517]

I love the wildflower and honey comb socks. The color is stunning. Best of luck on your sweater with nitiden and mohair. When I cast on socks I cast on over both needles and then pull the second out , this always allows for a slight ease at the edge and looks pretty as well. Happy knitting!!😊

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Sheri! And the two needle cast-on method is one I've heard of before and it really makes sense to loosen up the cast-on edge. I've never tried, but I should. Thank you for watching. Happy knitting!

[@mongrain8934]

Bonjour Tayler ! Maybe you like saying ''aubergine'' because it's also the French word for eggplant 🙂. I love the communicative cheerfulness of your podcasts !

[@catherinecunningham7126]

I love the Wildflowers and Honeycomb socks by This Handmade Life (Olivia). And your Versal Sweater is going to be soooooo lovely!!! ❤️

[@giantslug5427]

Everything about your versal sweater is to die for...the texture of the fabric must be so nice

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much Erin! And I love the fabric. I wish I could reach it through the screen to let y’all squish it. ☺️. It’s so nice and sheepy without being prickly.

[@ll29123]

I pulled out my plotulopi and swatched for my Felix Cardi, I am looking forward to casting on soon!

[@jeng24-p4y]

So glad you’re back, I enjoy your videos so much!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much Jennifer. It’s SO good to be back. ❤️

[@Altreprimavere]

I love that you’re back to regular posting ! 😊

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Francesca. ❤️❤️

[@visionofawallflower]

The sad sock editing in this was 😚👌 😂

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

I keep hearing the piano music for the intro of lover I don’t have to love when it goes black and white and you’re talking about the 1x1 rib. 😂 is it just me?

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Not just you. Intentionally placed. 😉

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS is that the song you used though?! 👀

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS also I just found your podcast and i may have been binge watching. Love your yarn and I also have a 4 and 7 year old. 😏

[@chelseabergman5009]

Hey Tayler, I was just remembering as I watched this video the email chats we had when you first started your channel. I know it's been quite some time (a kid and a pandemic later...) but I wanted to let you know that I still watch your videos and love to see all the new things you learn and make. Also, I adore your colorways and am currently deciding on which one to pick for my next sweater.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi Chelsea! Gosh when I think about it I realize that so much has happened since that first episode! Crazy! It's nice to still see you here in the comments. Thank you so much for always taking the time to check in. It means a lot to me. ❤️

[@verdandiknits]

I learned the long tail cast on from my mom about 40 years ago, and I learned casting on on 2 needles. You can pull tight and it's strechy enough afterwards ;)

[@deniseyoung3738]

that is what I do also when the casting edge is important!

[@KDori13]

I am casting on thicker needles for the same reason 😊

[@karenp603]

Your projects are lovely. Re: unknitting/ ripping back with fuzzy sticky yarns, I heard of a tip to put the project in the freezer first. I haven't had to do it yet but probably will some day.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Interesting! I feel like I can totally see that working! I will keep that in mind for sure. Thank you Karen!

[@carolellenwood2922]

It’s to self… utilize your Ravelry project file to document the needle size on socks. Prevents “forgetting “ the redos size for sock #2.🧶

[@elizabethbradley7794]

i think we share a color appreciation. love your aubergine-maroon blend.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Elizabeth! And we may indeed share the appreciation for color. It's very near and dear to me. 💜

[@liziking306]

Oh Tayler... I bought the Felix Pullover pattern because I wanted to join the KAL. I have been reading the pattern ever since I bought it but I still cannot understand the Neck Shaping instruction. So, I think I am just going to have to pass for now. Someday I will understand the direction. Even though I have been knitting for a year now, I still find it very difficult to read patterns. But, I am not giving up. I will learn this wrap and turn thing... LOL... Thank you for this fun episode. I enjoyed it.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I completely understand Liz. I’ll do some short row tutorials and I have some tips on doing this sweater without the eyelets (which can get tricky with the short rows). It reads much more complicated than it actually is. But again, I totally get it. It’s just lovely to have you here to watch. ❤️

[@liziking306]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Oh my word Tayler... Yes yes yes... a tutorial/tips would be great... I mean not for the whole sweater, of course. But a tutorial/tips on the short rows without the holes (aka eyelets) would be super super super helpful. Thank you... thank you... thank you so much. And yes, I love watching you. You inspire me. Thank youuuuu...

[@lgassin]

Oh man....that nutiden + mohair color has me scheming about combining Dharma's espresso bean, cabernet, and something straight-up purply in a big pot! What an unexpected but gorgeous color combination! I always learn so much about color from you. Thanks!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Lisa! And those dyes would create a gorgeous purply brown! Do it!

[@nleshin1]

I have worked with the Nutiden(?) yarn and it definitely makes you knit slow and appreciate the process of knitting. But it will also test your patience.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yes. You’re absolutely right Nicole. And I can totally embrace that. Or at least I totally should. 😅❤

[@gisellejoseph2936]

I wish you have a brick and mortar shop with this aesthetics. I'm from SW Las Vegas and have no LYS near me.

[@nanastevens4094]

I , too, like the long tail cast on. I never have a problem with it being too loose or tight since I started using this tip from Norman of Nimble Needles. When casting on hold your two needles together and cast on that way. Seems counterintuitive but it works every time. Nice stretchy, smooth edge.

[@debbie.mckenzie]

Don't you just love Norman? Such great tutorials!

[@louisacampbell1813]

i'm casting on my felix cardigan as soon as i get the yarn (preorder lol). the pullover version i made with fftp copper sand!

[@sandranokes7443]

My method for casting on is probably something no one else does, but I tend to cast on tight, so, I started casting on over both of my needles at once. I would fill them up then pull one out and line it back up and cast on more stitches, then drop them off one needle again. It works for me.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi Sandra! This seems like a really great way to get nice and even stitches without the tension. I have heard of folks doing something like this and it makes sense. Whatever works! ❤️

[@TheKnittedBean]

I knit all my socks on 0's which is about a 38st gauge for me and I love it. My knitting friends jokingly call them my bulletproof socks because preblock they are pretty stiff, but not after! And I find they develop holes much slower at that gauge.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I love that--"Bulletproof socks". That's the thing with socks; while you're knitting them, the fabric can be deceivingly dense. After you block them, everything opens up so much that the density in the initial fabric is reinforcing. I have a pair of socks I knit years ago using 0's and they have lasted with no holes and I wear them often. I think 0s may just be my needle of choice for socks now. Thank you for watching!

[@teadreyer1510]

Really loving how your Versal is turning out.. and yes, tinking back with unspun yarn is a wee bit frustrating. Sometimes it can be easier to just break the yarn as it is easily joined by spit-splicing or just twisting the two ends together lightly with your fingers. Oh & for your short rows, you might find it easier to remember by clipping a split marker on the stitch your wrapped.. I do this as I find it a bit hard to see the wrap, and that way, you are also reminded that you have to do another 😊 Cheerio x Tea

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Tea! And I take need to start making my wraps. Just to take the pressure off. 😅 ❤️❤️

[@wattlewoolastridpurins6486]

I just found you and this is so much fun! I really enjoy your energy - I'm less than 3 minutes in and already subscribed!

[@kneedeepinstitchespodcast9942]

I also do a long tail cast on for everything I can. lol

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I mean…🤷‍♀️ Why do anything else?? Just saying. 😏

[@LottaSocks]

Re needle size/s on your stripe socks-is your gauge the same (or close enough)??? I mostly use a US#0, 10 sts/inch to get a sturdy fabric, fingering wt. US#1 for a heavier/sport yarn. I now use German Twisted cast on (Old Norwegian CO), plus 1 extra st, turn, then I do 2x2 ribb, THEN join thus: that last/lone st-knit it together with the first stitch. I find the cast on doesn’t twist as easily this way. When I first learned (socks), I worked back & forth for a few ROWS (essentially = Garter st) and then I joined for knitting in the round; continue with whatever ribbing. I recently got back to socks after 20yr !! Where DOES the time go? I now have waaaaaaay too many pretty skeins, besides socks, cowls, mitts, cowls, a shawl/wrap or two will keep me Happily occupied for (ahem) years! lol Have fun with socks! Don’t worry too much, I have to adjust my foot length for each new-to-me yarn/base, rip/knit to get it just right. Journal all this info… my future self is ever so grateful.. Waiting for Felix swatch to dry…perhaps I need to make socks as well !

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much for this info Li. I really do need to start taking better notes when I knit. Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. 😅 As for the gauge of my socks, it’s pretty much the same between the two socks. And I really do like the fabric from the 0 needle. It makes sense what you say about using the 1 for a heavier Fingering/sport. ❤️❤️

[@LottaSocks]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Ah, yes…Hindsight! Many times I just start knitting, pause, then, ??? what DID I do here?? Haha. And be sure to put a DATE … Pre-digital everything, I used (a LOT) of spiral notebooks… if I tweaked a pattern 12 times, often re-writing, I had no idea what was the latest incarnation…sigh… Now I date the start, tweaks/mods, etc. Ravelry helps here grin grin! Enjoy your Sock Knitting Journey. And don’t worry about mis-matches, mis-steps..no one will know but you! Galloping Horse Test: if you can’t see the “mistake” on a sock, on a foot, on the rider, on a galloping horse…well, then, all is well!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

@@LottaSocks I’m definitely a pen a paper gal. Digital convenience is nice, but nothing beats the gently crinkled paper of a used notebook. And I love your galloping horse analogy. I use that often when I’m deciding if something is worth going back and working. ❤️🏇

[@Creative_Yarnoholic]

I haven’t worked with Mohair or Siri yet, but I heard if you put it in the freezer it’s easier to rip back. I wonder if this would work for this yarn too. 🤔

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi Rachael! So I've heard this too and it makes some sense. Fortunately I managed to get things going again without losing any yarn, but in future I'll be giving this a try just to hopefully speed the process up a bit. ❤️

[@bunniesinclair197]

I'm knitting my first pair or socks. You use 2 pr of cir. Needles. Is that easier then with dp?

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Congratulations on your first pair of socks!! I use one circular needle and I use the magic loop method. I find it to be much less fussy that dpns, though I like dpns from time to time. Happy sock knitting!

[@maureenmanning1244]

Hi Tayler! Long time viewer here and I’m so happy you’re back to filming regularly!! I must ask, where in the world is that gorgeous sock project bag from? The yarns for your sweater are looking so beautiful together!!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Hi Maureen! Of course I recognize your name. Thank you so much for always stopping by to watch. ❤️❤️ Soo that little bag is actually a cosmetics/toiletry bag from World Market (Cost Plus). It was given to me by my best friend back in 2017 when I first started podcasting. In fact, I think it makes an appearance on the first episode! 🫢 It fits two such projects so nicely soo I’m always on the lookout for similarly sized little bags. ☺️

[@maureenmanning1244]

What a nice gift! It is such a perfect size and shape!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

@@maureenmanning1244 I agree! It’s always been my favorite. ❤️

[@anneflores6297]

I feel really dumb but when I do my k1/p1, the inside of the tube is way neater looking then the outer rib, am I working it the wrong way?? I’m working my socks in the round on 10in circulars

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

This is a great question and as disappointing as this seems, you’re not doing anything wrong. That’s just the nature of 1x1 rib. It’s one of the reasons I avoid it in socks (you do you though). I would recommend doing a twisted 1x1 rib. I think you’ll like the tidy columns of stitches. ❤️

[@anneflores6297]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS thank you!!

[@knitwitchcraftingpodcast]

literally just cast on a cardigan (my first ever!) but might have to join your kal.... time to dive into the stash lol question -- how cold does nevada get? for you to be so into wool and stuff haha. i've only ever been during the summer so i never thought about it

[@Enig_Mata]

Funny thing you ask about Las Vegas weather. That was also my question when I found her channel while looking for info on roving yarn. All I can say is sometimes the love of yarn is greater than the need for sweaters. I spent this summer knitting a cardigan with lett lopi - a rustic yarn. Was I bothered, no! Just turned on the AC and walked around my home in it. 😂

[@kcconynemtmior]

In the realm of pronunciation: It’s “Al-bee-na” McLochlainn. If you’d like to see more of her designs knit up/learn from a serious master knitter, highly recommend the Knitting the Stash podcast. Melissa is amazing and she knits a lot of Ailbiona’s patterns (I think they’re friends IRL).

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much for this recommendation Kelley! And for the pronunciation tip. I’m never sure. 😬🥴

[@deborahkrajniewski7644]

Just Found Tayler 🥰and I'm sat here knitting my first Ailbiona McLochlainn patter, Fisherman's muse and I love her work and the saddle shoulders too 😁

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

@@deborahkrajniewski7644 Hi Deborah! Thank you for watching! I’ve become quite the fan of Ailbiona’s designs. Just so lovely! Happy knitting!

[@etoylemckee6832]

I was hoping that one of your three sharing the announcement of the three pair of stripped socks

[@NyssaThompson]

2 years late to this idea but my "conspiracy" theory on the self striping sock is that a Chiaogoo 1 (2.25mm) was used which is why neither an Addi 0 (2.0mm) or an Addi 1 (2.5mm) seems right.

[@knittinghands23]

How is it you are not knitting both socks at the same time on the magic loop? You have two feet, just knit both sock at the same time and be done. I found the idea on KZbin tutorial. Find the one that allows you to knit both in the same direction. I have been knitting both socks for well over 10 years and would not go back to one at a time again.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

So Abbie this is a fantastic question and one I really need to ask myself because I deal with really bad second sock syndrome. I’ve only ever done that once but perhaps it’s time to try again. ❤️