Spring Cleaning 2024

I am wearing the Briornate Sweater knit in West Wool Tandem in the colorway Unicorn.
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[@amandameunier4157]

You are a true inspiration and artist Stephen. Shine on.

[@anjaharder2926]

So true!!! 😊

[@JasWong]

I needed to hear it's okay to not finish projects, and to see that unfinished projects and swatches can become something beautiful and useful like your blanket. Who knew there were so many life lessons in knitting. Thank you for sharing!

[@StephenWest]

Absolutely!!

[@vade137]

Why did you "need" to hear that? These are not "life lessons"...it's called 5th generation war. A society is attacked via social media to weaken the culture of the country you want to invade and take over. When this is what the men in your country are doing....your country is toast.

[@dianesikora9709]

That brown slip stitch shawl is beautiful!! 🤩😍

[@barbaraanne2136]

Knitting and yarns bring so much un-predicitability. Your skill/experience helps visualize what a pattern and yarn might produce. But if you aren't experienced, you are going to be surprised. In my opinion, you, Steven, are fearless with color and pattern design. You inspire others to do projects they couldn't come up with because they play it safe. Thank you for being the idea man for so many.

[@MarinaGvozdeva]

OH that unblocked shawl is just a dream, please finish writing the pattern asap :)))))

[@StephenWest]

I found the pattern! I blocked the shawl and it is beautiful so I'll work on the pattern soon.

[@andreaschwab4232]

​@@StephenWestYes! Please write that pattern for us, it really is so beautyful🥰. And I also love your little swatch with the stacked stitches very much. I hope you continue with that one too😘. Thank you for all your creative and wonderful work, I have already learnt so much from you❤️😊!

[@paulinkamakkinje3413]

​@@StephenWest Can you also put together a kit in the yarn you used? It is beautiful in that colourway!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@@StephenWest , Oh, do so, paleez! The colorway also makes it happen__maybe even in a more neutral/lighter palette, as well. Oooooo, how about foresty/mossy greens, too! YES, for sure the greens! 😱🌱🌿🌻🐝🌳🌎💖🙌😺

[@inezmichielsen9950]

Oh I like you so much, you are some kind of therapist! Let it go, it's all about creativity ! You are so right 😁👍

[@maryruthshanks3742]

Yes revisit the dark shawl with the slip stitches. That was really beautiful!

[@icheidorn]

Thank you! You put a smile on my face this Monday morning. Happy knitting, Iris

[@JenhT-v2g]

It is so wonderful to hear I’m not the only knitter that has trouble finding needles! I have so many but they are usually in a project😂 I started my spring cleaning this past weekend. I have my work cut out for me. I plan on keeping a notebook to document wips, wish projects and current projects in my numerous project bags. This way I can take a look a the notebook to jog my memory on what I have going.

[@3Dhyana]

I swatch and it seems a waste of yarn. I also hate clothes with no pockets. I now add swatch pockets to things like PJs and sweat pants.

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

Ooh you just shared a great idea. Thank you!

[@Moni-ui5bz]

"I realized I was making a pineapple" ... 🤣😂

[@catblues8645]

YES. Luckily I wasn't drinking anything when he said that, otherwise I would have sprayed it all over my desk

[@shadowess1961]

That dark shawl that you did not release it BEAUTIFUL. It looks like tile. Gorgeous!

[@barbarahall2444]

"Am I going to finish those 47 shawls 🧐…maybe not 😅…" I watch you, and find myself smiling…Love you! xo ❤

[@karensmith2204]

Maybe you never hear this but.... Your comment about it being "ok" to let ho of a project and move on Is just the Life Lesson I needed today. Not involving knitting, just Life. Thank you friend

[@heidiklammer5750]

First and foremost, I LOVE the blanket idea! And there are so many quotable quotes about knitting, designing. and life and the creative process in this video. Thank you for the permission to just say thank you for the learning and move on without guilt for not finishing something.

[@felicitycrowe6971]

You have no idea how much I absolutely LOVE this video! Thank you so much for making and posting it! So many design lessons in there and I love that you gave permission to us to have unfinished projects and move onto something else if we are not loving how something is turning out. I also love how you sometimes just sew things together to create something other than it was originally intended to be. Showing us how you actively experiment with your knitting is so truly fantastic, Stephen - thank you for this wonderful glimpse into your creative life, and keep up the excellent work!❤️

[@felicitycrowe6971]

PS: I love the look of the dark shawl with all of those tiny light “dots” (slip stitch) …

[@felicitycrowe6971]

… I also love your emphasis on learning from what you have knitted, whether you like and finish it or not …

[@felicitycrowe6971]

… I would love to see what you could do with stacked stitches …

[@felicitycrowe6971]

Can’t wait to see a knitted pineapple doorstop or something!🤣🤣🤣😉

[@StephenWest]

So glad you liked it!

[@KateColors]

This was great! I do swatch and keep them especially if I love the yarn and colorway. I make a little tag with the yarn info and my gauge info for the swatch then, place them in ziploc bags by yarn weight. I'm always going back to order those yarns for new projects because of the colors and who I'm knitting for--I know they'll like them, too. You just reminded me that I have five patterns I'm developing and need to get back to now that I'm not working as much. One pattern in particular, all I need to do is knit it again to see if the final pattern iteration is complete. The design inception was 2021! It's time. Thank you for showing us your swatches and process. ❤

[@karenlevine2860]

Thankyou for your creativity and generosity in sharing your incredible talent! I’ve learned so much from your YAL’s and workshops and just wish there were more hours in each day!! You’re the best :)

[@marshalucky]

I've learned so much about color. I learned to read patterns from your books 1-2-3 🎉. I haven't looked back. Loving the process, even learning brioche. 🙌 😊 it was my biggest challenge. I'm a fudger, not a ripper, increase, decrease make its right and move on *Keep on knitting kitten. *

[@StephenWest]

Wonderful!

[@jaimegriesbach6770]

Thank you for not letting me feel like a total loser for my closet full of unfinished projects 😂

[@stacey_knecht]

"Everything has a purpose ------- except for this." 🤣

[@msullivan3531]

LOVE seeing your process! Thank you for sharing.

[@cheryldeville9211]

I loved watching this colourful video! I felt like we were allowed behind the Wizard's curtain 💚 The pineapple swatch was hilarious, and I also immediately thought of turning it into a lampshade! LOVE the dark colours in your slightly puckered shawl. So great to hear it blocked out successfully...nothing like a good wet blocking to open your shawl up to it's full drapey beauty!

[@alice-claysullivan2308]

Love your thought process. I don’t design, just make others’ patterns. But your insights help my color choices. Thank you!

[@weasiesworks]

For sure, we're always learning. Nothing we have done and discarded has been a waste of time. Love your creativity and attitude!

[@hannahsideris4353]

When I had a lot of most crocheted little peaces, swatches and unfinished things, I crocheted and sewed them together and made something like a wallhanging "Peace of Art" I made it 3 dimensional by also fold or "crumple" up some pieces. I did not weave all ends, so it also became a little bit 3D. Its like a little bit of "Freeform Crochet". But its far away from "Crochet Coral Reef" with I admire so much. I saw this a the Venice Biennale and I think there are also exebitions in Europe these days too.

[@Susi1406]

It’s so fun to see the brainstorming process and be able to identify where you used them. ❤love all your work, I have learned so much from you and all the fun stitches you use in your patterns. 🎉❤

[@TammyLynn-z7d]

The pineapple would be a very cool lampshade. Get a shade frame and stretch the sleeve over it. Tah, dah!

[@debracisneroshhp2827]

@user-ps2db5mu5s, Sooo 60's 'BoHo'! 💖🙌😺

[@sharonhoffman8688]

I really liked that stacked stitches swatch…..

[@suemount6042]

Oooo I love the one you didn’t release please give it another block and hopefully you will let us knit it too I love it

[@sonjagerstl6593]

Love, love, love the unblocked shawl! In particular the dark colors! It's unusual for your knitting style. Surprising! Maybe you should create a "dark line". I also love the nearly finished cardigan. Would like to knit that one with fingering yarn. Because unfortunately it is getting warmer and warmer on earth ... I am really struggling with wearing all the cosy sweaters I knit the years before, without getting hot flashes ... BTW ... I would also love to knit a Westknits vest! ☺

[@dinaboop]

OOO, I love the polka dots! I need a polka dot shawl in my life!

[@bethk1402]

So interesting to see! My first thought about the pineapple was Big Bird... I also kept thinking that it would all make a beautiful and interesting walk-thru exhibit on process and creativity at an art museum or something. And for those who have made the Emotional Support Chicken, lots of swatches and especially the mini-shawls would make or could be made into fun accessories! I'm new to knitting and the world of fiber arts, so thank you for the cheer and wisdom in this video!

[@TheMoodyRose]

Stephen, the first one you held up and talked about with the cables would be beautiful in tonals or solid .

[@coriwallace4365]

I needed to hear this, thank you Stephen! ❤

[@aniabobbio3039]

coucou, trop GENIAL BRAVO MAESTRO. J'adore et suis une grande fane de tout ce que vous créez. Pensées amicales. Ania

[@boa1793]

I like the blanket of patchwork a lot.

[@sarahpieraerts5781]

❤❤❤ this is amazing. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@StephenWest]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

Second post on one video-but you haven’t taken Stephen’s shawl workshop, please do it!! I’ve taken 3 workshops and learned so much, the inspiration machine is still going from each. ❤

[@dandeliondaisychain]

Loved this video!! Please publish that slip stitch shawl, it looks SO fun to knit and I would love even a sweater version of it!! Thanks for sharing your joy of knitting with us, it brightened my day a lot.

[@klmust]

Amazing!! You are such an inspiration and ridiculously talented person/artist❤❤❤❤ and about the pineapple wear it as a hat!!

[@Frostedminifirecracker]

This is so fun. I dive in the great oozing swatch chaos basket and make them into coasters, mug rugs, pillow covers, and memorably, a vest for a wonky grandson who loves weirdness.

[@leighrinker]

I love taking pieces like this and putting them together in a free-form sort of way to make wild shawls or sweaters or coats. It really opens up my creativity when I do that. I have a shop near me that gets them all the time and nobody wants them. So I grab them.

[@tarikovets5819]

Your energy and life outlook is so refreshing - love this style of video. Thank you for sharing yourself with us.

[@StephenWest]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@sarahadams6881]

I definitely needed to hear some of the things you said! Especially about frogging projects. I also think you need to embrace the pineapple! I loved that idea as a sleeve. I always look forward to your videos and seeing the passion you have ❤

[@MeShViews]

“…Getting mistaken for a Pineapple!” Lol Love it 😁 and owning the work-in-progress lifestyle is a cool perspective.. I’ll think of it when I’m being hard on myself ;) Stephen, you’re simply adorable.. I’m looking forward to seeing some of these stash come to life or even being repurposed.. esp. love the Phoenix wings and that Holey Shawl !

[@jomeurer9444]

Thanks Stephen! As always, you are amazing and an inspiration!❤

[@MissSholia]

I love that you're using shawl swatches to make a blanket. That's genius! To answer the question, I don't cut the back threads from my swatches when I do them in the round so I can reuse that yarn if I want/need to.

[@shelleyfry]

Such a wonderful insight into your process. Those are baskets of joy. The ‘pineapple’ was an unexpected treat - the comment nearly made me snort coffee. The colours displayed the stitches and pattern so well. Looking forward to seeing it in other colours, if that happens.

[@resourcedragon]

If you were to make that sleeve in (say) half a dozen bright, happy colours it would look like the sleeve for a clown jumper. Now, that's not necessarily a bad thing - there are lots of people out there who earn at least some of their living as clowns for children's parties or similar. If I were, um, clowning, then I'd much rather do it in a nice jumper (at least if I were out in the open in cold weather) than in some sort of nylon flimsy.

[@MsLilywren]

Looking forward to seeing Brioche's new sweater 😂 Thanks for sharing Stephen, I love the idea of putting all my 'bits' of started and left projects together and creating a mutant blanket of some kind!

[@the_dapper_scrapper]

the pineapple sleeve would look great as a lampshade. (also I really like it as a sleeve and would totally knit that coat )

[@Carola-By-The-Bay]

Hi, Stephen. 😋 Your work is intimidating to a beginning knitter, but this was inspiring! I’d heard of you, of course, and seen some of your creations. Delightful to see how “real” and humorous you are.💖 (AND, you mention crochet without making it sound like the poor step-sister…) 🧶🌻Looking forward to more!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

This was fun! 🎉

[@annlarson4916]

Thank you for sharing your gift of color…

[@kattiestokley3075]

That green stacked stitch swatch is sooo pretty. Please use it for SOMETHING. Gotta see it in a shawl or sweater.

[@zerolefthanded3252]

That is beautiful you should definitely make the swatch blanket to a pattern dk would love that!!!!

[@partyfiesta1557]

Patchwork project bags with swatches (knitting, crochet, weaving and embroidery) are on my to do list for the next week

[@KimClinger]

What fun bins you have. Yes pup sweaters and yes to the big swatch blanket. Maybe organize them by year…make a 2022 swatch blanket and then a 2023 swatch blanket. Fun!!!

[@resourcedragon]

That's a great idea! The spinner Evie of the JillianEve channel saves a little bit of fibre from each of her spinning projects and puts them in a box to be spun on St Distaff's day (6 Jan, no I wouldn't have known that either) as a tribute to the work done in the year that has just ended. Your idea sort of echoes that idea, but with knitting.

[@intheyellowcorner]

Really loved this BTS video, Stephen! Id love to see more. 😍

[@cassandras3465]

Stephen I loved how you said some things are just not meant to be finished and it’s ok to let them go! I definitely have a few wips I just don’t feel the enthusiasm for anymore, and instead of feeling guilty I need to use the yarn for something else and move on!! I love your positivity and your honesty ❤

[@gritshelme]

Oh my gosh, I already love your brain so much and if stacked stitches start coming out of it too I just won’t be able to handle it, haha! 😂 Thank you for this video-I really enjoyed this peek into your design process and found it really inspiring!

[@lilbedrot]

wow I love your shawls! very beautiful!

[@dianem7563]

I really want that finished slip stich shawl pattern.

[@courtneyn.m.1687]

“Everything has a purpose…except for this.” 😅 ❤

[@vivianpowell1732]

A most enjoyable episode! I love the Painting Bricks jacket with its beautiful browns and bits of blue or gray. I agree that a DK version would probably have the perfect proportions you want.

[@colleenarthur8472]

The shawl swatch with a wing reminds me of a bird in profile. And the Y-A-L with the jellyfish tendrils that you took a set of needles from, that is a perfect scarf/mini shawl as is! I love this video.

[@janicemiller6554]

Love the idea of the stacked stitches.

[@TheNittiya]

Hi,from Thailand , i like your knit ❤😊❤

[@therealdonnawagner]

This was fun and interesting to watch. Thank you for sharing! 😊

[@jeanneandphilnutley284]

8 30amWed 20th March UK The large dark coloured shawl is lovely keep going with that Your designs are wonderful Jeanne Nutley😊

[@Элен-ы3ы]

Всё яркое и красивое!!! Спасибо за ваш труд❤

[@karendyer954]

Thank you for all that you do! Always an inspiration ❤

[@Liz.Green789]

The pineapple. I laughed. Thank you, Stephen, for being such an amazing human. I love your creativity.

[@maggiekeller1812]

Omg! I just love your energy! And am also in awe of your tallent and your ability to ‘just wip something up!’ 💕💕😳

[@TaraMilligan]

I’m on the last 15 rows of the collar of painting columns jacket and I’m insanely excited! It’s beautiful. I’ll tag you! Thank you for your incredible patterns and the videos you do to support them. I love the mystery shawls for that reason because I get to knit with you 😊❤️🧶🧶🧶🧶

[@MaggieMire]

You are an inspiration 9 pm Pacific time

[@boa1793]

Ooh, that was fun. I don’t knit, but that was inspiring. Your sweater is gorgeous.

[@Anna-eid-garn]

You are amazing, I always smile when I see your videos❤ And I would totally wear that pineapple 🍍😊 I have a closet where I keep my wips, I just pick up one I feel like working on at the moment. And swatches are in a box, all of them with notes attached, so if I need information about specific project or yarn I know where to find it 😊

[@antonellagovoni5351]

Le pulizie di primavera...bravissimo! ❤

[@MSloan-qt6gl]

The first potential dog shawl: I was looking at it - it made me think of Native American patterns - like brown and white feathers and the V part like turquoise beading.

[@patientgrace]

They aren't mini abandoned shawls, they are doll shawls 😂😉

[@lauriewinters986]

Love this! You are so great at normalizing my knitting.

[@vjedwards1346]

So fun with all the different colours.

[@Lora2121]

That was very inspiring!!

[@leslienero7884]

You are wonderful! Hope there is another mystery sock along this year 🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾🤞🏾

[@karendavies1794]

Learning so much from you thank you. I have lots of unfinished projects /trials more than completed projects because most of the time I give them to family and friends!

[@summerking8659]

Such an interesting episode Stephen, thank you. Go such a giggle when you mentioned the pineapple!

[@analazo8357]

Thank you for sharing! Please make the pineapple into a vest 🥰

[@heathergoldsmith]

This was a great video. I love your spirit of adventure . The pineapple swatch reminds me of a tea cosy. Actually, while I was doing the dip stitch for the recent mystery shawl it gave me tea cosy vibes. 😂

[@kaycosette]

I love this video

[@LindaJuneDisley]

Really enjoyed this video. Every couple of months I go through my WIPs and if not feeling the love frog and reuse my yarn on other projects. I loved you ideas and the blanket is wonderful, especially love the idea of using the sampler shawls as bunting ❤❤❤

[@sherryl6028]

You’re the best!

[@pushismano77]

Greetings from Lithuania! So glad I found this channel. Knitting about 40 years already, I'd like to learn to write patterns that I design 🤔

[@ОльгаЦыганенко-х8у]

Смотрю из России. Вы смешной, забавный, весёлый. Но я понимаю, Вы профессионал в своём деле. Интересные идеи. Спасибо.

[@pattigolden1]

Man, I'd hate to be inside your head when you're brainstorming!!! It'd be like watching a fast-paced pong game!!! 😂🤣😂🤣 Love that dark shawl....maybe because it's more simple.

[@mstryk4yt]

"Mistaken for a pineapple!" I like that. 🙂

[@Dizzyknitsandcurls]

Ooh. InI shawl scrap blanket

[@karinschroff1066]

The pineapple would make a lovely hot wster bottle cover.

[@janniejensen928]

Im a relatively new knitter and want to learn something with every project and i make technique swatches just to learn :) You could make a pineapple cowl :D

[@minervagrey7700]

"Everything has a purpose ... except for this." ~grimaces~ 😂😂