UNPOPULAR KNITTING OPINIONS 🔥 {MIDWEEK RAMBLE}

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Join me as I share some of your unpopular knitting opinions and give you my piece on each. This was a lot of fun and please keep in mind, this is all in good fun. ❤ #knitting #knittingvlog #knittingpodcasts #knittingpodcast #woolneedleshands

[@3rdand105]

This is going to be extremely unpopular, but it's a situation I've been dealing with since I began knitting back in the spring of 1987. I haven't set foot in an actual yarn store since the mid-90's the yarn snobs who own them can't or won't fathom that straight men can knit, and we think acrylic is great. This is not to say that all yarn store owners and employees are yarn snobs, but I have yet to feel welcome in a yarn store, let alone buy something. My wife can't wear wool, so everything I've made for her is acrylic, and she's fine with that. But can we include everyone in the knitting community? I've felt like an outcast the entire time.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much Laura! It really is an easy cardigan to wear. Very drapey and soft and the shape is pretty basic. My kind of cardigan. 😊 And it's my pleasure to explore the budget yarn options. It's just so important to normalize budget-friendly materials for makers. ❤️ Thank you for watching Laura!

[@vbolton9]

You're knitting for your wife? That, in my opinion, should make you extremely popular, and a terrific husband!!!

[@bettielynncampbell]

I love a maker husband! Good on you.

[@OlafsonN]

I love that you knit. Everyone in Iceland must learn how early on in school. I’m in Canada and I’d love for my son and daughter to learn.

[@anishinaabae]

respectfully - have you tried not giving a fuck? as someone who ticks off three fairly visible minority boxes, i've slowly started to accept that there are some things about the way i'm treated in this life that are simply out of my control. and that feels really hopeless and infuriating, so it'll probably be a work in progress until the day i shuffle off this mortal coil, but in the meantime i'll be damned if i let situations that are still very much in my control slip out of my hands. the presumably straight, cis, white ladies who work at my LYS aren't always the most pleasant when i go venturing in for yarn either, but i'm not going to let anyone come between me and a hobby that's brought me way more light and love than i can begin to comprehend. a quote i try and keep at the forefront of my mind is "nobody can make you feel inferior without your consent". sometimes you just gotta carve out your own spaces! it's a reality i've had to face and accept long ago growing up as a queer indigenous person, lest i avoid the things i wanna do in life for over 30 years and that's not a life lived in my opinion. i hope the new year brings you many successful trips to the yarn store!

[@susancormack2618]

I’m surprised I have not read this unpopular opinion of those I have scanned. We really need to ban the term “ selfish knitting”. As women we need to give up the idea if we do something for ourselves it is selfish!

[@AyerisSacredReadings]

Yes

[@never-endingquestions3314]

I didn't know "selfish knitting" was a thing. I've never knitted something for someone else.

[@stephaniewilliams8687]

I love the idea of adding more affordable yarns to the conversation. Not every project should cost over $100 if that makes your hobby unaffordable. Honestly, I love to splurge on the high end yarns. But my non-knitting friends and family don’t see the difference. They just think that the project looks nice! 😊🧶

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

100%. ❤️

[@HarmonyInspired]

My unpopular opinion is that people should not hide their purchases from their partners, other than for gifts. I disagree with this practice for two reasons. One is, when you are in a relationship, you should be honest and forthcoming. Lying about or hiding purchases can destroy trust and ruin the relationship: at the very least it can cause unnecessary friction. The other reason is that . If you feel you have to hide your yarn purchases, it is an indication that there is an imbalance of equality, freedom and/or respect in the relationship which means you cannot openly spend money on something that is important to you. I guess these are really the two ends of the same stick: you and your partner are not in agreement of how much money can be fairly and happily spent on your hobby. It really makes me wonder how many of these people are either abusing the trust of their partner or being abused by a controlling partner. I know...its a really serious train of thought. Sorry if I'm ruining the fun vibe.

[@katerrinah5442]

Agree. It's interesting how toxic, hoarding behaviours are acceptable in the crafting community. Excessive spending, having more materials than you can ever hope to use, lying to your partner about your spending and how much you have ect. I have also seen how it affects people when someone passes away/goes into aged care. A friend of mine was a serious hoarder of sewing supplies - she'd buy thing sjust because they were nice not out of need. It cause a lot of stress and took a lot of effort for those who had to handle it. And even after trying to sell expensive things at a massive discount so much stuff went to charity shops or thrown out. It was definitely motivation for our whole sewing group to be mindful of our stashes and not let it get that bad. And also accepting responsibility for our stashes and not refusing to deal with it and leaving it for other people to handle. It's not cute, financially or logistically. Buy what you'll use, avoid buying everything that's pretty just because it's pretty

[@ingeleonora-denouden6222]

Yes that's a very serious opinion, but it is true!

[@brutus3631]

that and also yarn and other supplies can be very expensive. if you're only buying it because it's pretty and then not using it then it's simply a waste of money, and I understand how a partner can feel when they see their loved one spend so much money on something they end up never using yk? I have a rule of not buying more yarn unless I have a project in mind for it, otherwise I know that I myself would fall into a loop of hoarding it

[@GilraenTook]

I like that everyone jumps to it's the person buying yarn that has the problem after Melody's comment. I've been in an abusive relationship (and grew up with abusive parents to boot.) It's not always that the person is spending a huge amount on supplies (the shawl I just finished, I spent $100-120 on yarn, I think? because it's huge, and it took me 10 months to knit.) but that the other person becomes livid when you spend ANY money on something they don't approve of, and your stupid little hobbies that make you happy? Why would that be approved? Of course there are people who hoard and have near yarn-store sized stocks of yarn, and that's also not good, but it's not the only reason a partner would get upset at someone, or the only reason someone would lie about how much they spent.

[@brutus3631]

@@GilraenTook ofc, I was speaking from expierience as someone who has hoarding tendencies when it comes to my hobbies. I do know that abusive partners can see any money spent on a hobby as an opportunity to belittle and hurt their partner, but the community absolutely has a 'i wanted to buy one skein but bought 20 instead oops silly me' mindset when it comes to buying supplies, especially when you look on social media like Instagram I am sorry you went through this abuse and hope that you can do what you love in peace now

[@DejimeP01l]

My unpopular knitting/fiber opinion: Yarn stores are the most UNCOMFY and UNWELCOMING places. I feel like they're supposed to be these warm and welcoming places full of good vibes and pretty colors, but every time I enter one the workers are so cold and cliquey to me. I've been knitting for 16 years, and I've probably been in hundreds of yarn stores, and I have never felt welcome in a single one.

[@Miniver765]

DITTO!! THIS!! ☝️❤️

[@annettechaney2594]

I was told once..."Real knitters don't tie knots" I was thinking, I've been knitting 50 years. I can tie a knot if I want to. lol

[@Miniver765]

@@annettechaney2594 Absolutely. It's entirely your prerogative whether you want to tie a knot, or start a new skein by some other manner. The only thing that matters is that you get the finished results that YOU want.

[@jahbern]

If you’re ever in western MI, Chicks with Sticks in Kalamazoo is fantastic! I have only been in a couple of yarn stores because I live in Florida and don’t use much expensive/specialty yarn. But I was dropping my eldest off at WMU and stopped in - I’m a crocheter, mostly, and was worried they would only be knitter-friendly. They weren’t! The owner was super friendly and helped me calculate yardage for crochet. She showed me almost every wool blend yarn she had so I could feel them (again, I’m from Florida - what even IS super wash merino??). She gave me suggestions and we even chatted with another customer about how hard it is to crochet while watching TV vs knitting 😂 She was a knitter, but she had crocheted before, so she was very helpful giving me the comparisons. I knit like a 5yo, but she inspired me to try knitting with a nice yarn. ❤

[@rixatrix]

That’s so sad and I hate that for you! The last yarn store I went to in person this summer, a cat jumped up onto my shoulders (I loved it) and the ladies were super friendly and kind. It was a small store in a small town, but I think I’m lucky to have more friendly stores around than not. I definitely know the feeling of a chilly reception in a yarn store and it’s like…babes, this is NOT the vibe!

[@TLYarnCrafts]

I am so here for the sass 🤗 I don’t knit, so it’s interesting to see the things knitters disagree on 😁

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

So nice to have you here Toni! And yes. There are a lot of spicy opinions. Keeps things interesting. ☺️☺️

[@alexandraparkin2235]

Ditto. It's like Entertainment Tonight for yarnies.

[@mindypickens8032]

"Yet." You don't knit *yet*. Come to the yarn side.

[@andreaflanary2925]

I absolutely LOVE that there are yarns to fit every budget. I had a great yarn haul (store bought, budget friendly yarns) a while back that I posted on an IG reel and I did get a couple comments like "pass, ill take quality hand dyed yarn any day." I of course love beautiful hand dyed yarns AND supporting the small businesses, but its simply not in the budget to ONLY buy that yarn. I tried to politely respond that I love hand dyed yarn and buy when I can, but that store bought yarns and yarn hauls are a great affordable way for me to have plenty of yarn to keep up with my projects. A great thing about our craft is that it isnt restricted to only people who can afford to spend loads of money. There are budget friendly yarns, there are free online tutorials, there are free patterns available. It expands our community so much and I think that's awesome!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yes Andrea! 100%. And to think that someone would leave a comment like that is really disappointing. I fully appreciate your outlook here and I think it is one we all ought to embrace. ❤️

[@barbaramatthews4735]

What I find amusing is that yarn snubbing isn't much of a thing in the crochet community. Crochet enthusiasts often brag about discount yarn hauls and compare the best bargains. It's a souce of honor to create an amazing piece with a $2 bag of yarn scraps of unknown sources from a thrift store. That alone will create jealousy. It's a different mindset. I'm a crocheter who can knit. I am learning to knit socks. I'm in a sock frenzy right now. I prefer wool, but it is a texture thing.

[@nickiethesaint316]

For all my fellow continental knitters - Norwegian purling changed my life! I don’t have to move the yarn and it made me hate purling less!

[@roseosterndorf1265]

I’m with you. Although generally I am an English knitter, I find Norwegian purling more satisfying to do. My tension is better using this method.

[@mammamia14]

Yes! It’s brilliant ❤

[@saramorris5738]

YES! I'm a self-taught Continental knitter, and purling in the "traditional" way was so awkward and at times physically painful for me that I actually gave up on knitting entirely for a while. I randomly came across a KZbin video on Norwegian purling and it truly changed my knitting life. That was 10 years ago now, and I can't even remember how you're "supposed" to purl. When I tell you I'll never ever go back, I mean it. Norwegian purler for life!

[@michelleenzenroth8162]

This is interesting. I am going to look into Norwegian purling!

[@drumpointer]

I am a self taught continental knitter, although the term seems only to mean, without contention, holding the yarn in the left hand rather than the right. I consider what I do as “wrapping “ rather than picking,and definitely not throwing as it seems one throws with the right hand. I purl the right way and have no trouble. There is absolutely no difference or preference for me to knit or purl. I would just as soon do garter stitch purling. I discovered the existence of the Norwegian purl when I met Arne and Carlos at a trade show in London some years ago. I was surprised that as a knitter of 30+ years at that time I hadn’t heard of it. I’ve studied it, tried it, and rejected it. The one consistent praise I hear for it is that the yarn stays at the back, in one place as it were, for both knit and purl stitches. Ironically, the consistently recognized advantage of holding the yarn in the left hand is the ability to move it, front to back, without dropping yarn or needle. Ok that great advantage is over the English style, and you may argue that the Norwegian purl is a further improvement on the yarn in left hand approach. It’s the advantage of not having to do something, or a shortcut, when doing it the right way or not taking the short cut is just as easy. My gripe with it is that in order to achieve it the yarn is unnecessarily stressed to be where it needs to be, the unnecessary part is that the tension is unequal to the tension used to make a knit stitch. Great skill in this technique can overcome this, I admit, but if you work with unforgiving yarn, as I do, or if you knit with crochet cotton, as I do, I doubt that the tension will be very good, unless of course, you are very skilled.

[@thebeaside]

My hot take is that I will never by a multicolored yarn if the seller (or a customer) doesn’t have a picture with a swatch or something that shows how it knits up. I get that it’s extra work, but I’ve just seen stuff that’s supposed to be a speckle knit into more of a stripe too often and living in a smaller country I’m going to have to buy the whole sweater/whatever project quantity in one go to save on shipping so I can’t risk something not knitting up close to how I’m expecting.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I totally respect that. ❤️

[@BR54niner]

That’s something I wish I would have thought of. I recently bought 4 skeins of yarn because it was pretty in the hank yet….😬….I have no clue how it will knit up. 🫣 Praying I don’t develop buyers remorse. 🥺

[@DillyDahlia]

Came here to say the same thing. When deciding whether to invest in a sweater quantity, I really want to see a swatch, and there aren’t many dyers who do it. So, I search for finished projects on Ravelry, which is difficult because so many photos are poorly taken, the yarn is mixed with other colors in a pattern, etc. It’s no different from when you consider buying other products; you want as much information as possible, especially when you’re dropping a good amount of money. You want to have at least some idea of what the yarn will look like in a finished item. I don’t care nearly as much about what a yarn looks like skeined up or unwound.

[@via321ful]

I agree. Hand-dyed yarn is a big investment and if the seller doesn't provide a swatch, I would rather wait on another customer to upload a project using that exact color-way or not buy at all, no matter how lovely the hank looks.

[@asmileisspecial]

Ditto, I need to know how it knits up in stockinette- not garter, stockinette- before I purchase. Or at the very least unravel the skein so I can see how the colours fall.

[@TrinketNifflerKnitter]

I would love love LOVE to see a video on luxury yarn and budget yarn. That would be so amazing.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I'm on it! I've got some research to do, but it's definitely coming. Thank you for watching Kaitlin! ❤️

[@merrylrosenthal]

You've probably chedked out Love Crafts, where budget yarn abounds, and Hobbii. (I don't work for either company, but I buy from them when knitting something I know the recipient won't take great care of, lol.)

[@amanda.strutt]

OOooooo me toooooo!!! Following this one!!!

[@diannefitzmaurice9813]

Please include some natural fibers that are not commercially spun - so also handspun and some raw washed and unwashed in your comparisons

[@Andrea-di9ju]

I would love the yarn alternatives video. My unpopular knitting opinion is that one by one rib is amazing and fun to knit and the Kitchener stitch is meditative and calming.

[@annabellabcd8129]

Since you love single rib, you would really enjoy double knitting, it’s just single rib done in two colors to make reversible things.

[@midwestvegan2787]

SAME!

[@dawert2667]

As someone who is knitting a whole blanket in moss stitch, I felt this comment lmao

[@sparrowhill6373]

I think the aversion to seaming and purling is just sad 😥 Especially for new knitters that just hear, time and time again, that purling sucks, so why do it when you can knit in the round designs? Don't be intimidated by purling, it's nothing more than a mirrored knit stitch. KNIT: needle goes in through the front and sweeps the yarn towards you. PURL: needle goes in through the back and sweeps the yarn away from you. Easy peasy 😊 Seaming improves the fit of a garment, in ways that simple shaping can't. Shoulders falling down? Neckline riding back? Extra fabric above bustline? Twisting hemline? These can all be improved through well placed seams. I often hear people complain about fit issues with top down, in the round sweaters, thinking it's because they've done it wrong or have the wrong body type. It's not! A tailored fit requires seams. At the very least it requires shoulders, not just a circle that you pull over your head. 😂

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

So in regards to purling, for me it's less about it being difficult and more about me not liking to do it. Whether or not I'm drawn to a design will have little to do with whether it has purling or not. It's not that big of an issue. It's just that if I had to choose which stitch I liked least, purling would be it. I guess I take after Elizabeth Zimmerman in this. 🤷‍♀️ As for seaming, you're absolutely right. The best-fitting knitted garments are seamed. I watched Michelle Wang speak at a knitting convention a few years ago and was captivated by her explanation of the benefits of seaming. I love listening to Andrea from Fruity Knitting talk about seaming techniques and watching her do it is satisfying. And her garments are always perfect. I get it. And if I were teaching sweater-knitting 101, I would do a whole unit on the benefits of seaming because it's important to acknowledge and understand in order to fully appreciate sweater construction in general. However, despite all of this, I still don't like doing it. I think if I were to have issues with fit and shape and wearability with the sweaters I do knit (top down, at this point) I would explore my options, but I've had luck so far. Fingers crossed... Thank you for watching!

[@edinacole6382]

I agree 💯

[@sparrowhill6373]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS That's true, there are stitches and patterns we enjoy more than others. For me it's garter stitch. I love the squish, but I'm so slow at it! If I pick up any speed I end up accidently putting the needle into the purl bumb......maybe I should stick to fishermans rib 😂 I've learned that the style and yarn choice of a seamless sweater can make or break the fit for me. Boxy and flowy or sweatshirt style is a win, anything else comes out meh. My best fitting one is a loose tee made with FFP Silk Tweed (that really is a great yarn, so glad I have skeins in my stash) the positive ease and drape are a winning combo 👍. Thanks for making these videos! You're one of my favorite people to "hang out with" on KZbin! 💕

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

@@sparrowhill6373 i completely agree with what you’re saying here about style and yard choice. It has such a big impact! And I’m so glad you enjoyed knitting with the Silk Tweed. It is such a pretty yarn. ❤️

[@zephyraK]

I totally agree. I came from sewing garments and learned that it is actually the seaming that gives a garment its structure. And structured garments are a good idea for every figure. So it surprises me how little is seamed in especially modern day's knitting (although I see that seaming is more work, obviously).

[@sandraklettenberg6215]

My unpopular opinion is that I love knitting so much and I do it so much that I start feeling guilty. 😆 Every time someone leaves or comes home, they see me sitting on the couch knitting and watching youtube, netflix or listening podcasts. Loved this video though and would love to see budget-friendly yarns video! 💃

[@day-to-dayknits]

I too have an unpopular opinion! I don’t always close the armholes 💁🏻‍♀️ I work on the body, I add the sleeves, but if the sweater feels hot on, I don’t necessarily close the armholes. I’ve learned, by accidentally forgetting to knit the body-arm-connection, that that helps me stay warm but not too warm! 🤌🏼 It’s only noticeable if I raise my arms above the shoulders.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Wow, I’ve never considered that before. I mean athletic/outdoor clothing companies are designing clothes with ventilation like that, so why not just work that same design into your hand-knit sweater?! Ingenious, really. ❤️

[@roxelanaorc4065]

Planning to knit a variation of that to allow nursing through a hole in the arm. Will require less undressing. Looking forward.

[@jerib2446]

I have a sweater with this underarm hole. Sometimes I notice it when I wash the sweater and maybe when I wear it, then I promptly forget. No one else knows, I don’t think I care if I never sew up the hole.

[@ildonoa3928]

On fingering weight sweaters - I'm a....let's go with well-insulated :)...woman who is post-menopausal. This makes me effectively a roaming space heater. I also live on the coast in Oregon. It just doesn't get that cold here. We spend most of the winter in the high forties, low fifties. Fingering weight sweaters are about it for me, and I prefer short sleeve at that. I am also a die hard sock knitter. We experience Cold Tootsie Disorder up here, and hand knit socks are the best defense. My son, who is an adult on the Autism spectrum, will not wear anything but hand knit socks. Unfortunately, he has size 12 feet, so more than a 100 grams per pair of socks. Someone has to keep his hobbit feet warm :)

[@jahbern]

I live in Florida and I can relate. I don’t need anything more than a lightweight sweater, ever. A fingering weight sweater will serve my needs well in winter. ❤

[@bridge10dr]

@@jahbern Same here also in Florida. The problem is I LOVE the sweaters, but I realize they are just not practical for what they cost to make. I recently made a short sleeve DK sweater, and I will wear it to a cold restaurant or theater. But I do love a handknit sock. Joann has some great sock yarn.

[@star_athena]

I always cringe when people complain about what designers charge for patterns or yarnies charge for yarn. It tells me they have no idea what goes into the process. Instead, find something that works for your budget. There’s always a free pattern or budget yarn out there, really.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yuuuuup. My thoughts exactly. ❤️

[@eileentomaro768]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS Ditto

[@teriadams7398]

Exactly, there's always RedHeart.

[@heatherartsy8944]

Exactly when you think about it you are creating something that you (hopefully) have for a very long time so having good quality materials is essential when you’re spending x amount of hrs on a knitting project. For the cost of patterns I do not have a problem paying $12 CAD for something I can knit a gazillion times that’s priceless to me!!

[@barbaraklaser3681]

I agree! I'm someone who knits on a super-tight budget, and I know there are lots of free or low-cost patterns out there, and yarns that don't break my budget as easily. I would recommend to anyone who can't afford the nicest yarns or most expensive patterns ordinarily to just spend a little more on themselves for a birthday or holiday, and make sure it's something you really love that can (with hand-dyed yarn) be worn as an accessory with a favorite color you wear a lot, or with patterns to be really sure you love that pattern and have seen lots of good things about how well it's written and how it turns out. Be selective and splurge now and then. It makes our knitting more satisfying, even as we congratulate ourselves on being usually thrifty knitters. But so much love goes into those yarns and patterns, and I know how much time it takes to design something only I'll make, let alone getting all the bugs out of a pattern for other people to use - I never want designers or yarn dyers to stop or go away, and they need to make some money for what they do.

[@mbbillington3459]

I realize I am late in offering my opinion and experience here, but would like to offer it anyway. I was an English knitter for about 30 years before I had a cervical spinal surgery which left my right arm and hand partially paralyzed. Afterwards, I was not able to knit at all because I could not hold the yard, nor keep any tension upon the it. After quite a few years of not knitting, I thought to try the Continental style of knitting. After practicing, I found it worked very well for knitting, but purling, not so much. Then, I came across the Portuguese knitting style. I found that by using my thumb for purling, it was as easy and effective as knitting, if not more so. Purling was easy. Tension was easy to keep (I actually had to remind myself to keep the tension looser.) and never had any issues with problems with gaps on the reverse stockinette stitch. So, I found a way to knit and purling became a joy!

[@EmilysTeaCup]

This might be a weird take but sometimes I knit fingering weight sweaters simply because there is so much yardage, I can get a really luxe fiber that I will love to knit with while the same fiber in a dk weight in a sweater quantity would be way out of budget 🤷🏻‍♀️

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I totally get that. Actually it’s funny you should mention it because when I was offering dyed-to-order sweater quantities in the shop I always caught myself reflecting on how there is quite a “disparity” between the expense of a fingering-weight sweater vs a DK weight. It’s slightly different in weight, but you typically end up needing a whole skein more (sometimes a skein and a half) per project and that adds up. So yeah. I definitely see where your coming from. Thank you for watching Emily!

[@edinacole6382]

Plus I can’t wear a DK or Worsted weight sweater where I live (or at my age). It’s just too hot. Fingering weight doesn’t add bulk either

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

@@edinacole6382 And this is a VERY solid reason to knit them and to value the option. I get that for sure.

[@SomerKnits]

I do the same!

[@lizehhh]

Yes! It makes financial sense not only because you'll spend less on a fingering weight sweater than on a DK sweater, but also because you'll be knitting on it for longer, meaning it'll be longer before you have to purchase new yarn for a new project.

[@jeannette_studio_koselig]

What a great idea! Substitutions for the luxury yarns, like you have for make-up! And maybe not just because of the price point of the luxury item but sometimes also in availability. Not all yarns are easily available everywhere.

[@lindyeck4866]

I agree here. I have pattern books that recommend yarns that are constantly out of stock or discontinued 😢

[@naomiroyle9637]

My advice to a knitter who came into an LYS with some super fine roving (unspun fiber) alpaca/silk and was looking for someone to spin it up was this: I don't care if you spin for the rest of your life but I do wish that knitters spun just enough to be able to identify good yarn from bad. I gave her the name of someone to spin it, and that is what she did. It was roving that you needed to have experience handling so I thought she made the right choice. I have some and, it is gorgeous. I prefer starting with a raw fleece (sheep), or blanket (alpaca). Those processing techniques can ruin great fiber if not done gently or correctly. Most of the reasons people think they are allergic is all those chemicals and techniques used in the processing.

[@molahi5779]

The lighting, the filter, the candle, the warm beverage, the eclectic, boho decor... I'm feeling this vibe!

[@galewillis5367]

Thank you for validating my throw over knitting. May take a little longer but hey, I’m relaxing too.

[@merle4185]

As a mama teaching my kids the power of words, I really commend you in teaching your kiddos that Hate is a strong word that shouldn’t be used so loosely. Also- thank you for giving solutions to issues! Your open mind and finding ways to make things work is so refreshing and inspiring to see. Keep it going :)

[@lorielhassani]

What about teaching your kids how to handle what other people say? The world won't change for any person's opinion, but a person change change the way they perceive and absorb the world

[@merle4185]

@Lori Sally , to each their own! Let's just stick to knitting 😊

[@melissa-joy]

I love fingering weight sweaters. The tiny stitches, the lovely drape and the fact that they’re perfect to wear on warmer days with cooler evenings (I’m in Oregon). I’ve even been known to convert non-fingering weight patterns to use fingering weight yarn. I dig it. That said, I also adore cozy, weighty sweaters for colder days.

[@ShanaH414]

I am 100% in the anti-chunky sweater club. They're not flattering. The yarn wears out quickly. I understand the appeal of a quick project but most of the time it's just not worth it!

[@edinacole6382]

I wholeheartedly agree!!

[@sarahklos3090]

I love the look of small knit sweaters but with the Buffalo winters I need a sweater that’s basically a jacket lol! but maybe I can try out some smaller knits for spring/fall!!

[@edinacole6382]

@@sarahklos3090 100% alpaca is super warm. I cannot wear it for anything but outerwear where I live because it is just too warm. Perhaps this would be a good material for you to try

[@sarahklos3090]

@@edinacole6382 ooh thanks for the tip! I’ll have to try that out!!

[@malenejensen2995]

Unless you use a lopi yarn 😊

[@scrubjay93]

As a beginner, it was valuable to hear other people's opinions. I learned some things! Virtual knitting circles are necessary in the 21st century.

[@gizmofox5995]

I love a good fingering weight sweater. I love how quickly DK and worsted knits up, but living in the south, I always get too hot wearing them. Fingering is the perfect weight especially for colorwork.

[@WildeBookGarden]

I love how thoughtful and kind you are even when sharing unpopular opinions! and I'm loving the appreciation for store-bought yarn and acrylics in the comments section. I've only barely started branching into hand-dyed yarns, and I'll never be at a point where I can use those exclusively. Also, the synthetic yarns we have available to us are so much higher-quality than they were in the past! knitting snobbery really gets to me (I did learn just now after some confused googling I am apparently a thrower, lol. I can't imagine ever switching; I don't like the feeling of yarn wrapped around just one finger like that!)

[@jenniferrich5292]

Love this episode! In my opinion, fingering weight sweaters are the best! 1. I’m too hot indoors in DK or heavier. 2. The knitted fabric is elegant, like a machine knit commercial sweater. 3. The lighter yarn and needles are easier on my hands. 5. It teaches me to embrace sloooow fashion😬. 6. Fingering weight cardigans are perfect for spring and fall in my part of the world. Of course, worsted weight cardis are perfect for winter jackets!

[@needlekind5280]

My unpopular opinion is that I love knitting seed stitch! :)

[@writerious]

Fingering weight sweaters: between my time of life and some medications whose side effects affect temperature regulation, any sweater heavier than fingering weight is going to make me heat up like a furnace periodically. In fact, even the lightest weight pullovers are risky compared to cardigans and jackets. I like the look and feel of lighter weight knits, so fingering weight it is, even if in the middle of the project I'm singing, "This is the sweater that doesn't end.... yes it goes on and on my friend..."

[@RMG1337]

Loved the video. I like the idea showing budget, medium, and high cost yarns that are similar to use. Also switching from straight to circular needles for all my knitting was a game changer. It ended all my wrist fatigue.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you for watching Rita! I will definitely be doing some research to prepare for a budget/luxury yarn comparison video. And I know what you mean about swapping out your straights for circulars. That cord holds the weight of the project in place so we're not having to rely on our wrists to both knit and support the hanging fabric. ❤️

[@Emf836]

Snap! I only use circulars now

[@cmb4280]

I love knit socks, but I don’t like indie dyed yarn for my socks! Commercial sock yarn all the way-it lasts longer and doesn’t fade!

[@SomerKnits]

The super cold season in Oklahoma is fairly short so I knit fingering weight sweaters sometimes in order to get a longer wear period. I don't like to be overheated and I want to get more wear from my knits! Also as someone else mentioned, its less expensive sometimes or I can get a really nice blend.

[@ciannacoleman5125]

If I ever get round to sweater knitting I will do the same. It really sucks when we can only wear a warm sweater twice a year due to that tiny freezing window.

[@Plantsandmusicandyarn]

My first sweater was fingering weight because it requires so much less yarn! Lol.

[@valeriehowden471]

This was a great conversation starter! I've only been knitting for 2 years and crocheting for 40+. Sometimes, there is a bias for one craft over the other. That's a shame because both have their pros and cons. I gonna brag here that I'm a deathly slow post menopausal English knitter who has big feet. Custom fit socks are a game changer and can't wait to knit a fingering sweater. I use lux and budget friendly yarns because my daughter is allergic to wool + also has big feet. I waffle between loving and hating weaving in ends - I crocheted a queen sized bedspread with worsted weight wool in a mosaic square technique. 223 squares, each with 10 rows of mostly single crochet stitch, join as you go plus border rows. Let's just say, that's a lot of woven ends however I look at it and say it's probably the most loved project I ever made.

[@foxandfleece]

I may have misinterpreted the message, but I think it’s perfectly fine for people to be proud of/talk about how fast they knit, or anything else they do. There’s a fine line between arrogantly bragging and simply being pleased and excited about what you can do!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yep. I agree. The opinion you’re referring to here mentions bragging specifically. My response is also referring to bragging, which is by definition an arrogant form of expression. I don’t think anyone is taking offense to a person expressing pride and excitement over an accomplishment. But like I said in the video, I’ve never experienced a person bragging about knitting fast. The person who submitted the opinion may have-who’s to say. But should I ever experience an arrogant and boastful person bragging to me about how fast they knit (should that person exist-and I doubt they do) it would irritate me. 🤷‍♀️ Thank you for watching Haydn. I appreciate your input! ❤️

[@GTaichou]

May I say, your gauche portrait on that mug evokes such a delightful mix of Frida Kahlo and Van Gogh portraiture to me. What a wonderful styling and technique! Excellent work!

[@phalicia1327]

I disagree about speed being a weird factor to want to change. I prefer knitting delicate fabrics on tiny needles, and slogging through projects was really discouraging when I was throwing. I found myself not wanting to pick up projects, so I switched to continental. My speed increased 4x and I knit SO MUCH MORE than I ever used to, because seeing projects fly off the needles is so incredibly satisfying.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I understand what you're saying here and it sounds like your experience is very similar to mine. I initially sought to change my technique to "flicking" thinking it would make for much less of a slog when I knit. Everything just felt sluggish and tiresome. I didn't necessarily want to knit faster, but I certainly figured that if I could find a more comfortable way to do it then I would most likely reap the rewards of being a more efficient knitter; the byproduct of that being able to knit faster without any additional effort. And yes. I loved that projects started to come together more quickly--who doesn't? I think my point here is more about embracing your knitting style if it's comfortable and enjoyable (in both of our cases, from what I gather, we sought a more comfortable/efficient technique). That comfort will lead to efficiency which will lead to less slog, which will encourage speed---naturally. I also think it's important not to expect ourselves to be knitting machines, cranking out projects left and right. There just isn't any need for that if you're a hobby knitter. At least, not that I've experienced. Bottom line, despite mine and anyone else's opinion, if a person WANTS to knit faster, then they should do what they want. If they're ok with what they've got going, even if it's not fast, then they should stick with it. Thank you for commenting Phalicia! I love having these conversations. I think they're engaging and a healthy part of any crafting community. ❤️

[@murphychurch8251]

Your comment makes me actually consider switching, as I can get bored quite easily. I'm just worried about how difficult it would be for me to switch to continental. Because it took me a lot to learn (English style) in the first place, but once it was hammered into my brain I've been knitting very evenly, like a machine. 😆 Could be tough to replace that muscle memory. 🤔 Was it hard for you to change the muscle memory?

[@phalicia1327]

@@murphychurch8251 I tried a few times over the years because yes, it was definitely tricky! I’d end up getting frustrated because I was basically at square one again, and I’d switch back. Finally sat down and MADE myself do it. Knit a super long practice piece. Purling was tricky too. But it didn’t take as long as I expected to get used to it! 100% worth it and I wish I’d stuck it out sooner!

[@emmascanlon5452]

i 1000000% agree with showcasing cheaper alternatives! sometimes i want to splash on a fancy yarn (espec by hardworking indie designers, espec espec those whose prices are extremely fair for the beautiful product they're selling) when quality is important, but for coasters, skinny scarves, jumpers/cardigans for the house or other less special projects i just want something workable and pretty. so seeing several options would be lovely!

[@bedlambelle]

I just frogged a fingering weight sweater I haven't picked up in months. I'm going to use the yarn for a shawl.

[@Enig_Mata]

My thoughts on expensive yarn...you don't always have to buy the yarn in the pattern. Sometimes, pattern designers do a collab with yarn brands and the patterns are knit up with those brands. If you like something and see value in it, go for it. If you can't afford something, buy something within your budget. I have yarn in varying price points and will not shun a brand just because it's a commercial brand. You can not expect to buy from an indie brand at the same price of a larger company. The smaller companies may cost more because they have to cover their overhead *AND* make a living. I appreciate podcasters who also use inexpensive yarn so they can show people what else is available. I love Drops, Woolyknit and JC Rennie. Great yarns, great price.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Agree 100%.

[@velvety2006]

i have knitted a few sweaters with a different yarn than recommended i just made sure they were the right weight and thickness

[@aidanreed6748]

I’m a year late 😂 but I have to say mine just to get it out there. I DESPISE knitting with bouclé yarn (example: lion heart homespun)! You have to be soooo careful when you knit and you can’t just turn your brain off and enjoy the process. I found a really pretty skein about 12 years ago and started knitting things with it. It drove me insane to the point I can’t stand to see that kind of yarn in a store 😂 I’m sure it makes nice, cozy things, but I won’t be the one to use it haha.

[@tinatimmins666]

I really like your take on yarn experience - hank vs unravelled vs cake vs project - and the pictures that should be offered. And really like the video idea of yarn tiers. I know some designers include different yarn options than the ones used in the project itself. Accessibility and knowledge and options are always something I'm here for.

[@KateKrauss]

Would love to see a close up of your actually flicking knitting, as someone who is trying to learn to flick.

[@melindamillion1949]

Wow! I agree with 99% of y’all. I’ve been knitting for 57 years. It that much time we get past opinions and just know this is how I’m gonna knit.

[@maryfoster5189]

I like your idea about ideas for less expensive knitting. Sometimes it seems to me that the choices are high end expensive yarns and yarns like loin brand ( not bad but not right for a lot of projects). Middle brands like Broccoli or Plymouth are not widely available.

[@nanceefrench9144]

I’m a knitter who lives on the Canadian border. I shear my sheep and make bulky sweaters. I heard the part about not liking bulky sweaters. My grandfather used to say that we have 7 months of winter and 5 months of damned poor sledding’. Big bulky sweaters, hats and mittens from my ewes are much cheaper than buying them. 🤩🐑

[@beatrizmedina_mabe]

Why I prefer toe-up socks: I can try them while I knit. I have very wide and very high feet and most patterns are written for narrower feet. And I also have very thin ankles. So I have to change every pattern to fit my feet, and being able to try them BEFORE turning the heel is a bonus for me.

[@naomiroyle9637]

I totally agree. Started with top down because that is how the book said to do it. Switched to toe up because I love Cat Bordhi's patterns. I have wide feet and a really high arch so most numbers never worked for me. Really love that trying on!!

[@deborahglaus4390]

I love the idea of sharing alternative yarn choices for more affordable substitute yarns!

[@josephpoole3942]

I doubt you'll see this comment on an older video but in case you do, consider trying out the Norwegian purl technique. I knit continental style which isn't that far from flicking and it was a complete game changer for me when i stumbled onto it years ago.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you for this Joseph! I totally will look into that. ❤️❤️

[@ChrissyGamerG]

This was a FUN video, love the conversation. Very insighful to hear different viewpoints. My unpopular knitting opinions would be..."I don't buy project bags for my socks knits. All my projects are stored in Ziploc bags. If I have $30, it's going to a skein of yarn, never a project bag." 😁

[@noelleparris9451]

I would love it if patterns included three yarn choices for the project: the original yarn that the designer chose (which might be pricey or luxe ... or not), a mid-range priced yarn and a budget-friendly yarn -- all with the desired results of the pattern. Sometimes I see patterns and want to make the piece with the yarn called for, but then when I check it out, there is no way I can afford the quantity called for of that yarn. It would be help a lot of designers (I think) sell more patterns if they thought about doing this. When they began to consider sizing and made more size options, they sold many more patterns. I think the same would happen if they offered suggestions or recommendations on the different price points of yarn.

[@MakingLemonadeFromLemons]

I love knitting fingering weight sweaters, especially when knitting colorwork. I can wear it as a layering piece when it is cold and on its own in warmer weather especially living in NC where winters are generally pretty mild for the majority of the winter with about a month of real winter weather. That being said, I love how fast DK and worsted weight sweaters knit up. As a pullover I will wear them less often so I tend to prefer cardigans in the heavier weights. I have knit a few worsted and aran weight pullovers though. One was a Ranunculus. So warm and cozy.

[@erinlynch258]

I love fingering weight sweaters for many reasons - all of which have already been mentioned - and the Stria by Andrea Mowry is a solid squishy very snuggly one that I need a 100% wool fingering weight - that half fisherman’s rib is DREAMY!

[@jatraveler1277]

New subscriber this week. Binge watching as a knit my socks. I LOVE to knit socks, especially wool. I wear my hand knit socks all the time. I love to do ribbing on the cuff, usually make the cuff longer. Loving your rambling... honest and fun. Thanks

[@HughTauerner]

I've knit 4 or 5 ganseys over the past 40 years. Using fingering weight 5-ply yarn & 2.5 or 3.0mm needles. Sure they take a while, but they look gorgeous and wear well. The last one I knit won best in class at the county fair.

[@Blb477]

I love this so much! Staying flexible in thoughts and opinions is so respectful and creative. Rigid thoughts always are painful to the mind, body and emotions. As I sat and didn’t fix my opinion one way or another I could see both sides. Thank you everyone!! Opinions are subjective..even and especially my own! ❤😂😮

[@amyfeigt6715]

I like the idea of doing videos with luxe yarns vs. more affordable options. many Makeup videos do something similar & it's very helpful to learn about the unique properties that may be present in a luxury item to discover whether that might be something that would be worth your time & money for a special item as well as more budget-friendly options where perhaps you can get one or two of the special features, but not all of them & still end up with a perfectly wonderful finished item.

[@luzamart2]

I’m slowly catching up with your videos since finding them. I was feeling bad about being a beginner knitter and knitting slowly, I guess I shouldn’t. Didn’t realize that is part of the craft and the process. Thank you. Totally enjoying your content. ❤

[@meganmills6545]

I've got an, if not unpopular, then at least uncommon or even controversial opinion. If you're doing a long tail cast-on (LTCO) then you can't make it looser by using a needle 1 or 2 or even 10 times bigger - that's true for a knitted cast-on, but not the long-tail or any variation of it. The tail yarn for LTCO doesn't travel around the needle as part of its final formation so the size of the needle doesn't control or change it. If you want a looser cast on with LTCO then space your stitches further apart on your needle as you make them. That will force the yarn tail to be "longer" in its finished form and give you a looser cast-on.

[@tadpole53]

I have one: 9 inch circulars are superior to DPNs and Magic Loop for sock knitting! They're a little hard to get used to at first, and yes you still need DPNs for the heel flap/turn/toe. But I glide through socks on these now. No ladders. No annoying cord to mess around with. No running around trying to find the 4th needle in my set that I always lose somehow. No stuffing the whole thing into a project bag and worrying about how the needles are laying and having the cord get all caught up in yarn. No having one of my needles just slip out and fall to the floor leaving me to pick all my stitches back up. I LOVE 9 inch circulars. And I love sock knitting! I love how every part of the sock has it's own construction and its own difficulty, and the project always stays interesting and mindful. Stockinette sweaters are only good for me if I can watch a movie or talk to someone while doing it, but socks are enough for me to just quietly sit in my room and focus on my project for hours. And I live in a cold place, so I need good hefty socks for the winter, especially to sleep with. ❤️

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

See, I want to love 9 inch circs for the reasons you mention here. I really do. But for whatever reason I just cant get comfortable with them. 🤷‍♀️ As for sock knitting, I love the meditative feel of it. It's like yoga knitting (when it's a basic sock with no stitch pattern). However, of all of the sorts of projects, they are the hardest for me to stay focused on...or motivated by...sweaters are different. I can have a few sweaters going and if I like the design, I can remain motivated to knit on the util they're finished. Socks just languish sometimes... Thank you so much for watching and sharing your opinion! ❤️

[@SharonCullenArt]

Okay I’m a bit late and there’s one thing that has always bothered me…. That somehow all English knitters are “throwers!” We aren’t. I hold my yarn almost still as I knit very much like continental style only I do it in the right hand. We are not all “throwers!”😂

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yes! Sharon! You’re absolutely right and I should’ve clarified that here. I’m the same. I knit English style, but I do not throw the yarn. Like you say, it’s a very subtle movement. Thank you for adding that here! ❤️

[@horrorjunkiehayne]

I do the exact same thing. English feels more natural to me and I am able to maintain better tension, but I hardly have to move. I started knitting just under three months ago, and based on the videos I've seen about English vs. Continental I was convinced I was doing it wrong because I didn't have the issues with speed and fatigue people kept talking about.

[@cathafloat1195]

Me too, i am from the Uk, I learned to knit from my great grandma….I hold my right needle like a pencil with my thumb under the fabric of the knitting, and flick my index finger with the tension held by my little finger. If you see women knitting in a black and white war time film, that’s how I knit. I have never had RSI or aches and pains and my knitting and stocking stitch are very even. There is no one way or right way of knitting, vive la difference.

[@hmkmk7038]

Thank you Sharon for saying this! When you see videos on explanations of different styles, they always say ‘then they drop the needle and pull the yarn around…’ or some such thing. Drives me bonkers.

[@allisonreznik9251]

And I do the opposite! Knit with my left hand, but I wrap (or throw)! I recently realized this after knitting for many years. Thinking that after I complete my WIP, I should shift and learn to flick, so I can...knit faster. Lol.

[@middleworldwitch4810]

I changed to continental for speed and then discovered that it was more comfortable for me to do it that way too.

[@midwestvegan2787]

Thank you for doing this! It cracked me up and I think it is worth saying that we all can relax just a bit and just let other people enjoy things. We do not all enjoy the same things and that is ok. Hahahaaa! And I did feel like I sensed a bit of fomo and/or envy of not being able to do or have the things that some choose to have/do. I know I am always mooning over other peoples makes, skills, and yarn purchases! Regardless of my own budget, I have envy and excitement through others projects. Which is probably why I watch way too many knitting and making podcasts. This was fun! Ps. Socks are the best as far as knitting them and wearing them ( including in shoes) and toe up socks are definitely not superior in any way. 😉😂

[@erroniousmcleese]

I like the "planned chaos" of Speckled yarn and when You knit it with a solid yarn that matches the speckles it really makes the speckles POP!!

[@barbaram4372]

I agree, I especially like a speckle and a solid knit up in garter stripes.

[@erroniousmcleese]

@@barbaram4372 - YES!!

[@grettastephens1583]

I am also not fond of mohair but I love the “floof”. My preference is to get my floof from angora, possum or alpaca instead.

[@kathyindependent2728]

I just discovered you this week and love your videos! And your craft room is so inviting and cozy…I’m going to model mine after yours because I love the relaxing vibe! This was a great video on unpopular knitting opinions. Can’t wait to see the luxe vs inexpensive yarn video….knitting can be an expensive hobby but only if you make it so. Sometimes I like to purchase yarn that to me is worth spending more and sometimes I Ike less expensive yarn but it all boils down to one thing…I love to knit and it makes me happy!

[@jimmersgal]

I really enjoyed this video so very much! Thanks for putting it out there! We are such an amazing community with very different opinions- that’s what makes us wonderful! 👍🏼

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Yep. I agree 100%. Thank you for watching Lynn!

[@Cstarsmoon]

🤣😅 SO many opinions , SO little time ! Love my handknitted socks, cozy feel in the winter plus easy to work on when traveling. Yes, for toe up socks which I find to be easier to fit and try on while in progress. Learned to knit them top down but switched to toe up. I've bought, what I thought was, pretty speckled yarn but after knitting it up , UGH.

[@WildeBookGarden]

and yes! more than the price of expensive yarn (since as you said there are lots of understandable reasons for that), what I find frustrating is the snobbery some knitters have about good projects ONLY coming from those yarns, or being an experienced knitter means you can ONLY use those yarns, etc.

[@myhandsaslanguage]

Just discovered your videos today, and they have been perfect for me to listen to while doing any crafting activity. Thanks for sharing yours and others’ thoughts!

[@northcountryknitter6346]

So, I often feel like a black sheep of the sock knitting community because the Only way I knit my socks is toe up with a short row heel. I hear from so many sources that the Best way to knit socks is cuff down with heel flap and gusset. But I have my reasons for knitting socks the way I do, mostly because it is the easiest for me to knit something I love in my current stage of life. 😊😂😂

[@quejyaille]

you're not alone! that's the only way I knit my socks too! :)

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Do you, all day long and no matter what anyone says. That is all. Black sheep are cool. 😘

[@sarahjanetrillow8686]

Toe up all the way so I can make sure I use all of the beautiful yarn.❤️

[@joannasnowden4093]

It really depends on the fit for your foot. Narrow heel + high arch = heel flap.

[@VeretenoVids]

My unpopular knitting opinion is that I hate that there us even a fight over toe up vs cuff down. Both have their pros and cons. One is not superior to the other, they're just different methods!

[@anitabechtel5180]

Wow! This was so different from other podcasts and I applaud your candor as well as others. My knitting opinions would be hugely unpopular, though I hear from others opinions that are similar. Good job on this subject.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thanks! I figured, let's do it. Who cares? We all have opinions, why not chat about some of the more innocuous ones? ❤

[@genier7829]

I like making fingering weight sweaters for a few reasons. I live in a warm climate, but I like wool. I like knitting color work and many patterns are designed for fingering weight. I find the finished garments are useful 3 out of 4 seasons here, and I love wearing things I have made :) I knit both seamed and in the round knits. Seamed are good for larger heavier designs as they add structure to hold the garment's shape, and it is easier to work on smaller sections than a huge monolith of a large in the round monster. AGREE 100% ABOUT THE BOBBLES.

[@makingmods]

Fingering weight for all over colorwork is my fave too. It feel like it works to a DK and anything heavier than that is deep winter only for me.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I understand what you’re saying here in regards to the climate. I live in southern Nevada soo…yeah. Not that nippy here. And I do know many colorwork sweaters are designed for fingering-weight yarn (and many are lovely). For me, I think it’s an aesthetic thing. I just like the look and feel of a heavier sweater. Even if I only wear them between December and February. ☺️. Thank you for watching Genie!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

@@makingmods I think all over colorwork is a whole other thing. If we’re talking Marie Wallin patterns or something similar, all that extra yarn adds that substance to the garment that I find is missing with just a single layer of fingering-weight fabric. And you can’t get that crisp colorwork definition with anything heavier than DK. So in terms of all-over colorwork, I agree totally. Thank you for watching Macey!

[@kathykujawa6183]

great video. this is what starts conversations. excellent.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Kathy!

[@ksdunlap1479]

I switched to continental to knit faster because I can do more projects that way! I also love the motion.

[@makingmods]

This video is one of my faves from the channel! :D I wish more dyers would show their yarns both twisted and open, I've certainly expected color ratios to be quite different than what I've gotten before. And love the idea of seeing different "tiers" of yarn. Sometimes you're making a special piece, sometimes it's a quick hat in team colors for a football game! Gotta know your options.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you Macey! I loved doing this. It's fun to explore these topics and its also enlightening in terms of starting the ball rolling on, like you said, our options. It's not about expecting yarn to be cheaper; it's about exploring what's out there if we choose not to spend that much for a particular project. And platforms like this one are a great place to share that info. I've got work to do, but I'm looking forward to learning more about yarn options and sharing it here. ❤️

[@jofrench2674]

I prefer knitting on “normal” needles tucked under my arm 😁

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

And I LOVE that Jo. I was watching a video recently about knitters in Shetland and they were knitting with a belt with one of those pillow things that sort of supports the needles. I found it fascinating. Now I know that you don't need to knit with one of those when tucking the needle under your arm, but the whole method with tucking the long needle is just really cool. 🙌

[@jofrench2674]

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS and when I knit this way it is just as quick/easy to purl as I just keep my hand over the tucked needle. 👍😁

[@cavumine]

I would love to see a video comparing luxe vs. budget yarns! As a intermediate knitter, I've had to go with budget stuff just to practice, and there's no way I'm using expensive yarn to practice (and I need to practice!)

[@ambortion212]

I love purling. I’m a thrower and I can purl all day without looking. I know I’m weird lol

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Not weird. Blessed. 😉 Revel in that purly goodness. ❤️

[@amanda.strutt]

Yasssssss!!!

[@KnittingsAndSewings]

Okay, I love that cup you just added to your merch store. The lady on the tea cup and the "Not now" note. I had to order it!! You are such an artist. Also, I consider my own "unpopular opinion" to be that I don't mind weaving in ends. So many people I know just detest weaving in ends, but I don't mind it.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you so much Chelle! And I think I'm going to adopt your opinion regarding weaving in ends. I just started a granny square blanket that will have me weaving in ends 'till the cows come home and I need to start looking at the task with a little more positivity. 🥴😊

[@hannaha1474]

I like mostly fingering weight yarn I’m noticing more, and I’ve come to be more neutral rather than negative about purling just due to the recent uptick in my projects in flat knitting. Once I got over the “ugh, purling??” the number of projects I could do massively increased

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I think this is a really great point. We tend to shy away from the things we don't typically do. And then when we find ourselves inspired (for whatever reason) to do those things, our whole perception changes. Thank you for watching Hannah.❤️

[@laurad430]

This was so fun! Thank you. As far as vintage patterns - I think there are more complex patterns around because the plain ones were a single purchase or share and knit over and over

[@winiconnor4981]

Watching this video while I’m working on a lace weight colourwork pullover… almost choked on my water when you started talking about the fingering weight sweater opinions 🤣🤣

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I mean...it's harrowing knitting to be sure. 😉 What pattern are you knitting?

[@nadiabobkova7979]

I love your haircut, it's sooo stylish! And thank you for the great content!

[@marybethirwin9684]

Great episode! I think these are my favorites, but it is because you keep it light and fun and you provide some education with each topic. Like the speckled yarn discussion - so true! It's so important to broaden our perspectives on how to experience yarn. As for the affordable issue, there is yarn sub which provides alternatives and let's you know the $$. I think it would be fun to discuss swapping out yarns and all that should be considered, in addition to cost.

[@nancycollins2823]

The fact that you ended with "diddling my bobbles". Ha ha ha!

[@lindabjork2067]

When you live in a southern area - fingering weight sweaters is all you can do. We have 70 degrees every day of the year - so why would I knit with thicker yarns?

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

I completely understand and agree. I think my preference is based primarily on process and not necessarily taking into consideration regional limitations (like climate). If I lived in Florida, I’m sure I’d feel differently.

[@TheMetatronGirl]

Knitting hobbyist, here, who retaught herself to knit Continental style from English. I did so in order to knit faster because I love using fine yarns and didn’t want to spend two years knitting a single project.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Makes sense! If it makes you a happier knitter, that's all that matters. And having something on the needles for years...or even a year is just frustrating. I get it. 😅

[@FaerieDust]

Ok so the thing with toe up socks is that I can divide my skein of yarn pretty much exactly in half. Knit the toe, foot, and heel as required, and then knit the leg until I've used up almost half the skein by weight, add the cuff, and now I know I have exactly enough yarn to comfortably knit the second sock without running short or having a lot left over. That's probably not a concern when you've got enough experience, but as a newbie I definitely prefer it. Also casting on the cuff was so much more frustrating than casting on the toe (though that may have something to do with my decision to make my first knitting project a magic loop sock - I could've probably picked something a bit less fiddly to start out with 😅)... The toe took me a couple of tries as well, but it was less frustrating to start over with a handful of stitches than when I realized I'd messed upp after 72 stitches 😂

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Based on what you mention here I can absolutely see where toe-up is the way to go. This just goes to show that it's such a personal preference based on past experience, yarn amounts/economy, and just preference for cast-ons/construction. I've only knit one pair of toe-up socks (and they were ankle socks) so I have VERY little experience and no real preference. I suppose I do cuff-down just because it's more familiar. Thank you for watching!

[@avifrancisco2100]

I’m absolutely obsessed with the cardigan you’re wearing in this video! I’m assuming you knit it yourself. If so, would you mind sharing the pattern?

[@knitcrochetwhatever8177]

Bag-O-Day Crochet tells you all about yarn. She compares yarn and advises on alternate yarns you can use that are more affordable.

[@MYROCKOROCKO]

Tayler …..You are such a cool cat! Very inspirational! …. Your voice is perfect for podcast 🙃 Thank You for all your hard work!

[@kdgeckoknits274]

Knitting in pieces gets a bad rap😅 I started off knitting in pieces. I love the idea of knitting smaller pieces of fabric, and then sewing them together. For years I never knit an in-the-round garment because I didn't like how the garment hung on the body. We are not tubular, and knitting in-the-round produces a tube. So, when I finally broke down and gave top-down and bottom-up garments a go, I added a faux purl seam to give the garment the appearance (well, a little bit) of a knit flat in pieces construction garment. I never knit in the round without adding my faux seam. There are pros and cons to both types of construction. Sometimes it's a matter of what we get used to. One thing I still grr about with in-the-round garments is the join, not the initial join, but the place where one round ends and the other begins. No matter which technique I've tried to minimize that slight jog to the next round. . .it still shows. Some fibers camouflage this round to round jog better than others. But, for me, it still makes me a little crazy.

[@monicawall778]

I was a good sewer decades before I was a good knitter. Knitting in pieces can hide sloppy knitting if you’re good at sewing.

[@meganmills6545]

I wasn't that keen on purling (the process, that is) until I added another style of knitting to my toolbox. I always found it slow to change between knit and purl and felt awkward doing the purl itself, even with the Norwegian purl mastered. But then I started playing around with "Portuguese" knitting and now just switch up how I'm going to knit depending on what I'm knitting. Ribbing gets Portuguese, lace gets English, colour-work will be English and Continental or Portuguese depending on how much changing there is between knits and purls and how many colours are in the row. I also find that when I'm working some yarns I get less twisting (or untwisting) depending on the knitting style I use. So I guess my opinion is - if you really like a pattern that's purl-heavy but you don't enjoy knitting it then maybe consider trying other ways of knitting. And if you don't enjoy other styles of knitting well - there are literally hundreds of thousands, and more like millions, of patterns out there (plus the ones fermenting in your own head). This is meant to be enjoyable and even the longest lives are limited so I prefer to spend my time knitting something where I enjoy both the process and the product. As for seaming and finishing - I used to detest it like it was some kind of wicked curse cast by a sadistic monster who hates all knitters. Then I discovered treating it as a craft in its own right. When I approach it that way I rather look forward to it and have been known to do various swatches just so I can play around with various seaming and finishing ideas!

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Honestly the best reply I have here is that I agree with you wholeheartedly, I'm eager to learn more about Portuguese knitting and everyone who's reading the comments: READ THIS ONE. 👆

[@melissafriedrich3171]

Fun video, thanks for sharing your opinions. I love toe up socks cuz I don’t want to lose at yarn chicken lol.

[@amyrudolph1090]

I feel like super bulky yarn is great for cute throw blankets and pillow covers (like decorative ones for the couch).

[@SS_S.]

I live in a warm climate where winters rarely dip below freezing and warm woolly sweaters would see use maybe 3-4 weeks in a year. I still love knitting and wearing sweaters, so they have to be made in fingering or at most DK weight yarn if they want any use. Given that fine weight yarns have more yardage I can get a sweater from a beautiful fibre I couldn't afford in a heavier weight yarn. So, better quality fibre and much more use means that fingering weight sweaters are so, so worth it.

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

You know, I completely get what you’re saying here and you’re absolutely right about the cost/yardage with a fingering vs a DK weight. There’s quite a disparity there. And as for the climate, I can relate. I live in Henderson, NV (greater Las Vegas area) and I think we’re the second hottest city in the US and even though we do get cold winters (occasionally dipping into the freezing temps), it’s like you say…heavier sweaters only get a few weeks of wear. It’s funny because even though I’m not into the idea of knitting fingering sweaters, I really don’t want to knit anything heavier than worsted…and even that is pushing it…unless the pattern is just so good. ❤️

[@PatientFarmer]

I love my fingering weight sweater I just finished! I called it Vintage Wisteria and I made it from salvaged yarn!

[@youcanknowanything8489]

way to go for salvaging yarn. I just heard about that last year. the lady spoke of going to thrift stores solely to buy wooly sweaters for the purpose of tear down and gleaning the yarn. a wonderful bugle frugal idea👍

[@PatientFarmer]

@@youcanknowanything8489 I love it. I am saving the environment and acquiring luxury yarns on a budget! Sometimes it doesn't work out though. A sweater that looks like it's knit then seamed is actually surged and every freaking row is cut. 😭 I'm using those for mending projects!

[@markj148]

Im working on the Guernsey Sweater by Sandnes Garn, the Tynn Peer Gynt version (which is a fingering weight yarn), but im actually using their Sunday (a slightly lighter fingering weight yarn) held double with lace weight alpaca yarn and im LOVING the process. It’s also going by quicker than I expected because its designed in sections. And it doesnt look like a long sleeve tshirt so far! Its an amazing pattern. 😄

[@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS]

Thank you for sharing this! I definitely need to look into it. This sounds lovely. ❤️