That creative spring energy | Vanilla socks, Moon Set Tee, test knitting | Knitting Podcast Ep. 8

#knitting #knittingpodcast
Spring is here, and I'm ready to jump into all the fun, warmer weather knits! I'll review my latest FO, the Champagne Cardigan, and talk about stash sock knitting, an upcoming test knit, and some fun, non-yarn acquisitions!
SOCIAL LINKS & CONTACT INFO
Instagram - @svenjaknits
Ravelry - @SvenjaKnitsRvlry
E-mail - [e-mail]
LINKS TO PATTERNS, YARNS & TOOLS
Champagne Cardigan by Petite Knit
www.ravelry.co...
Noro Madara
the-twisted-pu...
I’m So Basic Socks by Summer Lee Designs
www.ravelry.co...
Emma’s Yarn - Practically Perfect Sock
emmasyarn.com/...
Moon Set Tee by Ozetta
www.ravelry.co...
Juniper Moon Farm Organic Patagonia
junipermoonfar...
Suri V-Neck Test Knit by Caidree
www.lovecrafts...
Paula Lyon's Knitting Bag of Tricks Book
amzn.to/3H69uFk
Knitting Art Print by Valerie Boivin
www.etsy.com/s...
CHECK OUT MY RAVELRY PATTERN BUNDLES
Accessories www.ravelry.co...
Hats & Headbands www.ravelry.co...
Baby & Children’s www.ravelry.co...
Tees & Tanks www.ravelry.co...
Slipovers & Vests www.ravelry.co...
Pullover Sweaters www.ravelry.co...
Cardigans www.ravelry.co...
Socks www.ravelry.co...
*Please note: Commissions may be earned from the links above. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

[@michelebuda-carlson2076]

Love your Champaign cardigan,almost enough to consider making it,love the yarn color. I'm a retired CRNA and I love the heart print in the background. I just discovered your podcast, I will continue to watch. Your knitting is beautiful. 🎉

[@svenjaknits]

Thank you so much! Happy to have you here :)

[@therapybycraft]

I'm so glad Nikol (of @ThePineCottage) recommended you in her recent list! I love your idea of featuring yarns you already have in stash as a way to reconnect with the fibers that had inspired you once before. Also - have you tried the Norwegian Twisted Cast On? VeryPinkKnits has a tutorial on it that I used quite a bit when I was first learning it. It's like the cast on version of the Jeni's Surprisingly Stretchy BO in that there is an extra YO in there that helps with the stretch. I hate binding off with such tiny needles so that has been my preferred method of casting on.

[@svenjaknits]

Aw hi! Thanks for watching! I'll have to check out VeryPinkKnits tutorial - thanks for the suggestion, I love her!

[@Myrardg726]

Love your beautiful projects 😊 for socks I recommend using the German cast on it’s nice and stretchy I use it for all my socks 💕

[@svenjaknits]

I've tried that, and they are still too tight :/ Going to go up in needle size or using 2 needles to cast on. I will report back :)

[@lynncharlesworth8561]

Hi Svenja, I find adding 3sts each side when splitting for heel and then resolving those 3sts each side when its completed, totally sorts out the tightness issue. I ended up making many bedsocks! or couldn't get them on my foot at all. Thanks so much Lynn, Albany Western Australia (recently retired nurse) PS: Were you aware that KZbin put 6 adverts through your podcast (not at the most appropriate moments)

[@svenjaknits]

That's a great sock-knitting tip! Thanks for bringing the number of ads to my attention. I'm still working on fine-tuning the monetization of my channel. I appreciate the feedback!

[@karinberryman2009]

Charlesworth is a great old family name for WA. Albany and Esperance are probably the only places knitted sweaters can be worn comfortably.

[@karenjordan1822]

I love the German Twisted cast on for my top down socks. I do two at a time, but consecutively on two separate needles.

[@dianecloutier5533]

I love your knitting style and all the choises of patterns and yarns you’re selecting ! Waiting for your next podcast

[@svenjaknits]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@suewaldeck8198]

This retired nurse is relating to so many things! First off the cardigan is fabulous and I loved the process vlog! I've added it to the queue and have yarn planned already. The tight sock issue, I do a cuff-down with a German twisted cast on over 2 needles and it is a win for me but it took soooo many pairs to figure that out. The camping knitting issue is also real. No task lighting [no lace], potential dirt [dark colours], heat [no large projects], limited space for supplies and it's an hours drive to a brick and mortar store if anything is forgotten. I love it tho - so peaceful.

[@svenjaknits]

Hi Sue! We have a lot in common! Thanks for the sock-knitting tip; I will give it a try! Agree with all the camping/knitting dilemmas! What's your favorite go-to project to bring camping?

[@suewaldeck8198]

​@@svenjaknitsFor years I've started a new pair of socks with every vacation. I'll take other projects too - a simple sweater or 2, and a single skein shawl sort of thing. More than is humanly possible to knit in 9 days. We did a tent camping trip through Maine many years ago - from Rhode Island up the coast back into Canada in time for a hurricane [we got a hotel that night]. Was reading Stephen Kings IT at the time and scared the pants off myself. Good memories lol!

[@heatherferguson4075]

For socks, I also do the twisted German cast on over 2 needles, and it works great. The cast on edge may look ruffled a bit, but it will block out and settle.

[@bethskis]

really enjoy your podcast…minus the on camera drinking . Why does that seem the be a “thing” lately with podcasters:(

[@ceb2737]

My biggest pet peeve…ugh

[@svenjaknits]

Thanks for watching - I appreciate your feedback!

[@rossl6114]

Agree totally!!!!!

[@sarahlovesdonuts9601]

Robin’s Egg Blue?

[@svenjaknits]

That's it!!

[@GiFtEoS]

Hi, always a pleasure to watch your podcasts! While watching, I'm knitting a Picnic folks top by Wan Cheng Phua. It's my first, non-colorwork sweater (tee) and I decided to use some unidentified yarn I bought in a lot . Looked like cotton mix, but not sure. Didn't have a big quantity and might have to add a different yarn. It's more of an experience and I will see how it gets at the end...might be a "tink" project... Bravo for you cardigan... love it!

[@svenjaknits]

Your mystery-yarn project sounds like a lot of fun! Thanks for watching 😊

[@janec9038]

I just happened upon your podcast and totally loved listening and seeing all your beautiful projects. Your sweater is going in my queue on Ravelry for sure. Your picture is perfect for your yarn space. Hope to watch and listen to your next podcast. Happy knitting! Oh by knitting jam is socks and more socks and now shawls. I am finishing the last section of Find Your Fade by Andrea Mowry. 🧶❣️

[@svenjaknits]

Thank you so much! I have yet to make a fade shawl, it seems like a great project!! Thanks for tuning in ❤️

[@kimeckstrom2282]

Hello, I found your podcast today. I enjoy your style and the information you share. I like Emma's yarn too. She does have a physical store in Winter Haven, FL, as well as an online presence through, what I think is a family run business called. Four Purls Yarn Shop. I am already looking forward to your next podcast.

[@svenjaknits]

Good to know!! I did see there is one store in FL that carries all her bases...perhaps that is what you are talking about. Thanks so much for tuning in :)

[@beccabauer1726]

Have you seen Silverlake shawl by Jessica McDonald? It’sa beautiful garter shawl with a simple but elegant lace border could be perfect for your yarn!

[@svenjaknits]

I have not but just looked it up and it’s beautiful! Thank you for the recommendation 😊

[@kitewoman7054]

I just recently found your channel and watched the Champagne Cardigan vlog. I wonder if you could tell me how much yardage you used for the small size you made? I tried checking the Madera yarn but do not see the yardage available. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work 💕

[@svenjaknits]

Hi! I used just under 6 skeins. I haven't weighed the scraps yet but estimate about 15-20g left of the last skein. Rough total of 1300 yards. Hope that helps!

[@carolbyrne3241]

Love your podcast, I found you by watching the knitting of The Champagne Cardigan, which I just loved. The Moon Set Tee is in on my list to do, so very interested in seeing your progress ❤

[@svenjaknits]

Thank you ❤️

[@craftymystic4868]

New subscriber here, I’m Deb. I knit my socks two at a time on 2 circulars 24”. I came to this way because 2 circulars don’t tangle the yarn like magic loop does, using 2 needles I get out of tangles faster. When I get them, as I’ve knit a lot of socks this way. I use an after thought heel, 6 rounds of plain knitting before the heel gives me a good fitting heel. I like the old stash becoming new again, have some Magpie Solstice myself, motivated to dig it out. thanks for sharing.

[@svenjaknits]

Hi Deb! Thanks for watching! I'll have to give the two circular needle method a try, I think this would work well for me. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@rosepaul9681]

Your socks are very pretty. I usually do toe up with a Turkish cast on. I prefer knitting concurrently both socks on separate needles. I do sections at a time: toes, foot, etc. Jenny's bind off and others work fine for me. If your tension for top down socks is too tight, you could use a bigger needle for cast on and a few rows. I do that when I knit top down.

[@svenjaknits]

I have yet to try a Turkish cast-on - thank you for sharing!

[@kellymcnabb6897]

Just discovered you vlog! I love your cardigan in the Noro yarn. I also noticed you have a piece of furniture that holds your stash in plastic tubs. Do you mind telling me where you found it? I have a bunch of tubs that need organization. Looking forward to watching more of your content!

[@svenjaknits]

Yes! The cubes are from Walmart - Better Homes and Garden collection 😊

[@christinehoag7585]

I may be a bit late with my sock cast on advice. I had the same problem with cuff down until I started using the German Twisted cast-on. It helped tremendously. You can also cast on one needle size larger if the German Twisted is not quite enough.

[@svenjaknits]

Great advice, thank you!

[@amesiowaphx]

I just finished a lovely dk weight shawls called the whispering island by Helen stewart. That Magpie yarn would look gorgeous

[@svenjaknits]

That is a gorgeous design - it's giving me some vintage vibes! Thanks for the pattern recommendation!

[@Northandsouthsewing]

The only thing that helps me with sock tension at the ankle is being so EXTRA loose at the cast on. I watched a video when I was struggling and it showed the look of one that was properly loose enough for enough tension and it was SO much more than I would ever have felt comfortable or acceptable (lol), but it has been terrific as a finished pair. Lovely makes. I'm new to your channel and looking forward to watching your videos.

[@svenjaknits]

You make such a great point! Maybe casting on 'loosely' is just much looser than I'm thinking? This was helpful to know, thank you!

[@jla110661]

New viewer Enjoyed your vlog with the noro yarn/petiteknit cardigan. Really love that yarn for that pattern. I was on a noro binge four a while but took a break from it. Definitely want to check it out. Is it scratchy at all?

[@svenjaknits]

Hi and welcome! It is not scratchy at all. Still feels like wool and not necessarily buttery soft, but there’s 0 itch factor in my opinion and I wear it next to skin!

[@birchandlily]

Oh! We're testing the Suri V neck together! Excited to see how your works up!

[@svenjaknits]

Oh yay!! Can't wait to see everyone's projects!

[@kyleparra5536]

Again, always a special treat to see you've posted a podcast! Super glad it was a short while after the cardigan. I always have two to three pair s of socks going and I have friends with new baby boys expected soon so stash is on the needles and tiny projects. This summer will be a couple new cardigans for me....patterns still being considered. So many great ones to choose from! That blue yarn will be fantastic on you...your Mom, raised a very sweet girl 🙂...your socks to her will be treasured

[@svenjaknits]

Aw, thanks for coming back to watch more episodes! Socks are a great gift and stash knit, and I can imagine tiny baby socks must just fly off the needles!

[@sabinebauerle7655]

Did have the same problem with my socks. Try the twisted German cast on, it worked for me

[@svenjaknits]

Yes, even with this cast-on they are often too tight :/ Some people have recommended going up in needle size.

[@susanpearson6997]

I had a shop owner suggested that you should go up in needles. When using that type of yarn. She cast on fewer stiches.

[@svenjaknits]

Interesting to use fewer stitches! Does it make a big difference?

[@heatherr9201]

Lighting looks good…. Thanks for sharing your makes

[@svenjaknits]

Thanks for the feedback :)

[@lois-marietodd1502]

I think they call the yarn colour duck egg blue

[@svenjaknits]

Yes!! That's exactly the name of this shade. Others suggested 'Robin's Egg,' but I think that is too turquoise for this shade...

[@s.aliciawarren4283]

Svenja, have you ever tried the Old Norwegian cast on? I only do cuff down socks (learned that way and have, so far, been too lazy to learn toe up). I recently started using this cast on with great results in that it’s not too tight. Self taught using good old you tube!

[@svenjaknits]

I believe that is the same as the German Twisted cast-on? If so, yes - and that's still too tight! Others have recommended going up in needle size.

[@s.aliciawarren4283]

Ohhhh. Ok! 🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️ Great idea!!

[@karinberryman2009]

I’d love for my nurse practitioner daughter to get into knitting! Such a healthy balance!

[@holliegiampietro7030]

❤

[@staceyh2028]

Thanks for another great podcast! I love the Moon Set Tee - just put it in my favorites 😍I absolutely love how your Champagne cardigan turned out!! You definitely persuaded me to try the Noro Madara yarn (with all the caveats about how it grows). I'm working on some socks - from Crazy Sock Lady - her 'follow your path' socks are so fun. Also looking forward to you showing how you are working from stash.

[@svenjaknits]

That’s a great sock pattern! Noro is definitely an interesting yarn, worth trying in my opinion!

[@lauramorrisett4522]

Lovely podcast! I also have issues with tight cuffs. I have tried toe up & cuff down with several cast-on & bind-offs. My favorite is cuff down using german twisted cast on and a folded cuff. I also use the GTC when I do 2x2 rib cuff

[@svenjaknits]

Thanks for sharing, it seems like the GTC is the way to go.

[@carolinaaraujo3014]

Just found your channel & I’m having so much fun watching your videos! Absolutely love your taste & style❤

[@svenjaknits]

Thank you so much! Happy to have you watching :)

[@PancakeandLulu]

New viewer here! Love your podcast. Thanks for the review of Patty’s book. I just purchased it. I have taken a couple of online classes with her and met her in person. She is a fount of knowledge and so warm and funny - really entertaining to listen to. If you ever get the chance to take a class with her, you will learn something valuable-I just need to remember to use her tricks!❤

[@svenjaknits]

Hi there and welcome! Thanks for sharing more about Patty! From reading her book I can definitely imagine her classes to be entertaining 😅

[@lindashaw1647]

I have good success casting on socks with long tail cast on over the two needles tips. Helps keep them springy over your heel..

[@svenjaknits]

Great tip, I will be sure to try on my next pair!

[@catherinewithall8344]

Love the yarn you chose for your test knit, Robin egg colour looks great with your eyes. Happy knitting

[@svenjaknits]

Thank you!!

[@marybethswager2311]

Omigosh I have been looking at that print throughout the episode and was going to ask about it. So cool!!

[@svenjaknits]

Aw, good I'm glad I addressed this! I linked the Etsy shop in the video's description if you're interested :)

[@Alaskaventureswithbrodie]

I need to get that book. Thank you. That cardigan is amazing

[@svenjaknits]

I highly recommend this book. I can't put it down! So many great, new knitting tips!

[@catherinethomes2910]

I can’t wait for my yarn to arrive to start my cardigan!! Your test knit yarn is a great color for you!!

[@svenjaknits]

Are you knitting the same pattern in the same yarn??

[@catherinethomes2910]

@@svenjaknits yes! I’m very excited to get it and get started! I saved your video if I need to look back and see your work! ❤️

[@NancyLiedel]

Toe up, with Jenny's bind off made me a sock knitter. No issues! I strongly suggest it.

[@svenjaknits]

I am going to give this a try. Do you have any recommended patterns or cast-on techniques?

[@NancyLiedel]

@@svenjaknits yes, Judys magic cast on. Https://kzbin.info/www/bejne/nZzclWakppiMpJo by Knit Purl Hunter. It's a 12 year old KZbin video, but I use it everytime I cast on socks. I also knit them two at a time, but id have only one csock if I didn't. I know me. Lol

[@NancyLiedel]

I can't believe I typed that url properly!!!! I did it by hand instead of copy paste cause I have too much blood in my caffeine stream.

[@kendrawheeler314]

We have a travel trailer too - camping is such a great time to knit!

[@svenjaknits]

It really is!! Where do you camp?? And what's your go-to knitting project to bring?

[@kendrawheeler314]

@@svenjaknits We do a ton of local camping in Maine but take a few long trips a year. This year we're heading to Great Smoky Mountains and maybe Gulf Shores. And I agree, shawl knitting is perfect for camping! I love a good sock too;) Do you have favorite campgrounds in Maine??

[@tjbuttsful]

Haven't read through the 77 comments, so someone my have already said this: the German twisted cast on is great for cuff down socks.

[@svenjaknits]

That was one of the many recommendations, thank you!