The Woolly Worker Knitting Podcast Ep26 - sweater no 23, knitting competition entries, handdyed love

[@kathyellis2506]

Haha! I loved when you said you had wips in the “naughty corner”. I definitely have a few sitting in the corner!

[@thewoollyworker]

Right?!

[@maryschartner4428]

Yay! You’re wearing a bright color! You look beautiful!

[@thewoollyworker]

Oh thank you!

[@blackmorerose]

For me the biggest motivation to finish your colour work cowl is the fact you’ve been selected for a Marie Wallin test knit. That is very exciting. The marling on the jumper you’re knitting with the Giddy Yarns yarn looks beautiful. I like the way the undyed alpaca has softened the hand dyed yarn. 🧶

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you! and yes it totally blends it out a bit more !

[@cornwallsharon81]

I used to sew bags quite a lot and one of the best solutions for the base that I found was the cheapest, thinnest plastic chopping board you can find. Some of them are really bendy and you can cut them to size with scissors. Much more durable than cardboard, especially if the bag gets damp. Alternatively I’ve used flexible plastic folders and cut down

[@thewoollyworker]

how fun ! Thanks for sharing !!

[@fiber.and.floral]

those socks are STUNNING. an absolute dream. And I love that your entering them into a local farming competition. I come from a small farming village and I grew up taking fieldtrips to see these competitions and looking at what everyone made. :) Wishing you luck!

[@thewoollyworker]

aw thanks ! and that's so fun ! Maybe you should enter some too !

[@PriscillaWhite-Tocker]

Hi Vanissia! Your joy about all of your current and very beautiful projects is contagious! I also enjoyed seeing your beautiful crocheted bag and I am extremely impressed with your skill there because I find crochet to be SO challenging. It sounds like you have motivation to finish your colorwork cowl already so that you can cast on your Marie Wallin test knit! Whenever I have a project that I am not looking forward to finishing, I put on a favorite movie, podcast, TV show or some great music and just power through it. Then you get to use all of those beautiful colors you picked out for the test knit! Can’t wait to see it come together.

[@thewoollyworker]

it is done !! can't wait to show it off tomorrow, it really was worth the work. I think it was harder because i couldnt watch TV, as i had to keep an eye on the chart !

[@sunrhyze]

You are so entertaining! I could not stop laughing when you said your favorite book is Misery 😳🤣🤣 I have never, ever heard that before. I also am interested to know if there is "anything besides mohair in the world." I don't want to hold two yarns together to make every single sweater for the rest of my life. Most of all, you are unique (in my experience) for including the cost to you of the yarn you used to make every project. I really appreciate that detail. I have no advice on finishing your cowl. I'm so burned out on colorwork, the first thing on my list of knitting plans for 2024 was "no colorwork!"

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you so much !! super kind of you. And yes i started doing it very early on in the podcast and thought it was a good thing to keep track of and share ! and that's funny about your colourwork lol, we're on a different path !

[@dianegordon2702]

I don't crochet much...but!...I have an abandoned granny square cardigan project that will now turn into the backpack🤭...thank you very much.❤ Feel better.

[@thewoollyworker]

oh yes, good idea !!

[@Tracy56781]

For your cowl, or anything you're struggling to finish. Set a timer for 30 mins and knit on it for 30 mins everyday for 30 days. It's called 30 for 30 and I use it to finish things I stall on

[@thewoollyworker]

i will definitely try that !

[@peggypaya1489]

Love everything you show. Love the vest. Gives me ideas. 😀

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you :D

[@German-Short-Knits]

So nice Projects, but your new Hairstyle is even nicer 😊 and know i want to knit a red sweater 😅

[@thewoollyworker]

aw thanks! and i can recommend !

[@notaclue822]

Thank you for sharing your experiments with different fibre. I want to get away from silk mohair too. I find it uncomfortable to wear. I like that fabric you got for the Lento.

[@thewoollyworker]

thanks, and yes, i'm super eager to try all different alternatives, even just simply dk yarns to see how it turns out

[@catherinenoble5788]

Love the socks...consider blocking without sockblockers to see if they fit better before you try making any change later on.😊

[@thewoollyworker]

very good idea !! will do !

[@218lorna]

I also have a bunch of Andrea Mowry beautiful patterns, and have yet to knit one, except her everyday socks ( which are wonderful!) But I hope to change that this year- maybe the Douglas Cardigan , for me. It looks so cozy. I hope you keep going on that beautiful cowl!

[@thewoollyworker]

oh yes, that's a pretty one !!

[@helenmt2000]

Absolutely loved to see how inspired you are this episode!!! Your excitement is contagious. Congrats on the test knit, looking forward to seeing more of it.

[@thewoollyworker]

aw thanks, ive been having a lot of fun lately !

[@bigkaffy8495]

Thanks for the video. Another informative and entertaining one. Andrea has some lovely patterns. I’ve only knit one, the Weekender, completed a few years ago. I found her upper sleeve sizing to be quite snug on me. I’m not overly big in the arms, it might be an intentional design style. Something to keep in mind if that’s common across all her patterns. I can’t wait to see the Marie Walen cowl.

[@thewoollyworker]

yes that's very good to know ! I heard other people say that too

[@knotenkopp186]

It’s so nice seeing you so proud and confident with your colour choices for that cowl test knit. I’m always so impressed and surprised what colour combinations work in fair-isle-knitting. So very excited how your combination will play out. And loved your new hair styling. Glad you’re feeling much more confident with it

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you and yes, it's very new for me to experiment with colour combinations, usually i just use other people's beautiful ideas if they've done something i admire ! And thank you! hope all is well with you!

[@user-sr7sq3kh2m]

Thank you for all of the details and tips. Your finished objects are so well knit and professional looking.

[@thewoollyworker]

Thank you so much!

[@jimmydoesknitting]

Your exploration of mohair alternatives is super interesting. I've decided no mohair recently, but sometimes want to play.

[@thewoollyworker]

So far, the Cumulus has my heart ! Really eager to make a video all about it but want to wear the garments first to really give a thorough review

[@jimmydoesknitting]

@@thewoollyworker amazing idea. I look forward to it.

[@carlafawcett3851]

Always fun to watch you chat about your knitting. I think your hair is cute! I find that making myself work on projects that are a bit of a slog , it helps me to set a timer. Even 20 minutes, then stop when the timer goes off, and change to something else. I find I look forward to getting back to it next day : ) Looking forward to seeing the finished cowl. It's beautiful !

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you!! and i will definitely try that this week then

[@laurasilvestri2559]

Your enthusiasm in this episode was contagious 😊 I dont buy hand dyed yarns but I still like looking at the colours and hearing about the pattern BTW I love the hair

[@thewoollyworker]

aw thank you!! And that's good to know!

[@sharonmerton9812]

Great podcast thanks Vanissia. You really suit that lilac - look forward to seeing you in it! always so good to hear you talk through a pattern, your process, and yarn experiences. Learning with you and knitting along whilst watching. Chunky Lulu slipover in buttery soft 12ply grey merino presently. Loving it as a fast knit ha. Get well 🥰

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you so much !! And that sounds lovely !

[@mickiwhite4754]

Oh wow! So many beautiful plans and projects! I've made the Pink Fizz, the Pink Velvet and Birds of a Feather! I loved knitting all of them! You are going to be busy with test knits and WIPs. So much fun!!! Happy knitting ❤

[@thewoollyworker]

omg love that !! Hope that will be me in the future aha :P

[@manon_knitting]

Great episode !!! you being selected for the Marie Wallin test should be your motivation to finish your other cowl ;) The color of the sweater you're wearing is stunning, i think i might need one of this color too. and OMG the lavender Duomo will be AMAZING, this color suits you very well :)

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you, and do it !! it's such a happy colour, you cant be in a bad mood and wear it lol !

[@tangerineknits]

woooww many fun colorful yarns & patterns in this episode! It's really interesting to hear you talk about the nifty design features in patterns that otherwise look "simple"- like the sweater no 23 and the dear duomo sweater. And those thoughtful features that definitely makes me more interested to check them out! I love the "morass" color of your winter clutch! I saw that colorway in store when I visited Edinburgh (in a different base, I think it was merino and linen) and was sooooo close to buying it but couldn't for the life of me think of a project idea on the spot haha. The bag is a great choice and will be such a nice pop of color!!

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you! And yes, I heard someone talk about nice features in a colourwork sweater that i wasnt interested in otherwise, but it made me keep the designer in mind, if they were so thoughtful, it was a great quality ! And how fun that you saw that colourway, I always feel like it's almost redundant to talk about handdyed colourway names since they are so unique, but every now and then, you see it being repeated somewhere ! And 100%, knitted bags are a new staple for those one-off skeins !!

[@kaitlyn_diane621]

Knitting on my red Monday sweater while I watched today! Per usual a wonderful episode, I always appreciate your attention to detail as well as your excitement for the craft. While I am not a big hand dyed yarn person - I do know sometimes you just see THAT skein you must get, and I love hearing about different patterns/ways to implement hand dyed into a piece when I have those moments. Looking forward to more on the Marie Wallin test knit and your color selection!

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you!

[@Kimsgardencare]

Your new hair looks super cute 😊

[@thewoollyworker]

Thank you so much 😀

[@LeesaRe223]

I just love your style of videos and I always learn new things and your enthusiasm makes me smile! That crochet backpack is so awesome. I'm going to take a look and see if I can modify to a tote bag rather than backpack.

[@thewoollyworker]

i think that would be very easy to do, the chart is just one big rectangle !

[@mikelafiddle]

I did the pink velvet for the march2maykal last year. 10/10 would recommend, I loved knitting it and wear it all the time. It was actually my first colorwork project and taught me how to knit continental.

[@thewoollyworker]

ahhh that inspires me !

[@lisafall3561]

I love your crochet bag. I favorited that pattern years ago and never got back to it. You’re inspiring me to give it a try. I may do it in wool so that I can felt it down if it becomes too big.

[@thewoollyworker]

Please do!

[@colettemoolman4410]

I've had that crochet backpack pattern in my favourites for a long time but.... I can't crochet lol. I was hoping my mom could make it for me but her poor hands won't be able to handle it. So, I'm very jealous of yours.

[@thewoollyworker]

i think it's going to be a masterpiece when it's all done with the lining etc ! It is a lot of work, but not too hard ! have to pay close attention to the pattern

[@kruellajones]

Great episode as usual 😊 you have inspired me to go through my hand dyed yarns and cast another Lento on using suri instead of mohair so thank you for that.❤

[@thewoollyworker]

Wonderful!

[@danalesakova968]

Very nice podcast Vanissia thanks for sharing and inspiration,,,👍

[@thewoollyworker]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jordnthomas]

i love the urania cardigan! might be my favorite thing you’ve made!!

[@thewoollyworker]

aw thanks! It's a really different fun shape!

[@catblues8645]

I just bought a cone of baby yak + baby suri alpaca yarn which is as thin as a silk mohair but sooo much softer. I'm holding it with a no-name cone of cashmere merino, and cast on the Aeternum Sweater by Zanete Knits. And it is SO SOFT. I don't think the shop ships internationally so I won't post the link...

[@thewoollyworker]

wow that sounds amazing !!!

[@EricaGeurts]

Love your enthusiasm and energy 😀

[@thewoollyworker]

Thank you!! 😁 It's been a good week!

[@Thx-I-made-it]

I’m practically going feral about needing a red sweater after watching this episode !!!!!!

[@thewoollyworker]

lmaooooo, love that for you

[@notaclue822]

Your vest is gorgeous. I love the yarn you used.

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you!

[@chet1051]

LisaR : I may be mistaken , but I think Marie may have just begun supplying "half " skeins . I believe I heard this on the woolly Thistle podcast . John Arbon should be easier to access for UK, Europe...Woolly Thistle is online (US)

[@thewoollyworker]

interesting!

[@heatherr9201]

The lili is one I bought a couple months ago to make this spring…. Love it!

[@thewoollyworker]

cast it on ! :D

[@Goodknits_]

You are inspiring me to try knitting a bag. Really like the little purse!

[@thewoollyworker]

it's so fun to do something a bit different and hopefully very practical !

[@notaclue822]

It is challenging to get the length of sweaters right, isn't It? I love your sweater #26 and your thoughts are really useful.

[@thewoollyworker]

So true!

[@sanhay4197]

My lento ended up taking less than 2 (420m each) skeins of mohair that I held together with alpaca 3. I made size 5 or 6 with full lenght sleeves and ribbing. So it might be that you can do a lot with your lento at the end. But obviously my combination was different. Anyhow I knew it is suppised to use little yarn but managed to be shocked still. Enjoyed the podcast. 😊

[@thewoollyworker]

oh that's good to know !

[@lynnmcentire4014]

I use plastic canvas in the bottom of bags.

[@thewoollyworker]

good tip, thanks!

[@alexandradegruyter]

❤🌈

[@allysonbrownmarcolini514]

So inspired seeing that backpack. Might have to jump on it! What level of experience do you think is required?

[@thewoollyworker]

i think the pattern is intimidating at first because it has so many pages but it really helps you through it step by step and explains everything! Maybe do 1 mosaic crochet pattern first to get the gist, but that should be fine ! And ive never sewn anything before so that will be new for me!

[@melhebs1]

Love the haircut!!!

[@thewoollyworker]

thank you!

[@alexandrah535]

It sounds like your blocked gauge was off due to the cables on those socks! Did you gauge swatch (I wouldn’t have for socks, but this can be a problem in cable sweaters) in cabled rib and block the swatch? It’s typical for cable patterns that don’t extend horizontally very much to stretch out a lot because it’s basically just a ribbing 😊

[@thewoollyworker]

i didnt swatch no! I will check the gauge. I didn't think they would stretch vertically, but that's a possibility for sure!

[@helenmt2000]

@@thewoollyworker my Marysia Cardigan grew a ridiculous amount vertically, I had to rip back maybe 5 or so pattern repeats on the sleeves! It could definitely be why the fit of the socks was off. The yarn for my cardigan is a mix of merino, cashmere, and silk btw, since I assume fiber content has a role to play here.

[@joycezzz100]

Is the red sweater a bottom up? I just love your knitting. I love all Lopi yarns

[@thewoollyworker]

no, it's top down, seamless !

[@CassieDA17]

I’ve wanted to knit the Lento also, but wondering what makes it different than any other raglan. Is just the gauge? I also think it’s funny that you said it knits up quickly but the word Lento means Slow or Slowly.

[@thewoollyworker]

yes, definitely the gauge, apart from that it's very simple and similar to others (also 3/4 length sleeves and kfb for increases, but these can be substituted !). And yes that is pretty ironic !

[@joycezzz100]

Where can I get the pattern for the purple sweater?

[@thewoollyworker]

it's the dear duomo sweater, available on ravelry !

[@corteofs]

It is sad that you cast on so many projects but then get bored with them and want to rush though them. The colorwork cowl does not look boring :-)

[@thewoollyworker]

it is done !!