Vlogtime: Epic Knitting Projects

Even though I'm feeling a smidge bored today with my sideways linen stitch scarf, I'm dreaming of a new knitting project: fine intarsia lace. Why do I do this to myself? Do you you do this to yourself? Are you a knitter (or crocheter, spinner, weaver, embroiderer...) with epic ideas?
If you enjoy what I do, consider supporting his Patreon campaign at / franklinhabit . My patrons at all levels get lots of goodies and we have a marvelous time.
You can also find me here:
Instagram: @franklin.habit
Twitter: @franklinhabit
Facebook: fhabit
Stuff in this video:
My Needles:
Chiaogoo Red Lace circular needle, length 60 inches, size US 4 (3.5mm)
amzn.to/2TIAMbL (affiliate link)
Sideways Scarf Yarn:
Noro Silk Garden Sock in two colorways I forgot to note
My show-off friend Joe's blog, in which he shows off:
queerjoe.com/

[@kathleenkaar6557]

Franklin, you are becoming my Bob Ross of knitting. Your chats are so delightful,-just friendly, cozy and enlightening. Thanks!

[@cucasanchez6162]

Oh my goodness, love it. The way you explain things , I will listen to you for hours and do not get tired. 🙏Such a talent you have. God bless you.have. 🙏

[@AnnArnoldMFT]

I am always thinking on epic ideas to knit or crochet. Then somebody goes and has a baby and I stop my dreams to crank out a cute baby thing. Its part of showing off, gifting new parents with an awesome homemade cabled vest or sweater. But just like you I have to push through the last third of every project. "If I get this done then I can really do some fun stuff. Sigh...

[@janetmelcher3716]

Your vlog can never be too long, I could listen to to talk for a very, very long time.

[@KnittyKitty86]

Agreed. It's like a virtual knitting group, and I'm *here* for it.

[@barbaramorgan1958]

Yes!

[@heatherwright6559]

I so enjoy listening to you, and really appreciate your dry sense of humour -love it!

[@misticrow4534]

Franklin, you're not small you are fun size!

[@martaschmarta4132]

I love hearing people I admire ponder the same things I do. In recent years, I've come to realize I go extreme when asked for a design submission then have learned, all levels of complexity are still worthy submissions. It was a couple urmm....maybe more decades ago when I realized to forgo knitting for not-knit-worthy (usually in-laws) folks and to keep it simple and trendy for knit-worthy-but-not-knitters-or-craftspeople types. Now, I save the complex ideas for myself or family, mix up difficulty levels for designs, and keep it simple for others. Thanks, Franklin!!!

[@handuong7429]

Glad to listen to you, pouring your heart out about your projects.

[@Stormtress]

I chuckled way too many times. This was great! Yes, I take on, "...epic projects."

[@tillylind6716]

It's comforting to know that even someone as dedicated as you are still gets burned out on a project partway through! I feel like this gives me permission to feel the same way while I'm powering through the final 1/4.

[@ildonoa3928]

I always use fractions,. Not just with knitting I'm no longer in love with, but essentially everything I don't like doing. "There, I'm 5/8ths done with my treadmill time." or "I'm 5/6ths done with spring cleaning the laundry room". I'm also a fan of to-do lists (yes, even in my knitting). Only one of the myriad reasons I love Helen Stewart. I'm not sure why it helps, but it does.

[@susangrande8142]

I have mostly avoided epic projects, but this fall I’ve been inspired by what I think will be a hard winter to get through, to plan 2-3 epic projects for myself. I began one, and then I got sick with Covid, which, thank God, I’m now mostly recovered from. Project #1: Dye 2 lbs. of BFL top (a lovely light red) I’ve had for 8 years, then spin into a 2-ply dk weight yarn, and knit a crew neck pullover sweater, top down, saddle shoulder, seamless (thank you, Mrs. Walker!) in cables, based on Debbie New’s cellular automaton ideas. Project #2: wash the 3-lb. dark brown Romney lamb fleece I’ve had for 5 years, then comb and spin it (3-ply this time?), and knit into a simple v-neck sweater, also top-town and seamless. Project #3, if necessary: finish plying the Romney yarn I dyed indigo and spun 4 years ago, then finish all of the yarn (@ 2-1/2 lbs.), then knit it into a long cardigan, as a tribute to my dead mother-in-law, who was an amazing woman and expert knitter.

[@pjbergman8435]

I am thrilled to have found you mentioned in the Piecework magazine that came in the mail yesterday. You are a hoot! Thank you so very much for sharing all that you do! I'll be back soon! pj stitches!

[@nservant]

Yes! I'm 100% behind crazy epic knitting projects that seem like they might never be finished.

[@mg74xbgt]

Dear Mr H, I thoroughly support the knitting to show off thing, and the being over it two thirds through thing, and the startitis thing, and the stash up the chimney thing, and ... all the things. Love to Rosamund and your good self. Regards, J.

[@CaptainGerBear]

I love working cables, I find that adding them actually makes me feel like the work goes faster than something simpler, like my stitches go by in chunks of 4 or 6 instead of one by one. I've made several sweaters, but by far the one that felt like it went by the fastest is the one that has several complex braided Celtic cable patterns.

[@silemuirin]

Same for me! Add several cables, halve the time it takes me to finish the project

[@getully]

Epic project - spinning a fleece (fine) to be woven on a 180 year old barn frame loom to be hand stitched a la Bernadette Banner into a skirt (if enough yardage in the yarn-Plan A) or a vest (Plan B). Singles were just finished on Tuesday this week. Spinning took 3.5 years because it was spun on one of the wheels at the loom house where I volunteer 2-3 days a week with 7 other spinning wheels and four looms so it is not spinning all the time.

[@margaretanne9253]

Thank you, thank you from a fellow small person for talking about an epic project - and fantasies of the next one. I'm hip deep in an epic one and have visions of drowning. I'm so glad I had no idea what I was getting into because I'd never have done it. I 'll forge on thinking "maybe it be take a year..." You made my day and got me going on it again.

[@VisitWithNanaAndPapa]

I am so glad that I am not alone in this getting to the endurance stage of many projects.

[@VisitWithNanaAndPapa]

I am not sure what it means but I am attracted by challenges, but equally love items that I know I or someone I care about will use. I have zero desire to make something that will sit in a closet or end up in a dust bin.

[@georgeannbraden5065]

My longest project was my daughter’s wedding quilt. 13 years! She wanted a double wedding ring, I think she was just drawn to the name. I am not a precise cutter, sewer, or ironer- so when it came to joining sections together.. well not a nice picture. I put it in time out several times. Tried other things and then finally adapted it.

[@sillyslang13]

I really miss my knitting/crochet group at the library, so I was knitting while watching this and it helped fill a little hole in my heart that was missing. It is fun starting epic new projects! I once started a little crochet cardigan for a 2yo niece and finished it 10 years later for my own daughter. I've never heard of people calculating how many stitches in a project. Crazy!

[@michellemzahn2703]

I think epic projects are the ones I like best. Since I have isolated with the pandemic I have been knitting away on a lace tablecloth for my dining room table. It’s coming along nicely. My last epic project was a bedspread for my own bed. It’s a counterpane. I used a silk/wool blend yarn in many colors. It makes me happy every day when I make the bed in the morning and when I slip into it at night.

[@jenniferkaczor3606]

I have been watching some older episodes. Thank you for this podcast! I am an epic knitter (and quilter!). Why do something easy when you can do something hard that could take you months (or years!) longer? I don't know why I am attracted to epic projects (or make changes to simple projects mid-progress to turn them into epic projects). It is a sickness! I find it helpful to find other epic knitters (makers) and work on projects together so we can inspire each other and maintain energy for the finish. I could not finish projects without my people!

[@steamingiron]

What a joy you are to listen to! xx

[@mandie3049]

Thank you Franklin for the show. I LOVE an epic project. I always have an epic sewing and knitting project on the go as well as quick 'easy to please' projects for everyday stitching. Sometimes I think you should throw caution to the wind and see where the wind blows you, if you start the lace project whats the worst thing that can happen. Have a great day, Mandi

[@caitlincieslewska8184]

I love an epic knit. The more epic the better! And the more inappropriate the knitting spot for the epic knitting the better too. I once knit a beaded lace shawl in a sports arena while my husband held my beads in one hand and my chart in the other ☺️

[@judybostick3934]

Your comments about your scarf gave me a giggle! I actually know how you feel. One of the things I love to do is dyeing my own yarn. I dyed some yarn that t thought would be beautiful in linen stitch and wanted to do a hat. I knit the rib in a contrasting color and am now knitting the rest in my hand painted yarn. Know I can usually knit a hat in a couple of nights of TV watching but OMG, this hat may not get done till next year. And sometimes my muscle memory for rib kicks in and I purl the stitch instead of just slipping it.🤷‍♀️☹ I would not describe myself as an epic knitter although I do love a challenging project and I do love to show off my knits. I have a friend that does the most epic shawls, she just finished the lastest Steven West MKAL and it is spectacular. I like socks and simple shawls that showcase the yarn I dyed. I also love to knit myself sweaters which is crazy because I live in the south and have about 2 weeks of winter to wear them. I also have castonitis and usually have about 10 projects on the needles at any one time. Sorry to ramble on, love your vlog, keep making them !

[@evelynburt2024]

I always know that I am half way done with a project because I feel done with it. The last half is a struggle.

[@wheeltrish]

I am a serial epic knitter. I'm always dreaming up these huge projects. And I start them. And... well. I'm not much of a finisher. Two weeks ago I cast on a mosaic scrap blanket in Fingering Weight yarn. I'm nuts. I know it .And like you I have my linen stitch scarf, made with scraps and mini skeins, that has been on the needles for Seven Years. I suppose someday I'll call it done, but I'm just not ready yet. I don't think it's quite wide enough. I'm loving your vlog. And this subject was right up my alley. Can't wait to see your multi colored intarsia lace.That'll be, well... epic.

[@srmtav]

My most epic project I think was the sweater for my father that I did in silk. Dyed, blended, spun the yarn. Designed, top down seamless cables. I also did it in a very epic "this is not the way to do this" manner! Fine lace is my favorite though!

[@susangrande8142]

That sounds amazing! I’d love to see a photo of that sweater. I’m a spinner too, and am spinning 2 lbs. of BFL I dyed, for a cabled sweater based on Debra New’s cellular automaton patterning. It will be top-down, saddle shoulder, and seamless too. Mrs. Walker rules! I apparently need at least 2 epic projects for my sanity this winter...

[@ShowandTellknitting]

Epic, you ask? How 'bout over-ordering yarn from overseas (that would cost too much to return) just to make a scarf for my son? That catapulted the simple scarf project into an ensemble of matchy-matchy (matchy-matcy) scarf, balaclava, socks, and convertible mittens. What the well-dressed man in Manhattan will be wearing this winter.

[@samanthadavis4856]

Love the vlog, Franklin. I too tire of projects in the last home stretch. Starting is so much more fun. I’ve always blamed it on my ADHD. I’ve knit a sweater for myself (5’ 8”) but, although I really want to, I haven’t yet tackled one for my husband (6’ 2”, 300 lbs.). He’s a teddy bear sweetheart of a guy but a sweater for him seems daunting, especially because I’m addicted to cable sweaters. Creating a gansey for him would be amazing, but talk about an epic project. I’m too familiar with myself to start it because I know I may never finish it. My favorite things to knit are gloves. Everyone likes socks as short, sweet projects, but I find gloves vastly more entertaining (and easier to show off). The Dolores outfits are also a favorite short, sweet knits. The intarsia lace sounds amazing!

[@FleeceTrain]

I definitely do some epic projects and laugh at myself every time. Like the crocheted mandalas on bike rims, connected and used as a stage backdrop at a music festival - all made while rolling around the continent in my 66 s.f. van-home. I just recently finished an epic crocheted lace cafe curtain set for my daughter’s SEVEN FOOT WIDE kitchen window and will be making a video soon about all the places those motifs were worked on as I traveled for the past year. I’m toying with what’ll be the next epic undertaking, but haven’t decided on anything yet. Thanks for these chatty vlogs, Franklin!

[@AnneFeatonby]

Lace Intarsia?? Are you nuts? LOL!!! Sorry, what I mean to say is.....Epic! LOL

[@NanZingrone]

This is three weeks later. I've had you in my watch later this. I think of Andrea of Fruity Knitting an epic knitter and she and her husband Andrew found other epic knitters to feature in their podcast. If I live to be 80, I think I might get there, but I'm still learning, maybe 6 years in total experience, at least 1 year of that spread a brief foray in my teens, and a briefer foray in my early 30s, the rest starting when I was almost 65. I love the way you think about knitting and speak about it. My Aunt Mary Krug was an epic knitter. At a family gathering I watched her chatting with my Mom while she was knitting a cardigan with the flags of the world. Not only were the tips of her needles never visible but this amazing fabric just kept flowing down below them. Mesmerizing.

[@marycase5473]

Yes, epic projects are something I have done in the past. I’ve been knitting for 66 years now. My largest project was knitting sweaters for each of my siblings and their children. It’s actually something my Mom wanted to undertake but never got passed 2 sweaters. Nevertheless, I finished my epic project 2 years ago. I am looking for another epic project to start. Perhaps it will be a linen stitch scarf!🧶

[@thecornerofknitandtea]

My comfort/epic knits are always blanket projects. The bigger the better. :)

[@jerrimichael499]

Franklin, I really appreciate the vlog and conversation. It’s like we’re visiting in my living room 💕

[@WolfDreamerOTH]

I feel that way too. I very much appreciate the conversation. :)

[@lenabreijer1311]

I knit a dress once when I was 20. Aran style on 3 mm needles. Mind you it was a mini dress because it was 1971. But it was endless, even though I also was 5'3" . When minis went out of style I undid the sides and made it into a tunic. Note it was always much too warm to wear in the office.

[@SpindlesEnd2]

I find epic projects take on a few different meanings. I'm less drawn to really complicated knits, but I often find the number of pieces in a potential project to be my epic part. My epic projects are hand-knits as Christmas gifts for each of my family members...in the same year. A hat/scarf/mitten/sweater combo...for my twin nieces. For my mother-in-law, her epic pieces are tiny tiny lace knitting on needles and thread barely visible to the naked eye. So I agree I think all knitters dream of epic projects, it just depends on what epic looks like to you.

[@mickyroop8218]

Epic projects usually grab my attention and make me want to instantly buy everything needed and start asap. But that doesn't mean I'm an epic finisher. But I do finish some so works for me. When you were talking about that lace project, I somehow saw a tapestry fit for a castle. That's what you sparked in my imagination anyway. And then I thought of a matching miniature version for the doll house. :)

[@elsrij2136]

First I had to check - what does intarsia lace look like, then I had to check Claudia's handpainted yarn - ah oeh. Maybe not epic and maybe it will never happen, but I like watching and thinking about the work of Herbert Niebling (Kunststricken) maybe one day . . . when I'm feeling epic.

[@KristenStieffel]

Lace and intarsia? I gasped, sir. I’m in awe of the idea. ❤️ I do love the *idea* of epic projects. But I rarely actually knit them.

[@christinanichols5521]

I’m late to the party I guess, but I am enjoying these. I wanted to comment that “epic” means something different to all of us. To me, I’ve recently started a dress for myself. Because of the size of it, to me it’s epic. It’s being done in a size 4 needle in a merino-camel blend. Like you, I’d rather not know how many more stitches I have left to do. One of the reasons I love knitting is that no matter little or much I do that day, it’s progress.

[@mollywelsh8751]

Thanks Franklin.

[@desireeyarber2842]

Yes, everything Epic! They have built-in momentum. Your linen st. shawl: why?? Easy projects are mind-numbing, imho. Re Socks: have you tried tandem or TAAT? Also built-in momentum. So, fun, fun, and more fun = joy 😆 Thanks so much for your programs.

[@sprboston]

OH, I love an epic project. I have a few on the needles with that same status (I don’t care how long they take). They occupy the need for me to be challenged. One is a Arne and Carlos blanket (Hedvig) and the other is an Orenburg shawl. Then there are the “I don’t need great light, or pay much attention” or TV Knitting projects. Some times I wonder if having multiple projects only means they will take longer to complete. But it’s about having a variety of types and styles of knitting. It’s like baking for me. Sometimes I want to do full puff pastry. It’s the process, maybe. Can’t wait to see the Claudia.

[@OnTheRightEconomics]

I just discovered your vlog and cannot believe how exactly your words describe my reality of being 1/3 of a project finished before being done! Thank you for sharing so honestly and for the consolation of not being alone in this! I happen to be mostly a stitcher and embroiderer but loving knitting and doing it occasionally for my own needs.

[@veronicak2759]

I'm the same. I get all fired up for a new project, then can't even finish. I take on things that I just don't in reality have time to complete. This goes for knitting, cross stitch, quilt making, colored pencil art, and I work full time and have lots of video games to play too. I'm 62 and thinking I need to consult a crafting final affairs planner!

[@bettystine8724]

I definitely don't want to know how many stitches I have knit or how many I have left to go! That is not an encouragement for me. Your epic project sounds fantastic. I think it is good to have something like that to break up our boredom of "the same old thing" such as your linen stitch scarf. That stitch looks so beautiful, but I would think gets tedious.

[@emmaswartz6653]

Hi Franklin, I don’t want to know how many stitches there is/will be on either a knitting project or a cross stitch project, to me it’s an enjoyable pastime and knowing the stitch count would freak me out, have a great week and happy knitting.

[@kayfkay14]

I too am often finished with a project before I’m done knitting it. Witness my fall project of knitting 3 and 3 half sleeves... Now I have 3 more finished sweaters though. Thanks for visiting with us, Franklin.

[@katiep9502]

Ok I have been quilting a quilt since the 70s and its still not done, that's an epic project

[@oddveigvorkinnslien9753]

I am always drawen to projects that involve to me new tecniques. And since I have been knitting since 1979 it’s getting more and more difficult to find those projects. I still enjoy simple, straight forward knit-purl-projects, but it’s the introduction ofa new tecnique that gets me really excited! My most epic knit is probably the Gulfstream Tunic by Lyudmila Aksenik. The construction is so different from everything I have knitted before. I love it! Thank you for this lovely vlog! Love from Norway!

[@celestegarcia486]

My 2 epic projects were made with my hand spun yarn. One is a Stephen West pi shawl/blanket that is on my bed. The other is a garter stitch blanket that I made to use up surplus hand spun yarn, as well as, to have a project that was meditative and easy. I love both of these epic projects and am thinking of making another--- when? not sure, but I will probably make it this next year. Love your podcast.

[@winterwolf5813]

Franklin you are epic yourself my friend!! No pattern required..lol..I would love to see the lace project 😍 sounds absolutely gorgeous!! I want to toss you some encouragement to finish those other projects..that socks missing his pal..lol.. For me i learned that I try going from point A to Z in crochet and missing the in-between..simply because it seemed the more challenging the better 😉 love the scarf, love the video and adore your epic, funny, charming self!! Hugs until next time 🤗 🙂

[@jenniferjohnson9335]

I tend to be s simple knitter. I do love cables and lace. Aside from stripes, I've never done colorwork *Hangs head in shame*, but I plan to embark on that very soon!

[@leemacclellan8797]

These vlogs are delightful and make me miss my knitting group a little less. Speaking of my knitting group and epic projects, one of the members knit a queen sized blanket entirely in linen stitch with an applied I-cord edging.

[@susangrande8142]

😯 Whhhhooooah!!!!! Just the I-cord edging impresses me! I drove myself crazy finishing a v-neck sweater that way. Is she/he still sane?

[@merylehawkins5177]

Oh hell, I know how you feel. I have a thousand pairs of socks that have not been finished. Just give the linen stitch UFO to a friend, get rid of it LOL

[@margotpriest1677]

So glad to see a vlog from you. I've seen your more recent post-super-exhaustion blog. So more comfort knitting and rest, rest, rest. I would love to hear more about Delores. Take care.

[@ej075]

I love these vlogs - as soon as the video starts and you say "hello" I can feel my blood pressure lowering. I am a big epic project knitter. Even my plain stuff tends towards the epic. "Hmm," I say to myself, "I need something plain to knit while I watch TV. Maybe a DK weight bedspread in plain garter stitch?" I think epic projects keep me inspired - even if it never gets finished, whenever I work on it I have this image in my mind of this incredible thing it could become. Since COVID I've expanded my needlework into hand sewing historical ensembles for myself, and that is certainly scratching the "epic crafting" itch! Plus now I need a bunch of laceweight stockings to go with.

[@ingridspinknitlove1192]

Epic projects for the win! My current dream is taking a raw fleece to a self-designed cabled pullover. Also, speaking of epic, these vlogs are epic. ❤️

[@rjcb3]

Lace. In multiple colours. In intarsia.

[@Maegwynn1]

It seems like all the crafts I do are epic., first knitting project: a Dr Who scarf, first cross stitch: a map of the world in the 1800s. I get it.

[@nancyranels9552]

Hi Franklin! I knit and crochet. A few years ago I crocheted a blanket for each of my siblings (there were six of them), each in one piece and the size of a double bed top or larger. And they were not plain blankets. Lattice work, one was named ruffles and clusters. Sometimes I just need a challenge. I have won some ribbons in competition for my projects. I just found you and I’m enjoying your vlogs. Thanks for doing them.

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

That scarf looks beautiful, Franklin. You made me laugh, talking about the 'mathy' folks (not me!). Thank-you.

[@jennievanheuit2446]

So nice to hear your voice again! I’m finishing a sweater for my friend’s cat from our class at Red Alder. My most epic project *that I finished * is Mary Scott Huff’s “Norwegian Blue” for my mom. 1800+ yards of sportweight in 5 colors, remathed for her tiny body, adding afterthought pockets for her tissues. When I finish Alice Starmore’s Henry VIII for me, that’ll be even more epic. Too bad I want to be done with a project immediately after starting.

[@pacaluvr7963]

I don’t have any epic projects underway right now, but now that you put the thought in my head, I am going to have to think about one. And let’s face it, sometimes it’s just fun to see the word epic. I’m enjoying your blogs very much. Take care

[@tripletlyblessed]

We moved and I got rid of 3/4 of my stash. I kept only those yarns I loved. I tend to stick with 1 project but it takes forever because I’ll stop and spend time reading or sewing and then school is back in. I can also say that grand projects are a family thing here. I inherited many partially completed quilts from my mom and my eldest daughter has a list of cosplay and historical outfits she thinks will take her lifetime to complete. She’s 14.

[@carroncoulter8165]

Love the look of linen stitch, but it is such a slog to knit. Good on you for hanging in there, and the epic lace sounds amazing. I did epic knitting when I was much younger. Every family member got an afghan and each cousin got one when they married. Then I knit myself a queen sized bedspread. Now though, it’s mostly socks.

[@barbaradecker8272]

I just love your vlog Franklin. Please keep them coming ❤️

[@thizizliz]

After you talked about making the sideways scarf, i wanted a sideways hat. I had some chunky yarn in a soft cuddly grey and so began a swatch in k1p1 to determine how many stitches to a row, played with needle size & began. Certain that this would be the only hat of its kind ever created, i finally searched for a pattern when halfway through. I didnt likr them so just finished off the yarn & pulled it closed. Super cute & I feel like Diane Keaton in it! Thanks for the idea.

[@JeanKnits]

I do not knit to wow others. I mostly make short, simple projects to give to various charities. I do relate to wanting a long project be over quickly. the last third of a scarf takes forever!

[@Rop6ckc]

Oh, thank you! This so resonates. I am an advanced beginning knitter who dreams of doing fine lace, but my skills aren't quite there yet. I have been consumed by sock knitting since March. It is a self-defense mechanism. And I may have a useful skill when the zombie apocalypse hits. I am one of those rocking chair grannies who seeks validation through the work of my hands. HA! They would rather have a Target gift card. LOL!

[@suenagle6608]

The lace project sounds just the thing to start over the Christmas holidays. Please please show the yarn it sounds awesome. I am partial to knitting modular blankets, all my close relatives have at least one.

[@joannshupe9333]

Supposing that I was a guy who loved lace and intarsia, I would design a lace window panel for a room(?) with one window and then make sure anyone who visited had to walk by my masterpiece where I would modestly admit to making it. Unfortunately kitchens and bathrooms are not friendly places for lace window treatments unless you still have granny's curtain stretchers.

[@silviamcfarland9780]

I am the same way. I'm always done before any project is!

[@forgetmenotjem1147]

I love your pitbull. She is beautiful. I have a blue staffie called Kaos. Pitbulls and Staffies = best dogs ever. Love the vlog

[@lindapritchard1899]

I too am being drawn to knitting a Shetland lace shawl in 2 ply. Why, I couldn’t tell you except for maybe wanting to challenge myself beyond everything else that I do. Intarsia and lace together will be very interesting indeed. I look forward to seeing how you go with this project🙂

[@itschell]

I'm the kind of knitter who a pattern or idea gets niggling the back of my brain and I finally relent and cast on whatever it is. Doesn't mean it will get finished in a timely manner, but I can sleep without dreaming about it once it's cast on. It will get finished if I start having anxiety dreams about it. With you about sweaters for myself. I've knit sweaters for others and a couple simple open cardigans for me. But I was pull over my head, squishy, curl up with in the dead of winter sweaters for myself. The vlog is great. Please, go on as long as you desire. Your voice and presence is quite suited to vlogging.

[@ancientspinner9755]

As always.. it is delightful to have a cup of tea and sit down with you (knitting on a sock at the moment). I will say the comment about not having a lot of knitted items for YOU to wear is a bit like the cobbler's children having no shoes. After making things for people who really could care less about the work (and the one that was a handspun and knitted gift...), I knit a little more for me now. (These socks are for me).. but my current tapestry design is requiring a lot of up front work and is definitely more complex than I'm used too. Love to see you, hear you.. often listen or re-listen in the middle of the night.

[@elizabethlussier4423]

I don't know anyone who knit in real life: I learned on youtube and it's my passion. The first time that I did a cable , it was a cardigan for my son (he mesure 6 '') and it was cable all over with all sort of special stiches in between. It took me a month and a half (6 hours per day was the least amount of time). He always tell me that he doesn't know anything about yarn and knitting ... but his face when he saw my gift was a gift for me as well. Thank you for bringing back this memory...

[@suzannefenton1589]

I so enjoy your podcasts. Thank you

[@brittanyduncan2072]

I live for epic crafts! I am currently working on a hand-pieced quilt done in the style of English Paper Piecing (epic in itself) the pieces are half-inch hexagons (about the size of a dime) for a king-size quilt. Honestly when I bust it out or talk about it I have to watch out for the men in white coats because the looks of "You're crazy" are plentiful. I also do large cross stitch pieces, that if I finish before I die will be amazing and I'll probably end up haunting it, so cursed family heirlooms for the win!

[@barbarawest1205]

Yes, yes, yes. I can make even the simplest project seem epic. I believe it may have been 2019 when I cast on 50 or so stitches of size 10 cotton because I wanted to play with the interaction between a bright variegated ball and a sedate pale gray ball. I decided to use linen stitch and size 2 needles. I have about 8 inches done. I am so glad I decided to knit it vertically instead of lengthwise. About all I seem to be able to finish in short order are mats for my cats to lie on and destroy.

[@margaretwhitehead6444]

We do these things not because they are easy, but because they are hard. A friend asked me why I bought a 4 shaft loom when I already had a RHL. I told her the RHL wasn’t complicated enough. (And I’m likely to upgrade it to an 8 shaft loom any day now.) There is a time and place for simple and easy, and a time for moon shots.

[@Yirggzmb]

I get really excited about big ideas. I love figuring out new things and seeing how they'll work. It's why I knit, I think. But of course, once the things are figured out and it's just down to "stick to it" to finish, odds are high it'll end up abandoned in a corner.

[@sunnyw4148]

I usually try to stretch my skills once or twice a year with a bigger project. Last year it was a blanket with a wide cable edge and mitered in cable pattern corners. This year it is trying to finish a Lucy Hague shawl that I started two years ago. Very intense and not enjoyable. As soon as I put it down, well I am happier knitting other things. Starting my 2021 list. This will be more of a narrowed down suggestion list. Thanks for the visit. I love your voice.

[@obiwankenobi4478]

Orenburg shawls. Have frogged mine twice.....but I KEEP "planning" in my head the ways I'll arrange the ancient stitch patterns.

[@kathyschemine3072]

I do occasionally enjoy an epic knit. I think my first was about 6 years ago when I knit a shawl for my goddaughter as a wedding gift. It was one out of the Victorian Lace book. Currently I have 3 sweaters on the needles to be gifted at Christmas to my kids. The sweaters alone don't seem epic, but committing to 3 by Christmas does. I believe I'm on track to finish. I'll assess after the Thanksgiving weekend.

[@edwinathomas1153]

Epic? I've knit two pairs of tights, two! And I show off! Big time. Today, I'm struggling to finish a wool sock.

[@grettastephens1583]

Just finished a blanket in fingering weight yarn for my first grandchild, it was epic. 15 minutes per row, 4 rows per centimetre, about 120 centimetres square. Took about six months on and off. Lucky it was simple enough to knit during video calls.

[@CriminallyCreative1]

I am definitely drawn to the epic projects. I've done a couple of epic lace projects and have several long term blanket projects. I've recently started cross stitching again (my childhood craft of choice) and of course have started several full coverage 250,000+ stitch projects. [Note, I'm not generally one of those mathy stitch counters, but in cross stitch they usually tell you the stitch count up front.] I always have a ton of WIPs and generally work on whatever I feel like, but I usually do reach a point where I want a project done and sometimes that involves figuring out "o.k. if I knit X number of rows a week I can finish it by Y date." I've never really done intarsia, but I would definitely be interested in giving intarsia lace a try.

[@8531022]

Epic! I love the sense of accomplishment. I’m knitting a sweater in fingering right now that is all stranded colorwork. It’s epic to me because I still do colorwork by throwing, dropping, and picking up each color with my right hand. I’m 1/3 of the way through the second sleeve and I can see the finish line! I can’t wait.

[@susangrande8142]

Wonderful! 😄👍

[@angeleyz14]

I am horrible about starting blankets and then they sit in time out because I have gotten bored after a while. I have a Rosella Blanket started that I love the colors I chose, but after about 30 motifs, it sits in its project bag. That lace sounds like an engaging diversion for the holidays. And you need more sweaters just for you, maybe match one for Roz too.

[@dianatheknitter]

I'm a fan of epic projects. Currently working on a Size XL brioche cardigan for my dad, two blankets, and a shawl. In the home stretch on the cardi, which is good because it's intended to be a Xmas present.

[@maryannefocazio6379]

Franklin you are a hoot. I feel the same about big projects. Unfortunately if I start something else I won’t go back to the first. 😤

[@danagiles3672]

I can’t knit. I did a huge tapestry crochet blanket. Each square was different. Took me two very long months. I’m enjoying you so much!!

[@Darkinn_Travel]

I've done a few large projects. My most epic project? I think most of my fiber friends would say it would be my 52 card pickup scarf. Actually, there are 54 cards, 3 color, front and back, by Alistar. That was off and on for a few years, till I finally said it was going to be done. I'm sad, I wanted to put it in the state fair, but that got 2020ed.

[@susangrande8142]

Maybe we’ll have fairs again in 2021.... I hope.

[@deniseelston6197]

I’m constantly planning crafting projects. Sadly, they rarely get very far. And, yes, I tend toward more complicated (epic?). Years ago, I purchased a cross stitch pattern of Columbus’s three ships, which had a busy border. Of course, i thought some of the color choices were just wrong; so I removed those stitches and changed colors. Middle of the bottom was a ribbon with Columbus stitched within it. Ok, got that done. But wait, this was for my mom, born on October 12. And she had five children. So I had to design how I would stitch all of our names and birth dates, evenly spaced around three sides, as well as design a ribbon that mimicked the one in the pattern, though larger to contain my mom’s full name and birthdate switched within. Whew. Good luck with all your creative endeavors.