What were people knitting before Petite Knits-and are they still good?

[@historical_lisa315]

Never knitted a Petite Knits pattern and I am a longtime knitter.

[@knitthestitch]

Thank you for this interesting episode. As a new knitter (nearly 3 years) I could never have learnt to knit without patterns having video tutorials on youtube. My very first sweater was the Flax Worsted!

[@CrazyForEwe]

Did you like Flax? Did you learn a lot from that pattern?

[@leannastoufer6333]

The Flax (light) was among my first pullovers I knit. The pattern was clear, I learned about short-rows, and I still enjoy the sweater! Tin Can Knits is a great company, with beautiful patterns!

[@andreea6347]

Hello, I remember the gorgeous designs of Shirley Paden, Nicky Epstein, Kaffe Fassett, Linda Marveng, Lene Holme Samsoe, Norah Gaughan, Amy Gunderson, Melissa Leapman and Elizabeth Zimmermann.

[@CrazyForEwe]

Yes! Among the greats! Also Sally Melville, Deborah Newton, and Kim Hargreaves!

[@laurakirk3481]

I love Tin Can Knits! Their app is awesome. Every year I make the World’s Simplest Mittens and matching Barley hats for my grands and great grands.

[@Pixieworksstudio]

What a great channel! I have no idea what Petite Knits are. I've been knitting for over 40 years and I find that loads of designer knits have a way of making a lot of knitters feel inadequate. So much yarn is just ridiculously expensive. Thankfully, I can read a pattern, but youtube makes my knitting life so much easier, rather than designer 'posh' stuff which isn't for everybody. I do, however, think so many channels are just far too high-brow. The ones you have shown here are far more simple and knitable

[@CrazyForEwe]

Thank you! I tend to like sweaters that feel like clothing rather than just an opportunity to show off technical chops. I hope you enjoy knitting and never let anyone make you feel inadequate ❤️

[@Pixieworksstudio]

@@CrazyForEwe Thanks ever so much, I feel just the same 🙂

[@Laura2016-g2a]

I’ve knitted for 35 years, and my favorite patterns were by Norah Gaughan and Interweave Knits (the years that Ann Budd was editor).

[@Laurie-q1e]

Nice trip down memory lane. I‘ve knit most of them.

[@EmelEnver]

Love the harvest

[@Kathy-r3n]

I used to buy knitting books and magazines to get patterns.

[@CrazyForEwe]

Me too! I still do!

[@anna-gewecke]

I remember liking the tin can knits patterns, as well as Interweave Knits. I still have my magazines from 10 years ago.

[@petralarssonmucha9804]

So interesting. I have only been knitting for 3 year after a long paus and found several of the patterns in your list in my favorite list. 😀

[@gracedelreal4955]

I loved Just One More Row by Jill Vosburg. I don't think Ravelry was around then. Such innovative designs that I absolutely loved

[@lieslnew8247]

Aidez was one of the first patterns I ever saved on Ravelry. Still haven’t knitted it but it has definitely stood up over time. 😊

[@CrazyForEwe]

Yes, I think it still looks fresh-a classic

[@mrs.stocky2445]

I’m 37 and a BIG fan of Elizabeth Zimmerman. I have made many of her patterns including the February Baby. She has passed away but her daughter and grandchildren are keeping her work alive through Schoolhouse press. I feel like there was probably a copywrite issue with February Lady.

[@CrazyForEwe]

I think you must be right about February Lady.

[@muhlenstedt]

Hello, I used to knit patterns from Kate Davies.

[@annetricocool9960]

Funny, I'm now knitting a Flax worsted for my husband for X-mas. I already knitted the light version twice as birth gifts 7 or 8 years ago. Isabell Kraemer was my favorite designer at this time and she continues to design great patterns. I knitted the Ravello twice and the On the beach for my daughter. Now, I wouldn't chose these patterns because the Isabell Kraemer's actual designs are more elaborate (short rows, proper saddle shoulders with a better fit than the initial contiguous sleeves, etc...). The classical patterns age better than the more once trendy patterns. The traditional Icelandic colorwork, for exemple, are popular for centuries. In Europe the web site of Drops design is very popular too as twice a year they issue a whole collection of knitting/crocheting designs all for free ands translated in many languages. Their yarns are mostly natural fibers and very good value for money. I knit also French designer's patterns which are not always translated in English, which is why they are very popular in France but not worldwide. And free patterns tend to be more popular (Flax, for exemple).

[@klaraboman1167]

I love Tin Can Knits designs and use their app all the time. I've got three different classic cardigans on the needles right now. Done Flax as well and love the fit. Also bought the pattern Dog Star and wool to start that one in 2025.

[@rixatrix]

I’m knitting my first Petite Knits and it’s a beautiful design but my god, the pattern is presented in such an unnecessarily confusing way! I’ve been knitting since college, so 20 years, and I had to draw on all that knowledge just to get going with her pattern. Frustrating! I do remember knitting books and resources from the early 2000s. Bitch Knits was a popular book in a time when knitting was just gaining popularity again (2004ish?). Many existing books felt very old fashioned, and then we had this new wave of modern knitting books. Scarf Style, Hollywood Knits Style, Vintage Knits (by Sarah Dallas, these patterns are still GORGEOUS), Weekend Knits by Melanie Falick. One of the biggest problems with the new books was the size range, sometimes it was 32, 34, 36” bust and that was it. What?? 😂 Then Knitty came on the scene, releasing free patterns quarterly, which was a huge deal at the time, but their patterns had a similar sort of flavor. More whimsy or cleverness in the pattern than I would wear, but showing off new techniques and ideas. I signed up for the brand new Ravelry in 2008, and at some point around that time, Norah Gaughan was having a huge moment, especially her Knitting Nature book that was themed around shapes and geometric inspiration from nature. I especially loved the Bubble Pullover. Thanks for indulging my walk down memory lane!

[@CrazyForEwe]

Yes!!! To everything you just said! 100%. I feel completely the same way. I started Knitting when I was in college (40 years ago) and then stopped until my kids were older. Then I opened my shop right around 2004 so yes exactly the era you’re talking about. I am still such a fan of those Rowan designers, especially Kim Hargreaves, who sadly retired this year or maybe last. Thank you for taking the time to watch the video and to give me such wonderful feedback. I look forward to hearing more from you. ❤️

[@margotchurchill5593]

Too late to the live chat, but once I’ve knitted a bit more, flax and harvest are two sweaters I would love to attempt! I’ve crocheted several sweaters that I love, but I’ve recently started learning to knit because I love the drape of knitted fabric.

[@so_madele]

Flax is a great pattern as a first sweater (it was mine) because they describe everything in the pattern for beginners. And there are a lot of videos of KZbin of people knitting the flax step by step. So you should definitely try 🙂

[@lovemesomeslippers]

You can do it now. No need to wait!

[@margotchurchill5593]

@ thank you! I will!

[@helenlayley]

The fact that both Flax and Harvest are free must add to their popularity! I use the Flax 'numbers' a lot but sometimes find that the necklines don't sit well. It is definitely better to work the neckline afterwards (one of the options) even if that feels like more work.

[@CrazyForEwe]

Agree. I’ve never thought that necklines worked along with the garments lay as nicely

[@DeannaCassiere]

I knitted four patterns from Bonne Marie Burns of Chic Knits before 2010.

[@CrazyForEwe]

Yes! She was great, wasn’t she!!

[@annfearon2107]

She was my go-to designer 15 years ago.

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

The Hitofude is going in my “soon” queue!

[@christahedstrom4314]

I have knitted Flax a number of times with my own changes. like German short rows to improve fit. Can't beat pattern,

[@paperandtwine]

PatriciaToberts, Debbie Bliss, anyone from the Rowan stable such as Martin Storey, Marie Wallin

[@CrazyForEwe]

💯

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

This was really interesting, thanks! 😊

[@CrazyForEwe]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it!

[@gmabo1]

I noticed that raglans appear to be more popular than I realized.

[@CrazyForEwe]

I think it’s because they’re easy to do seamless, and Americans seem to hate seams

[@gmabo1]

⁠So interesting. I come at raglans from another direction. Been knitting a long time. Acquired a stash. Wrists starting to hurt. So began using a flatbed knitting machine. I look for vintage raglans to knit because bottom up seamed pieces work best on it. I’m super proud of how lovely mattress stitched seams turn out!

[@CrazyForEwe]

@gmabo1 yes! I love to seam. Am just finishing up Smock by Martin Storey. I think you would love it

[@gmabo1]

@@CrazyForEwe It's like you knew, haha.

[@vihmake]

I have never knitted anything with raglan. And yes - I am not from English speaking country. I LOVE seams 😊 and usually knit using mock ups cut from old T-shirts😅

[@DianeLammers]

Older patterns often did not offer enough size range to be workable for me without DIY modifications. Newer patterns tend to be size inclusive.

[@CrazyForEwe]

That is very true. It’s good to see a wider, more inclusive, size range.

[@AftonGroveKnitter]

Back then, we knit a lot of Vera Valemaki ( PAVEMENT & BREATHING SPACE).

[@CrazyForEwe]

Right😀Vera was my first shawl knit!

[@joanneroper8379]

What is the fabulous sweater you’re wearing? Love it!

[@CrazyForEwe]

Thank you! That’s Magnolia Bloom by Camilla Vad

[@andreea6347]

And, of course, the wonderful patterns of Deborah Newton.

[@CrazyForEwe]

One of my favorites! Have you seen her design in the newest Noro magazine?

[@andreea6347]

Not yet, but I will look for it, thank you​, @CrazyForEwe !

[@VeeZee2194]

Which yarn did you use for your Magnolia?

[@Kayemwhy]

Thank you for this. I’m curious. What is the sweater that you’re wearing?

[@cupcakenormajean9974]

It’s Magnolia Bloom by Camilla Vad ❤

[@Kayemwhy]

@ Thanks🙂

[@CrazyForEwe]

You got it!

[@lfinn6125]

Shalom cardigan, Susie’s Reading Mitts…

[@suebaughman2440]

I knitted a Shalom years ago and unraveled it. It was not at all flattering on my body! The boxy trend is not flattering to my A shaped body. Tin Can Knits patterns are very nice. I am finding , though, that top down patterns are a lot of fabric in my lap to knit. I am leaning toward knitting sleeves first and adding them to a bottom up body.

[@CrazyForEwe]

I like knitting in pieces and seaming, but I’m old school 😀

[@christahedstrom4314]

Harvest not as well fitting as Flax. Made it twice, second added buttons.

[@CrazyForEwe]

Thank you for this-so good to hear from someone who’s actually made the thing