I don’t think you have to worry at all about your content being boring. You are so entertaining I think you could make knitting washcloths interesting. I do especially enjoy your thrifting.
You definitely have the heart of a maker! “Scratching the itch “ of ideas that you have in your head is something that has been a driving force for my life.
I follow a ton of knitters who just do the basic boring patterns, sometimes multiple times. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to spend a ton of money on new patterns all year long, we’ll have a good time regardless of what you make. As for learning spinning, some yarn stores do classes for stuff like that! Google search the ones near you to see if any of them offer classes in the evenings or on weekends, and sign up for their newsletters if they do have classes but don’t currently have one for spinning on their schedule, because they may do it later in the year.
As someone who spins with both a spindle and a wheel I did start with a spindle but pretty quickly got a wheel. You don't have to start with a spindle. The skills are similar but not the same. I think people recommend starting with a spindle because of how costly wheels can be but realistically if you know a spindle isn't going to be appealing to you then take a spinning wheel class, often you can rent wheels, to see if it's your thing or just jump in and get a wheel if it's within your budget. There's no point doing something that's not going to bring you joy because it's the 'right way' of doing it.
Mosaic is where I would start because you only use one strand of yarn on a row so you don't have to worry about floats or tangling yarn. The next thing I'd go for is a faux Isle type pattern - it uses stranded knitting with one solid color and a self striping or a gradient color. It looks really impressive, and you learn floats, but only two balls of yarn to manage. Hats are really great projects for starting with any colorwork.
Personally, I think seeing you knit whatever your heart desires is most interesting, because what keeps knitting interesting is seeing you passionate about it. As long as this TH-cam community empowers you to lean into that whimsy of knitting what you want and having freedom to do different things to keep it fun for you, that’s what you should do! I’m also in my first year of knitting and I love watching your journey while I walk my own too ❤
Colorwork has such a simple learning curve. I think fair isle (aka Norwegian aka Stranded) takes about 30 seconds to learn. You’ll love it! Also, feel free to knit “another basic sweater”. I’d still tune in. I love watching your content and how fast you’ve learned such complex techniques.
Everyone needs basics! and everyone's idea of "basic" is so different! I'd love to see you "knit another basic sweater" because that's what I'm also wanting to add to my wardrobe. I get overwhelmed by all the flash, and they're not actually things I'd end up wearing a ton. But also, the yarn choice can REALLY change things up and elevate a garment. I'd love to see a pattern round up of "basics" in each category! cardigans, sweaters, summer knits, etc
Do it! Spinning is amazing. It can be super relaxing. It"s kind of what I use as meditation. It's like rocking in a good rocking chair. I'm also about the basic a bit this year. My goal is to get a sweater done that really fits. I'm very broad shouldered, so modifying a nice basic sweater so that it's about 2 sizes larger across the shoulders than everywhere else, has been my challenge. Take care and I know I'm here for the long haul. Cheers!
Lots of popular knitting TH-cam folks have a huge following despite knitting nothing but basic sweaters. Heck, one of the most popular is vocal about only really wanting to do top-down raglans. It isn't the thing being knitted that keeps people coming back, but your personality. I say knit what your heart wants, and don't worry about what your viewers will think; we will still think you are charming. As to color work, I also started knitting last January. I've done a stranded color work hat, and some mosaic socks. Both were very enjoyable, but I'd say the mosiac knitting was dead easy. It was amazing the effects you can get just from slipping stitches.
I am a new knitter. I began learning right before the pandemic, but I have to fit it in around caring for our home and 2 youngest children. Before knitting I was crocheting, and a crocheting friend split some of her stash with me. And before I knew what was happening, more friends and family had blessed me with quite a stash of all sorts of yarns! So as I find patterns that I want to try, I put them in page protecters, shop my stash for the right amount of yarn for each, and put pattern and yarn in a project bag.
My very humble opinion on colorwork. Want intricate patterns? Stranded is great and more common, so maybe start here.. Looking for blocks of color? Intarsia. Wanna' dabble in intricate patterns that are more geometric? Mosaic. Each is unique. You are already fearless! I am sure one year from now you've tried all.😁
Sorry for the multiple comments. I’m listening to this as I work and am stopping to write a comment based on a question or something you say. I also dive straight into the fun when I start a hobby. I learnt knitting because I wanted to knit lace garments, so my third project was a large Shetland lace shawl 😂. I did eventually realise I needed the wardrobe basics too but sometimes you want something a little more interesting to knit too. I’d recommend picking cardigans and jumpers that have some interesting technique to them too. I have a cardigan that has some lackey lace panels and I wear it a lot when needing a warmer layer on a spring/summer day (or for air con when in the office). I have some sweaters that have cables and textured stitches to both make them more fun to knit and also a bit different to wear.
Hey watching you knit another basic sweater…with your personality and perspective and excitement would be something I would (and I’m guessing most dedicated knitters) love to experience with you!! ❤
I’d personally LOVE for you to knit some basics! I’ve been knitting same length of time as you and I’m not near as adventurous! But I’m finding I love adding the basics to my wardrobe. I love getting ideas from TH-camrs on patterns and yarns! I adore watching you!
Okay so I’m not a colorwork expert-I’m a novice. I started knitting in Sept. and I just started the Artus Shawl by Moonstruck Knits (there’s a KAL going on that started on Jan 1st. It has texture, stranded color work and mosaic knitting and it’s such a great pattern, so easy to follow, you get bite size pieces of each without feeling overwhelmed in an entire garment of color work. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Absolutely loving the process.
Don't worry about knitting the same thing more than once or thinking your content will be boring. As a new knitter myself (starting at the end of 2022) and also coming from crochet, I love watching what you decide to knit and your color choices are fantastic! Even if it is just basics or the same thing in other colors, it inspires me to continue learning and growing with my knitting journey. Your personality makes the content not boring :) I watch you while I knit on my own ever-growing WIPs, lol.
I really like your optimistic nature! This video was very inspiring. After last year, I know that I no longer like certain necklines and dropped shoulders on myself. I also prefer wool that has a certain stability/integrity. I don't like alpaca that much. I'm also going to try my hand at socks. I've never been that interested in them, even though there are so many beautiful patterns out there. Besides, my husband would really like some!🧶😊
My bit of advice for stranded color work is do not pick a pattern for working flat (back and forth) for your first project! Knitting in the round is much easier than trying to Purl with more than one color. Speaking from experience here 😅.
I love this Nora! I'm not a fan of "goals", "intentions", that kind of language. I have a Play Book! Things that bring me joy just by thinking about them, but they are in no particular order. I'll see when and where they show up over the course of 2024. 😊
THAT is what I'm talking about!! There's such a huge difference between having actual set in place goals and just having some ideas in mind that you'd like to be aware of throughout the year. Playbook, map...exactly!!
I also like to just dive in and figure it out. BUT, learning how to catch floats before you start and understanding dominant color will make your first piece more successful. I also found it interesting to see different styles of knitting color work. I use both hands, but some people drop the yarn and others use a finger ring or even just hold both yarns together on the same finger. Norman from Nimble Needles has some great videos on technique and color dominance. Love your plan of 2-3 knits at a time. I always like to have 1 travel project and one I can knit while I watch tv and one where I can learn something new.
I'm definitely a one-wip-at-the-time girl, I tried having 2 or 3 projects but it made me feel anxious and like I wasn't making any progress so I went back to monogamous knitting....planning specific projects doesn't work for me either, I go by what I feel like knitting at the moment I finished my current wip. I generally cast on a new project once I'm about to finish my second sleeve and I'm almost done.
Great video per usual! Your "roadmap" to 2024 is a perfect analogy. The route is there but there are many other options along the way. I like Kim's (of Kim and Jonna) method. She puts sweater quantities of yarn together with their patterns in bins. Then she can pick and choose among all of those for the next project. Although she did do a survey and is knitting in the order that people voted for! I have started to print off patterns and store them with the yarn which makes it so much easier to remember what I had in mind. I love mosaic knitting but have avoided stranded because the best yarn to use is just too hot for my climate. I have tried it with some hats and it is super fun though. Honestly, you could knit nothing but basics and dishcloths and we would still tune in every week! Don't burn out by doing two a week like a few other podcasters have done. Much rather have 1 a week Nora over no Nora! Thanks again!
I went to a farm-to-yarn experience to try spinning! The yarn I made was awful but it was enough for me to know I must make my own yarn 😂 I started with a drop then got an e-spinner bc I like to stand & craft 😁 so part of my WIP management is either spinning the yarn OR knitting the yarn…I try not to have a huge stock pile of hand spun…along with an easy car project, an upstairs project, and a crochet project (I know when I first learned to knit I was like “ok, done with crochet!” but I found that I missed it and it provides a lovely pallet cleanser to knitting 🧶 ❤😁)
That's the way I plan my knits. I have an enormous queue of things I want to knit in Ravelry, but the order is totally fluid for me. One of the patterns in my queue is always there because it's a one skein shawl I've already knit for gifts several times and will also knit for myself. I have a LOT of yarn in my stash and a lot of if it has been "assigned" to at least one pattern, sometimes as many as 10. I try to stay within the top 10 things in my queue for my "next knit" and reshuffle the queue a lot. It gives me a very loose structure that keeps me ticking things off from my queue, but also the flexibility to change my mind often and choose something else I want if I'm not feeling the next thing on the list. Wear the things. You can wash all of them! I live in Texas and it's hot here 9 months out of the year. I've been avoiding sweaters because I don't want to knit a lot of things I can't wear. In the last few months I've been stashing more cotton blends and have my eye on some linen blends. I'm going to give a Tee pattern a try in one of those and see if I can make a sweater I can wear in a place where we just finished a year with 78 days of temps at or above 100 degrees.
I started with stranded colorwork personally. I think starting with dropping each strand and picking it up with each color change made it very approachable. I began with a 2 color hat(this was my first ever knit project) and am now moving into doodles by pacific knit co which are also suuuuper fun and creative. But you know what you like best, and I am a firm believer in diving in head first to a project you know you'll love. Which is why I think I love your channel so much! Keep on knitting!
I have only done mosaic, but my understanding is that it's the easiest colorwork to do. I'd recommend The Shift cowl by Andrea Mowry or the Pressed Flowers hat (that one is charted, but it was easy to learn to use the chart). Both are super fun and gorgeous projects!
I personally prefer mosaic. Unlike traditional stranded knitting, where you're working with two or more yarns at any given time, with mosaic, you're only working with one yarn at a time. Check out AlterKnit by Andrea Rangel, Only Yoking by Putano and The Nordic Knitting Primer by Kristin Drysdale. I have all three books in my yarn library and have found each to be very helpful. - Cheers!
I think stranded and mosaic colorwork are easy to learn. I am a spinner and I am with you, I did not enjoy drop spindling at all, I maybe did it twice. Wheel was much more relaxing. When I did my what I knit in 2023 video, I was shook by what my favorite made of 2023 was. It really helped looking at everything I knit, to get a better idea of what I need to knit.
When I started knitting colourwork in 2023 I picked small 2 stranded colourwork patterns, specifically a cowl and the Maple Leaf hat on ravelry because it was free. There are many ways to do 2-stranded colourwork, but I would highly suggest that you swatch and check how tight your knitting while managing those strands. My knitting with 2 stranded got so tight that my cowl didn't fit, but when I sized up my needles on the 2nd attempt in the maple leaf hat I got the perfect tension on my floats and a perfect fit. Also regarding your spinning curiosity, see if any of your local yarn shops have spinning workshops where you can use a wheel they have. I hear a lot about spinning guilds on channels like jillianeve and maybe that's something you can look into, she mentions that some guilds will let you rent wheels if you want to try them. I got a second-hand wheel this autumn and it has been such joy to play with making my own yarn and then knitting with that yarn. The local yarn shops should have leads, especially if they have community nights where people come together to craft!
You have become one of my favorite knittubers. Thank you for changing the text color and background color of your picture inserts. I am not sure if it was just that one episode, but I am able to watch your videos without migraines, so thank you.
I updated my Ravelry queue with patterns that I have sweaters quantities of yarn, in no particular order, and when I finish one project, I scroll the queue to see what jumps out!
@@akaNoraKnits probably not how everyone uses the queue, but helps me to see a visual of potential next makes! Also if you keep your stash updated in Ravelry you can update the queue with the yarn you plan to use.
Honestly, one of the ways that you can keep it fresh is every so often talk about how you’re changing the patterns to fit your body. I’ve only really changed the length of sweaters but figuring out how to change the bust/abdomen or shoulder seams whatever. I think how the math changes, would be really helpful!!
I'm a long-time knitter who has recently tried mosaic knitting. It's so fun! Andrea Mowry has a bunch of mosaic patterns. Also, the pressed flowers are a mosaic pattern collection with various patterns. They are so cute!❤❤❤. Keep two projects at least and a Guage swatch for a next project. If you have to figure something out you'll have something else to knit. Plus you'll get more knitting accomplished! I know it's hard to reign it in but there are weeks I don't knit because I'm waiting for another needle to come or some other reason. Thanks for sharing❤❤❤ On Kim and Johna's podcast she talks about grouping up the yarn and patterns together and putting them in a bin so she can more easily decide because she already prepared. Checckout a local fiber guild for spinning. Our tiny area in washington state has a program where you can borrow or rent equipment.
I think my favorite knit of 2023 was my Lumme sweater by Sari Nordlund. I wear it all the time. But I do wear all of my knits, with the exception of one. My Sunday sweater has self striping mohair in it and I don’t like the look in my sweater. And the ones that are too oversized from 2022, I still wear. I love basics. There’s something so pretty about them to me.
Going from easiest to hardest: Intarsia (like maybe a half-square-triangles blanket or pillow top. You just wrap the yarns at the color change. Easy-peasy, flexible for designs. Mosaic-big bang for the effort. Looks way harder than it is. Takes longer to knit because the fabric is compressed vertically to the extent some stitches are slipped. Only carrying one yarn per row. Colorwork-first try a pattern with no long gaps between colors, because in those you’ll have to catch those long floats. As long as the colorwork areas have close, smaller repeats, it’s the best place to start carrying and managing two yarns at one time. THE important tip is to keep the stitches on your right needle (already knitted) stretched out so the floats stay loose. Start with a hat or a cowl in the round, so you don’t have to do the colorwork flat, which is doable but clunky. And, choosing one color-changing yarn with a solid will give a bigger impact without having to change the contrast color. My recommendation: just go for it! You’re naturally a skilled intuitive knitter and will likely enjoy it all. 🎉 PS the cow licking the camera--whaaaat? 😂😂😂
WOW! The ultimate colorwork guide! Thank you so so much!!! Apparently I was very much in need of some chapstick when I filmed this 😅 I feel like my lip-licking was so distracting, so I embraced it with my cow friend 😂
If you do more basic sweaters, I’m totally here for it! I have my eye on two colorwork sweaters, the Lumme Sweater and the Saltburn Sweater, they are both circular yoke stranded color work.
The reason I love your channel is your content. You've got a great eye for fashion and how to make knitwear part of your fashion vision. This helps me. This inspires me. I also think you've got a great balance between a 'beginners mind' and a desire to take on more complicated patterns and skills. That being said, I'm with you on the colour work craving. I've been knitting, off and on, since I was a kid but was never brave enough to try patterns that both challenged me and that, frankly, I would like to actually wear. Watching you has pushed me outside my own comfort zone and I'm bravely trying patterns that both scare me but also I want SO BADLY in my wardrobe. 2024 is wide open and all I wish for you is that you never lose your enthusiasm and ability to not take yourself too seriously. Lotsa love and best wishes for 2024!
@@jamiethrogmorton2540 I'm thinking the Broch Beanie by Ysolda Teague might be a good (and by good, I mean beginner friendly) pattern to start. Thoughts?
I’m here for the colourwork knowledge! I haven’t just been saving patterns, I’ve been buying yarn for projects when I have no clue of what I’m getting myself into. Mumble mumble I’ve been knitting on and off since I was 7 which was a long time ago and have never been brave enough to go beyond cable jumpers and cardigans until you burst into my life and made me realise that of course I can knit a dress in fingering yarn. You are officially amazeballs
😂 we've all been there!!! I always like to have the tools on hand for when I'm ready to try something! So now you're prepared!!! This comments section has turned into the ultimate colorwork guide !! That's why I love it here. I'm so happy you feel the CAN-DO energy through the screen! We've got this!!! 💛
I also started spinning (literally this month) I bought a Eel Wheel Nano from Dreaming Robots-way more affordable than other e-spinners or large wheels but more investment (accountability) than a drop spindle. I’ve loved it so far!!!
Colorwork is such a wonderful journey! You can learn the basic technique and get knitting in one day, but you’ll be entertained and learning for a lifetime. I’ve been knitting colorwork for years, but this year, I’ve been perfecting my Fair Isle two-handed purling. 😊 I would start with Fair Isle/stranded if that’s what you want to make in the end because mosaic and other alternative color works, while using fewer yarns, can be confusing/difficult in their own ways. Just start with what you want to do, and start small! Hats, mitts, etc-it will take a while to work out the tensioning. ❤
Start with Stranded or Mosaic. Stranded is pretty easy, really. But you’re a very adventurous knitter so honestly I don’t think it matters where you start. Do what excites you and you’ll be successful.
Hello! I understand what you are saying about not wanting to make knits that are too basic or knitting the same thing twice. However, I actually enjoy that type of content! It shows me what patterns are worth it, and tells me more about you because it showcases your style and which garments you will use the most. Personally, the basics are the garments I look for because it fits within my wardrobe the best and I do not think that is boring at all! I found you a few months ago now and you are my favourite podcaster, I love the effort you put into your videos and knits. You can tell you enjoy the craft and your voice is very soothing. I hope you have a lovely week.
Hey we all need to knit basics etc so you shouldn’t worry about sharing this with your audience. People tune in to you because you are at the start of your knitting journey (as am I) and your personality is soooooo engaging and friendly we’d all tune in regardless of the actual content 😌 😊
I knit a pair of gorgeous stranded colorwork socks in 2023. The best advice I found for colorwork was to stretch it out on your needles so it doesn't get too tight. Can't wait to see what you knit in 2024!
My advice on spinning: skip the spindles. I highly recommend a Lendrum for an easy to learn wheel. It doesn’t take up a huge amount of space and is easily portable. You might also look at an espinner. One like an EEW 6. Not a huge investment and takes treadling out of the equation. For easy, mindless knitting, I recommend socks. Check out the Crazy Sock Lady. She has great patterns and tutorials. If you want to learn more about the different properties of different sheep, I recommend watching the breed study Trish of Fiber Love Diary did a couple of years ago. I learned so much!
You are a naturally talented & skilled as a knitter. You also seem to be more on the adventurous side so with that in mind, I’d say go with what inspires you & makes your heart sing! Now on the other hand mosaic is easy because it’s done with slip stitches so you are only working one color per row. It’s a KISS approach to color work.
I highly recommend socks for your stockinette in the round / TV knitting! (And you can totally do any kind of colorwork!) Love hearing your non-goals map list. 😊
Check if you have a weavers guild local to you that has classes or lets you rent equipment. Might be worth a shot if you wanna try spinning on a wheel.
I really like your 'just dive in' -approach, so that's what I would suggest for colorwork: Find a project you love and that still feels (slightly) feasible. Maybe I would not suggest intarsia for a first colorwork project, but if you feel like it: why not? Just have fun and we will join you!
On stranded colourwork, I got really psyched out by a hat where I went rogue … slippery cotton … long floats … definitely didn’t stretch right in the end! Then I thought that being an English style knitter etc would stand in my way. But no!! Three things I learned since: - I like to size up needles in the colourwork section (like US 7 instead of 6 if that’s the body needle) which ppl suggested would keep even gauge between colourwork and body and that works for me! - don’t pull your floats too tight - feels awkward to have them be loose, but I heard to spread out my stitches on the right needle instead of bunch them up and that keeps the float the right length. - ppl say non superwash wooly wool is better suited to colour work … and I think that’s probably true … but I also like superwash so oh well! Cotton colourwork was not my jam tho …
WEBS has great spinning classes. Go scratch that itch. It is relaxing, just not portable(though I have an e spinner and that is portable). Mosaic knitting is the most accessible colorwork. Suggest a cowl or hat for first stranded just so you can work on tension. Check out Jamie Lomax doodle patterns-they are fun and scrapbusting!
Dear Nora we watch your channel for you sweet personality and cheery voice, you are my favourite company while knitting ❤ I as a long time knitter also prefer to work a project at time, I find that I make less mistakes because I am more focused, and finish earlier. I also make a loose list of things I wanna knit in in the year, with yarn stored in packs with the pattern I wanna use, but I don't schedule them, I start them when I feel to do so. Happy knitting year!
I also vote start with stranded colorwork. Pamplemousse Pullover from Tif Neilan if you want a sweater that works up in about 3-4 weeks and I'm in the snail stitches club mind you. It's not as scary as you think it might be. I did an assessment a few weeks ago and decided I want all of my knits and now I want all of them in black. I bought one of those lumos lights. I love it and my plan for the year is to make what I want for myself and use the colors for gifts. At the very end of the year I went to my LYS and bought 4 sweaters worth of yarn all in black but different yarns. Mohair, a linen, a recycled , wool and in different thicknesses etc. I feel good about it and excited. Thanks for all the inspo.
I’ve seen a lot of people knitting several versions of the same pattern and I wondered how they didn’t get bored. I’ve knit one twice, but the first time as per pattern (heavily cabled) and the other time as a basic stocking stitch body. So I’m pro knitting a pattern once. But I would suggest trying multiple patterns from a single designer as some of them do a lot of different construction styles. One of my favourites is Annamaria Otvos. Sadly she passed away a few years ago. Her work was beautiful and her patterns are easy to follow for people of all experience levels. She also had a group on Ravelry that you could pop any questions in as you are going and I’m sure someone would come in and answer them, even though the group probably isn’t an active one anymore (I haven’t been active in Ravelry forums for a few years now, so I’m not sure the activity status of that group anymore).
I would watch you talk about knitting any garment, simple or complicated. We’re all here for your fun, unique personality. Well, knitting too because….yah.
Color work is so satisfying !! Check out the Autumn Alpine sweater from Caitlin Hunter ( or her other color work items ! ) As for spinning , JUMP IN !! I started on a wheel...... then got addicted to supported spindles ....now looking at electric wheels !!! SO MUCH FUN !!!
I would recommend stranded Colorwork for your first Colorwork! Look for a pattern that is in the round, not flat, as flat is a little more to wrap your head around for your first.
Hello Nora! First: you’re fantastic. Second: colourwork is awesome, a very playful ground. My (humble) tips for first steps onto this new playground: - I’d start with a small project, and I’d start one that is worked in the round (eg a hat or mittens). - I’d start with “jacquard” (not intarsia); and I’d start with 2 colours. - I’d pick 2 colours that you can easily associate with the chart (eg a darker colour= the black on the chart). This avoids unnecessary brain gymnastics at the beginning. - I’d start with a pattern that has short floats that do not need special catching in the background (eg max. 4-5 stitches of a colour before switching to the other). The “ladder technique” is great - but I’d keep that one for a later step. First challenge is to keep the right tension of the threads “running backstage”, for the knit work to keep its elasticity and for the pattern to be smooth and nice upfront (otherwise you’ll have a new Ranunculus-episode-3 - hilarious! - where the colourwork hat/mittens do not fit your head/hands because the floats are too tight…). Hope this helps! Greetings from cold Scandinavia/Sweden, where we wear a lot of colourwork as colourwork is double-layered, so double-warm (check out Selbu from Norway). Happy 2024 with all its stitches and twists, and colors and floats! /kim.
Thank you!! I'm already just loving the beginning of this comment 😂 you're speaking my language! KIM!! Thank you so so much! What a fantastic cheat sheet! I'll be sure to refer back to this one when the time comes! Thank you!!!
I didn't knit myself anything this year, I gifted everything. Hats, baby blankets, dish cloths, cowls, scarves. This year I'm planning knitting some sweaters for others.
Mosaic color work would be my recommendation on where to start. You’ll get that 2 strand color work satisfaction while only working with one color per row (for that reason some people don’t consider it color work)😊 If you want to work on tensioning your yarn holding 2+ strands for color work, the next step up for me was two stranded color work and playing around with holding the yarn in different ways to see what was most comfortable ☺️
When you know how to knit socks, I would recommend trying colorwork with socks, because it makes up a small part of the sock. And when you don't like it, you can easily restart it and did not put that much work in it. A sock was my first colorway project and I really enjoyed it 😊
My favourite for trying new techniques is cowls and shawls, people always told me hats but I just don't wear hats that much (makeup on the forehead lmao) so I'd rather have something I can pull up over my hair from the back. There's so many beautiful ones out there and they make great gifts if you are just wanting to try out the technique but the colour isn't for you or you don't need another cowl haha
When I started stranded colourwork I found ysolda teague's tutorials and blog posts really helpful. A free beanie and beret pattern comes out every year for shetland wool week and doing those were a fun way to practice fair isle techniques in a quick knit. For intarsia ... la bien aimees intarsia bandana? It knits up in a couple of hours. I've queued up the kfo mosaic sweater and I totally xmas sales splurged on kfo yarn in blood orange and cherry blossom (background colour). Wish me luck!
I’ve been knitting for awhile but recently started dabbling in colorwork. I use stranded colorwork and I am a bit of a loose knitter but have to consciously knit loosely in the colorwork section. You will not have any issues. I’m very impressed with your skills and can’t believe you’ve only been knitting a year!
I hear ya on the coloring. My favorite thing to do is perms. Never did like coloring and so I never did do that. On the drop spindle, the reason it is suggest to start with that is, you learn about drafting easier on the drop spindle than on the wheel, or at least that is the thought.
Heya Nora, I love that you jump into the deep end with everything that you do! That hand sewn/embroidered floral dress is stunning! I also have no interest in dyeing yarn, but I really want to learn to spin. I wish you luck in all of your 2024 endeavors. Your vid’s are great, you seem to be yourself & always are striving to do better,I think this makes your videos engaging. Can I share: I’m currently knitting a simple cowl while I’m searching for a pattern for a top- either another sweater or a summer/spring top. Everything I fall in love with is knit from the bottom up, which was my last sweater. I don’t mind this type of construction, but you’ve inspired me to try something new (technique wise) with each project. So… keeping my hands busy & we’ll see. Thanks for sharing. Take care, Anna
Thank you so much, Anna! I really don’t know how to be anyone but myself, so I am so glad y’all are here for it! Good luck with your bottom up construction! I have only knit one bottom up garment, but I actually enjoyed the way you just get right in to the knitting! I hope you learn from the experience!
Hi Nora, love your YouTubing presentations and content. As for the Colorwork conundrum, let's start with, I am not an expert in knitting. Far from it. However, I have done stranded, mosaic and intarsia with each having there own pluses and minuses. As a newbie colorwork knitter I would suggest; 1) a smaller project like a hat or cowl to kick off the adventure 2) mosaic requires far less yarn management than the others 3) pick really fun colors to keep your interest 4) garments are usually drop shoulder construction to maintain the colorwork so check out the pattern carefully to see how easy it is to add your own personal touches 5) I know how you like to thrift shop for yarn, however, for stranded knitting be sure to use a rustic wool that will bloom (not superwash), it will really improve the end result dramatically I don't consider myself fearless but my first colorwork was a Marie Wallin sweater called Lily using Rowan's Felted Tweed. I modified the heck out of it because I am a rather full-figured woman (needed to do some FBA [Full Bust Adjustments]) and require more up top but not in the shoulders. I changed needle sizes, added short rows, made it long sleeve and yarn managed to make the sleeve colors match the bodice. Take away, learned a ton but found it a rather long...very long process. However, it is one of my best sweaters. Only regret is I didn't make the body longer, it's still wearable but I prefer it a bit longer. Good luck.
I did my first stranded colorwork cowl last year with the Leisure Arts book “I Can’t Believe I’m Fair Isle Knitting.” I used acrylic yarn from stash which was too heavy and thick so the cowl wasn’t really wearable (could be a cute pillow, tho!), but I did learn the technique and I’m planning to make more projects with fair isle this year! And I’m totally here for the basic wearable raglans! I’m still working on figuring out my personal style but I feel like I’m going in the right direction. 😅
I love your content!! Kepp up all the fun things!! Colorwork... Mosaic is a good starting place. Then, Stranded. Make sure your floats are not tight. Intarsia... Uhg!!! It depends on how many bobbins you have hanging. Just a few wouldn't be so bad, but 10 or so, and it is a headache! Try it, you may like it. Keep an open mind. I wouldn't start with intarsia!!
Hi from me, a happy hanger-outer 😂. I also have hesitated to wear my handmade items because I'm afraid to wear them out (literally and figuratively) but I'm going to try to wear them more this year! Also, I don't know what other word you could use instead of "intentions" or "goals" but this year, I have a "Wouldn't it be Loverly" list of knitting techniques or types of projects I'd like to make! The list is more of a reference and less of a checklist 😊❤ I'm looking forward to more hangout sessions with you here and on IG!
My intentions for this year are very similar to yours ……I’m going to have only one garment, one accessory and a pair ( or 2!) of socks on my needles (I’m obsessed with socks…..) as they’re so portable I carry them with me at all times for those odd moments I get some downtime! 😊❤
I like to do one project at a time and I have a container with project bags made up with yarn and pattern inside. I usually just put hand in container or send hubby to grab a bag and that’s what is on my needles next
As far as learning to spin on a wheel, look to see if there is a weavers and spinners guild in your area. They will often have wheels you can use and borrow. Also an Electric Eel Wheel Nano (EEW Nano) might be an affordable and compact wheel for you to try.
Basic sweaters are great and there are so many with lot of different little details - make what you like and we'll enjoy following along, for sure! Would be a great opportunity to sponsor a KAL for newer as well as more experienced knitters maybe!
Your personality is what makes your content so enjoyable. I think I could watch your commentary as you knit a stockinette tube a mile long and enjoy every minute. Also, if you do get suggestions on where one could maybe go for a spinning class without their own wheel somewhere in CT let us all know! I'm in the Hartford area and I want so badly to start spinning but my home and lifestyle has no room for a wheel. I did get a drop spindle for Christmas and it's beautiful and I'm interested in learning, but I feel like the starting and stopping that comes with that will deter me from getting in a groove Also also, I'm a hairstylist as well and laughed out loud when you talked about dying yarn. Color was my jam but updos not so much. I'm looking forward to someday putting my love of color to work on wool instead of human hair 😂
'Tolsta tee' by the Rebecca Clow 'Sibling sweater my size' and the 'Souffle' by Laura Penrose Knitty Mcpurly has some colour work sweaters that are on the easier side, eg the Fosette Lento sweater, by Jonna Hietala
For colorwork, I have tried stranded, intarsia and fair isle. I would recommend stranded colorwork, maybe start with 2 colours (to help with yarn management) and that that pattern doesn't involve catching long floats (meaning that there is less then 7 stitches between each colour part). I would also suggest to watch some videos about how to manage the yarn: I learned that after a couple of sweater and I believed it was a pain before learning that. Now, I never end up with tangles: very helpful to know! 😅
I think TH-cam removed my comment - I'll try again! I learned everything I know about stranded colourwork from knitting Rowan's Martin Storey Midwinter Blanket. What was useful was it taught me to do both stranded knit and purl as each square was knit flat. It makes colourwork in the round a doddle. They have some very good tutorials on their website if you want to look it up. As for what you knit this year - I will still love watching your channel whatever you're knitting.
I love the basics……Felix, Esmeralda, lento, flax….. I have done some colorwork circular yokes. Geometric patterns are easier to memorize and having only two colors at the time is better than three or more. Mosaic is easy because you use only one color at the time.
Stranded/fair isle. There’s a free patons fair isle hat pattern. Do it in the round. Won’t take long and it’s all you need to get the info you’ll need get going. And you’ll have a hat. Love your videos.
l spin yarn! I hated using a drop spindle. I got an Ashford Kiwi 3. They fold up and you can store it just about anywhere! The price is super fair, and it's a great beginner wheel. I highly reccmend it!
The part where you are talking about the sweater that you most often reached for because of the yarn used and how you weren't afraid of it, really resonated with me today. I am currently knitting a sweater with colorwork (first time doing colorwork!) and last night my kitten jumped up on my lap and her claw snagged the sweater on a piece of the colorwork...I totally cried when I saw the snagged piece of yarn and thankfully I was able to fix it but just what you said struck a cord with me because I legitimately last night had the thought go through my mind of "why would I invest all of this time and money just on an item that could easily get ruined by something out my control?!?" Hand knits are an act of love for sure and knitting things we love and want to wear is so special!
Boy have I been here before!! It's tricky to find the balance, but I feel like the cost is just one component that I would prefer to not stress about (most of the time)
Oh my gosh, glad you were able to fix your sweater. This same idea prevents me from engaging in certain patterns that I’d love to make, like a floor length cardigan. Best of luck finishing your sweater. Take care, Anna
Bring on the basics! I've been knitting for like 10 years and I always used to gravitate toward bold, bright striking colorwork and I am totally in my season of basics/slow knits right now. I still like some funky colorwork but I also need functional pieces in my wardrobe. Knit what brings you joy - we'll come for the knitting but stay for the sparkling personality anyway!
Maybe a knit a long 🤔 I want to work on color work. I have the Holly Sweater on my wish list. I watch @those twins who knit and one of the ladies knitted one and I just love it
Really enjoy all of your content! This year, I’m sticking with one pair of socks and then a garment or other accessory - finish either before casting on another plus I’m only shopping my stash this year too so, no buying new yarn. And, I tend to prefer easy to wear basic garments so I have a few colors (pink, teal, red) already in stash other than my usual blue, grey, charcoal, dark green and burgundy/wine/maroon. With color work, I started out with fingerless mitts, a hat and a small section on the leg of a sock.
I would start with stranded colourwork if you want to learn something new/ gently challenge yourself (which i think you do). It's not complicated, just a few things to bare in mind, and definitely a skill that you practise to improve on, but not that hard. For your first project i would just make sure you pick a project that only has 2 colours in the same row (most stranded/fair isle projects are only 2 colour per row). I'd also pick a project that is knit in the round and not steeked. So something like a raglan or yoke colourwork sweater. I think the example pictures you showed of patterns making you want to knit colourwork would be perfectly sensible first colourwork projects. Mosaic knitting is the easiest colour work technique, so easy I wouldn't really say you learn anything doing it (unless you are designing something) and there is nothing really to 'master'. It can look very nice, and is particularly common for shawls because it looks good on wrong side and right. Its worth doing, but if you want to learn something and open up knitting doors for yourself start with stranded. Unless there is a particular mosaic pattern singing to you right now that is. Intarsia - I've never done and i know its a scary one for even a lot of very experienced knitters. My understanding is its difficulty is hugely variable, from 'so easy i can't believe i put off learning this' patterns with a couple of colour blocks, to impossibly fiddly Kaffe Fasset masterpieces. The more colour blocks in a row the more unweldy. As not that many patterns use intarsia I would park learning this until you come across a pattern that really makes you want to learn it.
I don’t think you have to worry at all about your content being boring. You are so entertaining I think you could make knitting washcloths interesting. I do especially enjoy your thrifting.
Thank you so much 😂🥰
The thrifting is next level. 😊
You definitely have the heart of a maker! “Scratching the itch “ of ideas that you have in your head is something that has been a driving force for my life.
I follow a ton of knitters who just do the basic boring patterns, sometimes multiple times. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to spend a ton of money on new patterns all year long, we’ll have a good time regardless of what you make.
As for learning spinning, some yarn stores do classes for stuff like that! Google search the ones near you to see if any of them offer classes in the evenings or on weekends, and sign up for their newsletters if they do have classes but don’t currently have one for spinning on their schedule, because they may do it later in the year.
❤❤❤ and please make what you want or need and just take us along… you are amazing just the way you are! Hugs Heather from Northern California
As someone who spins with both a spindle and a wheel I did start with a spindle but pretty quickly got a wheel. You don't have to start with a spindle. The skills are similar but not the same. I think people recommend starting with a spindle because of how costly wheels can be but realistically if you know a spindle isn't going to be appealing to you then take a spinning wheel class, often you can rent wheels, to see if it's your thing or just jump in and get a wheel if it's within your budget. There's no point doing something that's not going to bring you joy because it's the 'right way' of doing it.
I love that you put a knitting gauge on the map..you think of all the details!
I love that you noticed that 😂
Mosaic is where I would start because you only use one strand of yarn on a row so you don't have to worry about floats or tangling yarn. The next thing I'd go for is a faux Isle type pattern - it uses stranded knitting with one solid color and a self striping or a gradient color. It looks really impressive, and you learn floats, but only two balls of yarn to manage. Hats are really great projects for starting with any colorwork.
Personally, I think seeing you knit whatever your heart desires is most interesting, because what keeps knitting interesting is seeing you passionate about it. As long as this TH-cam community empowers you to lean into that whimsy of knitting what you want and having freedom to do different things to keep it fun for you, that’s what you should do! I’m also in my first year of knitting and I love watching your journey while I walk my own too ❤
Well thank you!! I love that we're here together!!! 💛
Colorwork has such a simple learning curve. I think fair isle (aka Norwegian aka Stranded) takes about 30 seconds to learn. You’ll love it! Also, feel free to knit “another basic sweater”. I’d still tune in. I love watching your content and how fast you’ve learned such complex techniques.
Love the empowerment in this comment 🥰 thank you!!!
Everyone needs basics! and everyone's idea of "basic" is so different! I'd love to see you "knit another basic sweater" because that's what I'm also wanting to add to my wardrobe. I get overwhelmed by all the flash, and they're not actually things I'd end up wearing a ton. But also, the yarn choice can REALLY change things up and elevate a garment. I'd love to see a pattern round up of "basics" in each category! cardigans, sweaters, summer knits, etc
So true!! It is fun to see what different people choose for their everyday! Love love love these ideas! Thank you so much!
Do it! Spinning is amazing. It can be super relaxing. It"s kind of what I use as meditation. It's like rocking in a good rocking chair. I'm also about the basic a bit this year. My goal is to get a sweater done that really fits. I'm very broad shouldered, so modifying a nice basic sweater so that it's about 2 sizes larger across the shoulders than everywhere else, has been my challenge. Take care and I know I'm here for the long haul. Cheers!
Lots of popular knitting TH-cam folks have a huge following despite knitting nothing but basic sweaters. Heck, one of the most popular is vocal about only really wanting to do top-down raglans. It isn't the thing being knitted that keeps people coming back, but your personality. I say knit what your heart wants, and don't worry about what your viewers will think; we will still think you are charming. As to color work, I also started knitting last January. I've done a stranded color work hat, and some mosaic socks. Both were very enjoyable, but I'd say the mosiac knitting was dead easy. It was amazing the effects you can get just from slipping stitches.
What she (Christina) said... 👍🏽
I am a new knitter. I began learning right before the pandemic, but I have to fit it in around caring for our home and 2 youngest children. Before knitting I was crocheting, and a crocheting friend split some of her stash with me. And before I knew what was happening, more friends and family had blessed me with quite a stash of all sorts of yarns! So as I find patterns that I want to try, I put them in page protecters, shop my stash for the right amount of yarn for each, and put pattern and yarn in a project bag.
Basic is totally not boring. Knit on Nora! There is nothing dull about wearable handmade things.
💛 you are so right! Thank you!!
My very humble opinion on colorwork. Want intricate patterns? Stranded is great and more common, so maybe start here.. Looking for blocks of color? Intarsia. Wanna' dabble in intricate patterns that are more geometric? Mosaic. Each is unique. You are already fearless! I am sure one year from now you've tried all.😁
Ooooh this is the cheat sheet I didn’t know I needed! Thank you so much!!
Sorry for the multiple comments. I’m listening to this as I work and am stopping to write a comment based on a question or something you say.
I also dive straight into the fun when I start a hobby. I learnt knitting because I wanted to knit lace garments, so my third project was a large Shetland lace shawl 😂.
I did eventually realise I needed the wardrobe basics too but sometimes you want something a little more interesting to knit too. I’d recommend picking cardigans and jumpers that have some interesting technique to them too. I have a cardigan that has some lackey lace panels and I wear it a lot when needing a warmer layer on a spring/summer day (or for air con when in the office). I have some sweaters that have cables and textured stitches to both make them more fun to knit and also a bit different to wear.
Hey watching you knit another basic sweater…with your personality and perspective and excitement would be something I would (and I’m guessing most dedicated knitters) love to experience with you!! ❤
That is so good to know 🥰 thank you!!
I have a big wip, a sock wip and maybe a gift.
I’d personally LOVE for you to knit some basics! I’ve been knitting same length of time as you and I’m not near as adventurous! But I’m finding I love adding the basics to my wardrobe. I love getting ideas from TH-camrs on patterns and yarns! I adore watching you!
Okay so I’m not a colorwork expert-I’m a novice. I started knitting in Sept. and I just started the Artus Shawl by Moonstruck Knits (there’s a KAL going on that started on Jan 1st. It has texture, stranded color work and mosaic knitting and it’s such a great pattern, so easy to follow, you get bite size pieces of each without feeling overwhelmed in an entire garment of color work. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!! Absolutely loving the process.
Don't worry about knitting the same thing more than once or thinking your content will be boring. As a new knitter myself (starting at the end of 2022) and also coming from crochet, I love watching what you decide to knit and your color choices are fantastic! Even if it is just basics or the same thing in other colors, it inspires me to continue learning and growing with my knitting journey. Your personality makes the content not boring :) I watch you while I knit on my own ever-growing WIPs, lol.
Well thank you so so much 🥰 thanks for being on this ride with me!!
I really like your optimistic nature! This video was very inspiring. After last year, I know that I no longer like certain necklines and dropped shoulders on myself. I also prefer wool that has a certain stability/integrity. I don't like alpaca that much. I'm also going to try my hand at socks. I've never been that interested in them, even though there are so many beautiful patterns out there. Besides, my husband would really like some!🧶😊
My bit of advice for stranded color work is do not pick a pattern for working flat (back and forth) for your first project! Knitting in the round is much easier than trying to Purl with more than one color. Speaking from experience here 😅.
I love this Nora! I'm not a fan of "goals", "intentions", that kind of language. I have a Play Book! Things that bring me joy just by thinking about them, but they are in no particular order. I'll see when and where they show up over the course of 2024. 😊
THAT is what I'm talking about!! There's such a huge difference between having actual set in place goals and just having some ideas in mind that you'd like to be aware of throughout the year. Playbook, map...exactly!!
@akaNoraKnits YES!! I love your map by the way. 😄 The little yarny illustrations are so darn cute!
I also like to just dive in and figure it out. BUT, learning how to catch floats before you start and understanding dominant color will make your first piece more successful. I also found it interesting to see different styles of knitting color work. I use both hands, but some people drop the yarn and others use a finger ring or even just hold both yarns together on the same finger. Norman from Nimble Needles has some great videos on technique and color dominance. Love your plan of 2-3 knits at a time. I always like to have 1 travel project and one I can knit while I watch tv and one where I can learn something new.
I will have to check that out! I so appreciate the advice! Thank you!!
I'm definitely a one-wip-at-the-time girl, I tried having 2 or 3 projects but it made me feel anxious and like I wasn't making any progress so I went back to monogamous knitting....planning specific projects doesn't work for me either, I go by what I feel like knitting at the moment I finished my current wip. I generally cast on a new project once I'm about to finish my second sleeve and I'm almost done.
I feel the exact same way! I also just enjoy being totally wrapped up in something! Thank you for sharing!!
This is soooo me!
I'm a french knitter, i'm watching you from france and i really LOVE watching your podcast ! i'm so exciting to see all your 2024 projects.
Thank you so much!!!
Great video per usual! Your "roadmap" to 2024 is a perfect analogy. The route is there but there are many other options along the way. I like Kim's (of Kim and Jonna) method. She puts sweater quantities of yarn together with their patterns in bins. Then she can pick and choose among all of those for the next project. Although she did do a survey and is knitting in the order that people voted for! I have started to print off patterns and store them with the yarn which makes it so much easier to remember what I had in mind. I love mosaic knitting but have avoided stranded because the best yarn to use is just too hot for my climate. I have tried it with some hats and it is super fun though. Honestly, you could knit nothing but basics and dishcloths and we would still tune in every week! Don't burn out by doing two a week like a few other podcasters have done. Much rather have 1 a week Nora over no Nora! Thanks again!
Thank you!! Kim is actually exactly who I had in mind when I said that! I really appreciate the feedback! Thank you!!
I went to a farm-to-yarn experience to try spinning! The yarn I made was awful but it was enough for me to know I must make my own yarn 😂 I started with a drop then got an e-spinner bc I like to stand & craft 😁 so part of my WIP management is either spinning the yarn OR knitting the yarn…I try not to have a huge stock pile of hand spun…along with an easy car project, an upstairs project, and a crochet project (I know when I first learned to knit I was like “ok, done with crochet!” but I found that I missed it and it provides a lovely pallet cleanser to knitting 🧶 ❤😁)
Nora the Explorer 🤣🤣🤣
😂 I crack myself up sometimes 😂
That's the way I plan my knits. I have an enormous queue of things I want to knit in Ravelry, but the order is totally fluid for me. One of the patterns in my queue is always there because it's a one skein shawl I've already knit for gifts several times and will also knit for myself. I have a LOT of yarn in my stash and a lot of if it has been "assigned" to at least one pattern, sometimes as many as 10. I try to stay within the top 10 things in my queue for my "next knit" and reshuffle the queue a lot. It gives me a very loose structure that keeps me ticking things off from my queue, but also the flexibility to change my mind often and choose something else I want if I'm not feeling the next thing on the list.
Wear the things. You can wash all of them! I live in Texas and it's hot here 9 months out of the year. I've been avoiding sweaters because I don't want to knit a lot of things I can't wear. In the last few months I've been stashing more cotton blends and have my eye on some linen blends. I'm going to give a Tee pattern a try in one of those and see if I can make a sweater I can wear in a place where we just finished a year with 78 days of temps at or above 100 degrees.
I started with stranded colorwork personally. I think starting with dropping each strand and picking it up with each color change made it very approachable. I began with a 2 color hat(this was my first ever knit project) and am now moving into doodles by pacific knit co which are also suuuuper fun and creative. But you know what you like best, and I am a firm believer in diving in head first to a project you know you'll love. Which is why I think I love your channel so much! Keep on knitting!
Those little doodle patterns are so fun!!! That’s great to know, thank you! And thank you for hanging out with me 🥰
I have only done mosaic, but my understanding is that it's the easiest colorwork to do. I'd recommend The Shift cowl by Andrea Mowry or the Pressed Flowers hat (that one is charted, but it was easy to learn to use the chart). Both are super fun and gorgeous projects!
Those pressed flower pieces always catch my eye! Maybe it's time 🤔
I personally prefer mosaic. Unlike traditional stranded knitting, where you're working with two or more yarns at any given time, with mosaic, you're only working with one yarn at a time. Check out AlterKnit by Andrea Rangel, Only Yoking by Putano and The Nordic Knitting Primer by Kristin Drysdale. I have all three books in my yarn library and have found each to be very helpful. - Cheers!
Thank you for the suggestions!!!
I think stranded and mosaic colorwork are easy to learn. I am a spinner and I am with you, I did not enjoy drop spindling at all, I maybe did it twice. Wheel was much more relaxing.
When I did my what I knit in 2023 video, I was shook by what my favorite made of 2023 was. It really helped looking at everything I knit, to get a better idea of what I need to knit.
When I started knitting colourwork in 2023 I picked small 2 stranded colourwork patterns, specifically a cowl and the Maple Leaf hat on ravelry because it was free. There are many ways to do 2-stranded colourwork, but I would highly suggest that you swatch and check how tight your knitting while managing those strands. My knitting with 2 stranded got so tight that my cowl didn't fit, but when I sized up my needles on the 2nd attempt in the maple leaf hat I got the perfect tension on my floats and a perfect fit.
Also regarding your spinning curiosity, see if any of your local yarn shops have spinning workshops where you can use a wheel they have. I hear a lot about spinning guilds on channels like jillianeve and maybe that's something you can look into, she mentions that some guilds will let you rent wheels if you want to try them. I got a second-hand wheel this autumn and it has been such joy to play with making my own yarn and then knitting with that yarn. The local yarn shops should have leads, especially if they have community nights where people come together to craft!
You have become one of my favorite knittubers. Thank you for changing the text color and background color of your picture inserts. I am not sure if it was just that one episode, but I am able to watch your videos without migraines, so thank you.
I updated my Ravelry queue with patterns that I have sweaters quantities of yarn, in no particular order, and when I finish one project, I scroll the queue to see what jumps out!
Brilliant!!!!! Love that idea!
@@akaNoraKnits probably not how everyone uses the queue, but helps me to see a visual of potential next makes! Also if you keep your stash updated in Ravelry you can update the queue with the yarn you plan to use.
Honestly, one of the ways that you can keep it fresh is every so often talk about how you’re changing the patterns to fit your body. I’ve only really changed the length of sweaters but figuring out how to change the bust/abdomen or shoulder seams whatever. I think how the math changes, would be really helpful!!
I'm a long-time knitter who has recently tried mosaic knitting. It's so fun! Andrea Mowry has a bunch of mosaic patterns. Also, the pressed flowers are a mosaic pattern collection with various patterns. They are so cute!❤❤❤. Keep two projects at least and a Guage swatch for a next project. If you have to figure something out you'll have something else to knit. Plus you'll get more knitting accomplished! I know it's hard to reign it in but there are weeks I don't knit because I'm waiting for another needle to come or some other reason.
Thanks for sharing❤❤❤
On Kim and Johna's podcast she talks about grouping up the yarn and patterns together and putting them in a bin so she can more easily decide because she already prepared.
Checckout a local fiber guild for spinning. Our tiny area in washington state has a program where you can borrow or rent equipment.
I think my favorite knit of 2023 was my Lumme sweater by Sari Nordlund. I wear it all the time. But I do wear all of my knits, with the exception of one. My Sunday sweater has self striping mohair in it and I don’t like the look in my sweater. And the ones that are too oversized from 2022, I still wear. I love basics. There’s something so pretty about them to me.
I love the look of that Lumme 😍 I think I need more oversized simple sweaters-it’s really my comfort zone as far as wearing!
Going from easiest to hardest:
Intarsia (like maybe a half-square-triangles blanket or pillow top. You just wrap the yarns at the color change. Easy-peasy, flexible for designs.
Mosaic-big bang for the effort. Looks way harder than it is. Takes longer to knit because the fabric is compressed vertically to the extent some stitches are slipped. Only carrying one yarn per row.
Colorwork-first try a pattern with no long gaps between colors, because in those you’ll have to catch those long floats. As long as the colorwork areas have close, smaller repeats, it’s the best place to start carrying and managing two yarns at one time. THE important tip is to keep the stitches on your right needle (already knitted) stretched out so the floats stay loose. Start with a hat or a cowl in the round, so you don’t have to do the colorwork flat, which is doable but clunky. And, choosing one color-changing yarn with a solid will give a bigger impact without having to change the contrast color.
My recommendation: just go for it! You’re naturally a skilled intuitive knitter and will likely enjoy it all. 🎉
PS the cow licking the camera--whaaaat? 😂😂😂
WOW! The ultimate colorwork guide! Thank you so so much!!! Apparently I was very much in need of some chapstick when I filmed this 😅 I feel like my lip-licking was so distracting, so I embraced it with my cow friend 😂
If you do more basic sweaters, I’m totally here for it! I have my eye on two colorwork sweaters, the Lumme Sweater and the Saltburn Sweater, they are both circular yoke stranded color work.
The reason I love your channel is your content. You've got a great eye for fashion and how to make knitwear part of your fashion vision. This helps me. This inspires me. I also think you've got a great balance between a 'beginners mind' and a desire to take on more complicated patterns and skills. That being said, I'm with you on the colour work craving. I've been knitting, off and on, since I was a kid but was never brave enough to try patterns that both challenged me and that, frankly, I would like to actually wear. Watching you has pushed me outside my own comfort zone and I'm bravely trying patterns that both scare me but also I want SO BADLY in my wardrobe. 2024 is wide open and all I wish for you is that you never lose your enthusiasm and ability to not take yourself too seriously. Lotsa love and best wishes for 2024!
What a kind and thoughtful comment! Thank you so so much! I’m really happy to hear that you’re along for the ride! 🥰
Start with a colorwork cowl in the round or a hat, it’s really fun and satisfying to knit. Just an idea.
@@jamiethrogmorton2540 I'm thinking the Broch Beanie by Ysolda Teague might be a good (and by good, I mean beginner friendly) pattern to start. Thoughts?
omg Nora goes Rogue. I love it! I can see a go rogue sticker for next year's sheep and wool festival. love your content and thought process.
Hahahaa! 😂 you are so right! Thank you, Sue!!!
I’m here for the colourwork knowledge! I haven’t just been saving patterns, I’ve been buying yarn for projects when I have no clue of what I’m getting myself into. Mumble mumble I’ve been knitting on and off since I was 7 which was a long time ago and have never been brave enough to go beyond cable jumpers and cardigans until you burst into my life and made me realise that of course I can knit a dress in fingering yarn. You are officially amazeballs
😂 we've all been there!!! I always like to have the tools on hand for when I'm ready to try something! So now you're prepared!!! This comments section has turned into the ultimate colorwork guide !! That's why I love it here. I'm so happy you feel the CAN-DO energy through the screen! We've got this!!! 💛
I also started spinning (literally this month) I bought a Eel Wheel Nano from Dreaming Robots-way more affordable than other e-spinners or large wheels but more investment (accountability) than a drop spindle. I’ve loved it so far!!!
Colorwork is such a wonderful journey! You can learn the basic technique and get knitting in one day, but you’ll be entertained and learning for a lifetime. I’ve been knitting colorwork for years, but this year, I’ve been perfecting my Fair Isle two-handed purling. 😊
I would start with Fair Isle/stranded if that’s what you want to make in the end because mosaic and other alternative color works, while using fewer yarns, can be confusing/difficult in their own ways. Just start with what you want to do, and start small! Hats, mitts, etc-it will take a while to work out the tensioning. ❤
So so good to know!! Thank you!!!
Start with Stranded or Mosaic. Stranded is pretty easy, really. But you’re a very adventurous knitter so honestly I don’t think it matters where you start. Do what excites you and you’ll be successful.
Hello! I understand what you are saying about not wanting to make knits that are too basic or knitting the same thing twice.
However, I actually enjoy that type of content! It shows me what patterns are worth it, and tells me more about you because it showcases your style and which garments you will use the most. Personally, the basics are the garments I look for because it fits within my wardrobe the best and I do not think that is boring at all!
I found you a few months ago now and you are my favourite podcaster, I love the effort you put into your videos and knits. You can tell you enjoy the craft and your voice is very soothing. I hope you have a lovely week.
Well thank you so much! I appreciate the feedback!
Hey we all need to knit basics etc so you shouldn’t worry about sharing this with your audience. People tune in to you because you are at the start of your knitting journey (as am I) and your personality is soooooo engaging and friendly we’d all tune in regardless of the actual content 😌 😊
Thank you thank you thank you!!
I knit a pair of gorgeous stranded colorwork socks in 2023. The best advice I found for colorwork was to stretch it out on your needles so it doesn't get too tight. Can't wait to see what you knit in 2024!
Thank you for sharing!!
My advice on spinning: skip the spindles. I highly recommend a Lendrum for an easy to learn wheel. It doesn’t take up a huge amount of space and is easily portable. You might also look at an espinner. One like an EEW 6. Not a huge investment and takes treadling out of the equation.
For easy, mindless knitting, I recommend socks. Check out the Crazy Sock Lady. She has great patterns and tutorials.
If you want to learn more about the different properties of different sheep, I recommend watching the breed study Trish of Fiber Love Diary did a couple of years ago. I learned so much!
❤❤❤ your map! ❤❤❤ Basics Beach! 😂😂😂 and your map gauge - so creative! I just love how your brain works.
I so appreciate you noticing my silly little details 😂🥰
You are a naturally talented & skilled as a knitter. You also seem to be more on the adventurous side so with that in mind, I’d say go with what inspires you & makes your heart sing!
Now on the other hand mosaic is easy because it’s done with slip stitches so you are only working one color per row. It’s a KISS approach to color work.
Thank you 🥰 that is so good to know!! Thank you!!
I highly recommend socks for your stockinette in the round / TV knitting! (And you can totally do any kind of colorwork!) Love hearing your non-goals map list. 😊
Check if you have a weavers guild local to you that has classes or lets you rent equipment. Might be worth a shot if you wanna try spinning on a wheel.
I really like your 'just dive in' -approach, so that's what I would suggest for colorwork: Find a project you love and that still feels (slightly) feasible. Maybe I would not suggest intarsia for a first colorwork project, but if you feel like it: why not? Just have fun and we will join you!
Thank you so much!!
havent even begun the video but just here to let you know I sing the intro ALL the time and it makes me so happy every time you upload!!!
Awww yayyyy!!! Thank you so much!
On stranded colourwork, I got really psyched out by a hat where I went rogue … slippery cotton … long floats … definitely didn’t stretch right in the end! Then I thought that being an English style knitter etc would stand in my way. But no!!
Three things I learned since:
- I like to size up needles in the colourwork section (like US 7 instead of 6 if that’s the body needle) which ppl suggested would keep even gauge between colourwork and body and that works for me!
- don’t pull your floats too tight - feels awkward to have them be loose, but I heard to spread out my stitches on the right needle instead of bunch them up and that keeps the float the right length.
- ppl say non superwash wooly wool is better suited to colour work … and I think that’s probably true … but I also like superwash so oh well! Cotton colourwork was not my jam tho …
Great advice!!! Thank you so much!!
WEBS has great spinning classes. Go scratch that itch. It is relaxing, just not portable(though I have an e spinner and that is portable). Mosaic knitting is the most accessible colorwork. Suggest a cowl or hat for first stranded just so you can work on tension. Check out Jamie Lomax doodle patterns-they are fun and scrapbusting!
Dear Nora we watch your channel for you sweet personality and cheery voice, you are my favourite company while knitting ❤ I as a long time knitter also prefer to work a project at time, I find that I make less mistakes because I am more focused, and finish earlier. I also make a loose list of things I wanna knit in in the year, with yarn stored in packs with the pattern I wanna use, but I don't schedule them, I start them when I feel to do so. Happy knitting year!
I also vote start with stranded colorwork. Pamplemousse Pullover from Tif Neilan if you want a sweater that works up in about 3-4 weeks and I'm in the snail stitches club mind you. It's not as scary as you think it might be. I did an assessment a few weeks ago and decided I want all of my knits and now I want all of them in black. I bought one of those lumos lights. I love it and my plan for the year is to make what I want for myself and use the colors for gifts. At the very end of the year I went to my LYS and bought 4 sweaters worth of yarn all in black but different yarns. Mohair, a linen, a recycled , wool and in different thicknesses etc. I feel good about it and excited. Thanks for all the inspo.
I’ve seen a lot of people knitting several versions of the same pattern and I wondered how they didn’t get bored. I’ve knit one twice, but the first time as per pattern (heavily cabled) and the other time as a basic stocking stitch body.
So I’m pro knitting a pattern once. But I would suggest trying multiple patterns from a single designer as some of them do a lot of different construction styles. One of my favourites is Annamaria Otvos. Sadly she passed away a few years ago. Her work was beautiful and her patterns are easy to follow for people of all experience levels. She also had a group on Ravelry that you could pop any questions in as you are going and I’m sure someone would come in and answer them, even though the group probably isn’t an active one anymore (I haven’t been active in Ravelry forums for a few years now, so I’m not sure the activity status of that group anymore).
I would watch you talk about knitting any garment, simple or complicated. We’re all here for your fun, unique personality. Well, knitting too because….yah.
Thank you so much 🥰
Stranded is the best place to start for colourwork. I would also recommend picking a project that doesn’t require steeking
Color work is so satisfying !! Check out the Autumn Alpine sweater from Caitlin Hunter ( or her other color work items ! ) As for spinning , JUMP IN !! I started on a wheel...... then got addicted to supported spindles ....now looking at electric wheels !!! SO MUCH FUN !!!
I love the little editing feature of moving your little narrating head along the knitting journey map 😉😍
Thank you for noticing! Those are my favorite little details 🥰
I would recommend stranded Colorwork for your first Colorwork! Look for a pattern that is in the round, not flat, as flat is a little more to wrap your head around for your first.
Hello Nora! First: you’re fantastic. Second: colourwork is awesome, a very playful ground.
My (humble) tips for first steps onto this new playground:
- I’d start with a small project, and I’d start one that is worked in the round (eg a hat or mittens).
- I’d start with “jacquard” (not intarsia); and I’d start with 2 colours.
- I’d pick 2 colours that you can easily associate with the chart (eg a darker colour= the black on the chart). This avoids unnecessary brain gymnastics at the beginning.
- I’d start with a pattern that has short floats that do not need special catching in the background (eg max. 4-5 stitches of a colour before switching to the other). The “ladder technique” is great - but I’d keep that one for a later step.
First challenge is to keep the right tension of the threads “running backstage”, for the knit work to keep its elasticity and for the pattern to be smooth and nice upfront (otherwise you’ll have a new Ranunculus-episode-3 - hilarious! - where the colourwork hat/mittens do not fit your head/hands because the floats are too tight…).
Hope this helps!
Greetings from cold Scandinavia/Sweden, where we wear a lot of colourwork as colourwork is double-layered, so double-warm (check out Selbu from Norway).
Happy 2024 with all its stitches and twists, and colors and floats! /kim.
Thank you!! I'm already just loving the beginning of this comment 😂 you're speaking my language! KIM!! Thank you so so much! What a fantastic cheat sheet! I'll be sure to refer back to this one when the time comes! Thank you!!!
I didn't knit myself anything this year, I gifted everything. Hats, baby blankets, dish cloths, cowls, scarves. This year I'm planning knitting some sweaters for others.
Good on you!! I hope that means you get to have extra fun with different styles!
Mosaic color work would be my recommendation on where to start. You’ll get that 2 strand color work satisfaction while only working with one color per row (for that reason some people don’t consider it color work)😊
If you want to work on tensioning your yarn holding 2+ strands for color work, the next step up for me was two stranded color work and playing around with holding the yarn in different ways to see what was most comfortable ☺️
SO great to know! Thank you!!
When you know how to knit socks, I would recommend trying colorwork with socks, because it makes up a small part of the sock. And when you don't like it, you can easily restart it and did not put that much work in it. A sock was my first colorway project and I really enjoyed it 😊
Funny enough, I think I'd prefer colorwork socks over vanilla anyway 🤔
My favourite for trying new techniques is cowls and shawls, people always told me hats but I just don't wear hats that much (makeup on the forehead lmao) so I'd rather have something I can pull up over my hair from the back.
There's so many beautiful ones out there and they make great gifts if you are just wanting to try out the technique but the colour isn't for you or you don't need another cowl haha
That really is so smart, thank you for the advice!!
When I started stranded colourwork I found ysolda teague's tutorials and blog posts really helpful. A free beanie and beret pattern comes out every year for shetland wool week and doing those were a fun way to practice fair isle techniques in a quick knit. For intarsia ... la bien aimees intarsia bandana? It knits up in a couple of hours. I've queued up the kfo mosaic sweater and I totally xmas sales splurged on kfo yarn in blood orange and cherry blossom (background colour). Wish me luck!
I’ve been knitting for awhile but recently started dabbling in colorwork. I use stranded colorwork and I am a bit of a loose knitter but have to consciously knit loosely in the colorwork section. You will not have any issues. I’m very impressed with your skills and can’t believe you’ve only been knitting a year!
Great feedback! Thank you so much 🥰
I hear ya on the coloring. My favorite thing to do is perms. Never did like coloring and so I never did do that. On the drop spindle, the reason it is suggest to start with that is, you learn about drafting easier on the drop spindle than on the wheel, or at least that is the thought.
Heya Nora,
I love that you jump into the deep end with everything that you do! That hand sewn/embroidered floral dress is stunning! I also have no interest in dyeing yarn, but I really want to learn to spin. I wish you luck in all of your 2024 endeavors. Your vid’s are great, you seem to be yourself & always are striving to do better,I think this makes your videos engaging.
Can I share: I’m currently knitting a simple cowl while I’m searching for a pattern for a top- either another sweater or a summer/spring top. Everything I fall in love with is knit from the bottom up, which was my last sweater. I don’t mind this type of construction, but you’ve inspired me to try something new (technique wise) with each project. So… keeping my hands busy & we’ll see. Thanks for sharing. Take care, Anna
Thank you so much, Anna! I really don’t know how to be anyone but myself, so I am so glad y’all are here for it! Good luck with your bottom up construction! I have only knit one bottom up garment, but I actually enjoyed the way you just get right in to the knitting! I hope you learn from the experience!
Hi Nora, love your YouTubing presentations and content. As for the Colorwork conundrum, let's start with, I am not an expert in knitting. Far from it. However, I have done stranded, mosaic and intarsia with each having there own pluses and minuses. As a newbie colorwork knitter I would suggest;
1) a smaller project like a hat or cowl to kick off the adventure 2) mosaic requires far less yarn management than the others 3) pick really fun colors to keep your interest 4) garments are usually drop shoulder construction to maintain the colorwork so check out the pattern carefully to see how easy it is to add your own personal touches 5) I know how you like to thrift shop for yarn, however, for stranded knitting be sure to use a rustic wool that will bloom (not superwash), it will really improve the end result dramatically
I don't consider myself fearless but my first colorwork was a Marie Wallin sweater called Lily using Rowan's Felted Tweed. I modified the heck out of it because I am a rather full-figured woman (needed to do some FBA [Full Bust Adjustments]) and require more up top but not in the shoulders. I changed needle sizes, added short rows, made it long sleeve and yarn managed to make the sleeve colors match the bodice. Take away, learned a ton but found it a rather long...very long process. However, it is one of my best sweaters. Only regret is I didn't make the body longer, it's still wearable but I prefer it a bit longer. Good luck.
Such valuable information! Thank you sis so much!!!
I did my first stranded colorwork cowl last year with the Leisure Arts book “I Can’t Believe I’m Fair Isle Knitting.” I used acrylic yarn from stash which was too heavy and thick so the cowl wasn’t really wearable (could be a cute pillow, tho!), but I did learn the technique and I’m planning to make more projects with fair isle this year!
And I’m totally here for the basic wearable raglans! I’m still working on figuring out my personal style but I feel like I’m going in the right direction. 😅
I love your content!! Kepp up all the fun things!!
Colorwork... Mosaic is a good starting place. Then, Stranded. Make sure your floats are not tight. Intarsia... Uhg!!! It depends on how many bobbins you have hanging. Just a few wouldn't be so bad, but 10 or so, and it is a headache! Try it, you may like it. Keep an open mind. I wouldn't start with intarsia!!
Hi from me, a happy hanger-outer 😂. I also have hesitated to wear my handmade items because I'm afraid to wear them out (literally and figuratively) but I'm going to try to wear them more this year! Also, I don't know what other word you could use instead of "intentions" or "goals" but this year, I have a "Wouldn't it be Loverly" list of knitting techniques or types of projects I'd like to make! The list is more of a reference and less of a checklist 😊❤ I'm looking forward to more hangout sessions with you here and on IG!
My intentions for this year are very similar to yours ……I’m going to have only one garment, one accessory and a pair ( or 2!) of socks on my needles (I’m obsessed with socks…..) as they’re so portable I carry them with me at all times for those odd moments I get some downtime! 😊❤
I like to do one project at a time and I have a container with project bags made up with yarn and pattern inside. I usually just put hand in container or send hubby to grab a bag and that’s what is on my needles next
Well THAT is fun!!! I love that idea for when I'm just not sure what to do next!
As far as learning to spin on a wheel, look to see if there is a weavers and spinners guild in your area. They will often have wheels you can use and borrow.
Also an Electric Eel Wheel Nano (EEW Nano) might be an affordable and compact wheel for you to try.
Basic sweaters are great and there are so many with lot of different little details - make what you like and we'll enjoy following along, for sure! Would be a great opportunity to sponsor a KAL for newer as well as more experienced knitters maybe!
Well thank you!! I was thinking a similar thing!!
Your personality is what makes your content so enjoyable. I think I could watch your commentary as you knit a stockinette tube a mile long and enjoy every minute.
Also, if you do get suggestions on where one could maybe go for a spinning class without their own wheel somewhere in CT let us all know! I'm in the Hartford area and I want so badly to start spinning but my home and lifestyle has no room for a wheel. I did get a drop spindle for Christmas and it's beautiful and I'm interested in learning, but I feel like the starting and stopping that comes with that will deter me from getting in a groove
Also also, I'm a hairstylist as well and laughed out loud when you talked about dying yarn. Color was my jam but updos not so much. I'm looking forward to someday putting my love of color to work on wool instead of human hair 😂
Thank you so much 🥰😂 so far, the most recommended has been Madison Wool-I have yet do some digging of my own, but I will keep y’all posted!!
'Tolsta tee' by the Rebecca Clow
'Sibling sweater my size' and the 'Souffle' by Laura Penrose
Knitty Mcpurly has some colour work sweaters that are on the easier side, eg the Fosette
Lento sweater, by Jonna Hietala
For colorwork, I have tried stranded, intarsia and fair isle. I would recommend stranded colorwork, maybe start with 2 colours (to help with yarn management) and that that pattern doesn't involve catching long floats (meaning that there is less then 7 stitches between each colour part). I would also suggest to watch some videos about how to manage the yarn: I learned that after a couple of sweater and I believed it was a pain before learning that. Now, I never end up with tangles: very helpful to know! 😅
This is such great information! Thank you so much!!
I think TH-cam removed my comment - I'll try again! I learned everything I know about stranded colourwork from knitting Rowan's Martin Storey Midwinter Blanket. What was useful was it taught me to do both stranded knit and purl as each square was knit flat. It makes colourwork in the round a doddle. They have some very good tutorials on their website if you want to look it up. As for what you knit this year - I will still love watching your channel whatever you're knitting.
That is so great to know! Thank you for the resource!! And thank you for being here 🥰
I love the basics……Felix, Esmeralda, lento, flax….. I have done some colorwork circular yokes. Geometric patterns are easier to memorize and having only two colors at the time is better than three or more. Mosaic is easy because you use only one color at the time.
Great feedback!! Thank you!!
Stranded/fair isle. There’s a free patons fair isle hat pattern. Do it in the round. Won’t take long and it’s all you need to get the info you’ll need get going. And you’ll have a hat. Love your videos.
Great to know!! Thank you!! 🥰
l spin yarn! I hated using a drop spindle. I got an Ashford Kiwi 3. They fold up and you can store it just about anywhere! The price is super fair, and it's a great beginner wheel. I highly reccmend it!
Oh boy!!! I didn’t even know fold up was an option 👀 watch out world!!
The part where you are talking about the sweater that you most often reached for because of the yarn used and how you weren't afraid of it, really resonated with me today. I am currently knitting a sweater with colorwork (first time doing colorwork!) and last night my kitten jumped up on my lap and her claw snagged the sweater on a piece of the colorwork...I totally cried when I saw the snagged piece of yarn and thankfully I was able to fix it but just what you said struck a cord with me because I legitimately last night had the thought go through my mind of "why would I invest all of this time and money just on an item that could easily get ruined by something out my control?!?" Hand knits are an act of love for sure and knitting things we love and want to wear is so special!
Boy have I been here before!! It's tricky to find the balance, but I feel like the cost is just one component that I would prefer to not stress about (most of the time)
Oh my gosh, glad you were able to fix your sweater. This same idea prevents me from engaging in certain patterns that I’d love to make, like a floor length cardigan. Best of luck finishing your sweater. Take care, Anna
Stranded/fair isle is great for a beginner. Pick a pattern that doesn’t have a lot of long floats.
I love your videos ❤ they're so relaxing and I enjoy a lot the way you edit them, it's not something that I see very often in TH-cam 😊
Thank you so much!!
Bring on the basics! I've been knitting for like 10 years and I always used to gravitate toward bold, bright striking colorwork and I am totally in my season of basics/slow knits right now. I still like some funky colorwork but I also need functional pieces in my wardrobe. Knit what brings you joy - we'll come for the knitting but stay for the sparkling personality anyway!
Awww well thank you!!
Maybe a knit a long 🤔 I want to work on color work. I have the Holly Sweater on my wish list. I watch @those twins who knit and one of the ladies knitted one and I just love it
Really enjoy all of your content! This year, I’m sticking with one pair of socks and then a garment or other accessory - finish either before casting on another plus I’m only shopping my stash this year too so, no buying new yarn. And, I tend to prefer easy to wear basic garments so I have a few colors (pink, teal, red) already in stash other than my usual blue, grey, charcoal, dark green and burgundy/wine/maroon. With color work, I started out with fingerless mitts, a hat and a small section on the leg of a sock.
I would start with stranded colourwork if you want to learn something new/ gently challenge yourself (which i think you do). It's not complicated, just a few things to bare in mind, and definitely a skill that you practise to improve on, but not that hard. For your first project i would just make sure you pick a project that only has 2 colours in the same row (most stranded/fair isle projects are only 2 colour per row). I'd also pick a project that is knit in the round and not steeked. So something like a raglan or yoke colourwork sweater. I think the example pictures you showed of patterns making you want to knit colourwork would be perfectly sensible first colourwork projects.
Mosaic knitting is the easiest colour work technique, so easy I wouldn't really say you learn anything doing it (unless you are designing something) and there is nothing really to 'master'. It can look very nice, and is particularly common for shawls because it looks good on wrong side and right. Its worth doing, but if you want to learn something and open up knitting doors for yourself start with stranded. Unless there is a particular mosaic pattern singing to you right now that is.
Intarsia - I've never done and i know its a scary one for even a lot of very experienced knitters. My understanding is its difficulty is hugely variable, from 'so easy i can't believe i put off learning this' patterns with a couple of colour blocks, to impossibly fiddly Kaffe Fasset masterpieces. The more colour blocks in a row the more unweldy. As not that many patterns use intarsia I would park learning this until you come across a pattern that really makes you want to learn it.
What a plethora of fantastic information! Thank you so much!!!