Today I'm circling back on the frog or not to frog dilemma to help sort through my maybe-languishing WIPs. And yes. If I have a chance to incorporate a play on Hamlet's 'to be or not to be' speech, I'm taking it. 😎 Enjoy and happy Wednesday! PS: The verse I recite in the intro was written with some help from an AI generator. After struggling over and over to write a witty intro, and deciding that I wanted to do a play on the "to be or not to be" soliloquy from Hamlet, but was somewhat low on time to sit and rewrite Shakespeare in full iambic pentameter, and I remembered how folks have used AI to write prose in a particular verse style...I gave it a shot and was really impressed with how well it did. I had to restructure a few things and change wording here and there, but it was helpful to have all of the meter sort of done for me with the little time I had.
Tayler, with all the love I can send, it seems like you have had struggles with the sweaters you cast on over the last several months. Mostly it seems to be gauge issues, yarn choice issues, or in the case of the cabled cardigan a stretching your skills issue. Can I suggest that: you are bored with plain stockinette sweaters but a cabled cardigan in pieces was too big a leap. Gauge and yarn choice: research, thoughtful planning, swatches, and knowing your preferences. As I type this, you are talking about your husband's sweater and how you aren't enjoying the sport weight, dark yarn. Knitter, know thyself😘
Love, love, love my Sophie scarf. A few months ago we were traveling where it can be chilly and the Sophie was my companion several days. Super fun and cozy. Though I agree the process was a bit mundane but worth it.
Just a tip about Nutiden - most people I've seen knitting with it seem to feel like it's a lot easier to wind the yarn into smaller balls, so that's what I did and I find it works so much better. Those cakes are not fun to bring or take in and out of bags and so on. They easily become a huge mess. With the smaller balls (pull from the outside!) it's so much easier! And since the yarn is so easy to join it's not really a problem with extra ends or anything. Maybe this way you'll find it easier to work on your sweater. It really looks great so far!
You should finish the Sophie scarf! I'm a crocheter, and have made a couple crochet versions, but I love the look of the scarf so much, I learned to knit so I could make it. It's very versatile, and as a simple pattern, it's a good one to do when you just want to relax and zone out.
I’m not going to walk into a hockey arena with a peanut basket full of yarn… well I probably would😂😂😂 you’re so funny Taylor! And that info! Love it. I’d like to know if you had a teleprompter app going with that or if you had that memorized and how many takes did it take?
Hi Sharon! Thank you for the compliment, friend. And as for the intro, I memorized a good deal of it, but needed some prompts to get me through. I did the whole thing in pieces in about three takes each. And I actually cut out half of the whole soliloquy due to time. 🥴
This was a great podcast! I've spent a lot of time on a sweater that was not working out! Size was wrong. I'm definitely frogging it and maybe trying it again later. I have to say I loved when you found socks at the bottom of your bag.😂
I'm knitting a Sophie scarf at the moment and if it weren't a gift for an aunt I wouldn't bother finishing it. Whilst it's a quick knit, it's not very interesting to do and I'm not 190% convinced on the look.
I was going through my bags.... I found a sock I knit when our daughter was pregnant with her first child. Our granddaughter is now 27. 🤣 One sock syndrome. I'm thinking I'll embroider her DOB on it and gift it as an ornament. 🤦
Interesting - I just stopped knitting a hat. I loved the yarn and the pattern, but I kept making mistakes. The pattern was one row of knit and one row of yarn over - K2 together. I kept making mistakes on the yarn over row. I just couldn't correct my mistakes and they just didn't stop. No matter how I concentrated - this stupid line kept me being negative. So... I ripped it out totally. I hope one day to knit that hat - but I guess this is not the time.
I had that problem with a shawl, similar stitches. I figured the yearn didn’t want to be that. Frogged it, and later it became a nice asymmetrical garter stitch shawl-just flew off the needles.
I would add a category…Are you using the right needles? I had a project that I had set down about a month ago and just picked it up again…and hated it. The yarn was too fine and slipping all over the metal needles. I switched to wooden needles and I love it. Definitely finishing it now!
Absolutely. It's amazing what a difference switching needle types can make. Kind of reminds me of hating a shrub in my back yard. Moved it to a different spot and now it's one of my favorite plants.
Regarding your crochet blanket - it looks large enough to be a lapghan. Why don't you bind off - perhaps put a border edging on it and then gift it to a senior who would put it to good use.
The riff on Hamlet was greatly appreciated. I did not expect more than the initial phrase, but I applaud your extension of the metaphor to the very end of the speech. Very well realized!
Has anyone else ever frogged a project to use the yarn for something else? I have frogged small beginner items because I wanted a small amount of a certain color but not the whole new skein. 😂
Take that blanket and finish the current row. Donate it to a women's shelter at its current size. The donate the yarn to the seniors centre! Great review of your projects!
I like Roxanne Richardson's idea of "Finish It February". Leading up to Feb 1, sort your WIPs and UFOs with the considerations you mentioned. During February dont cast on new things; the month is dedicated to UFOs and near-UFOs. Frog the things you don't want, fix things that need mended, sleeve length adjusted, etc, and focus on a few UFOs and get them done. March 1st, cast on with abandon 😉
16:03 you owe it to yourself to try at least one Sophie! The back-and-forth becomes quite rhythmic and the look of the finished item is so classy. The alpaca is perfect for next-to-skin. Then you can decide if you like the look. (I've made 3 so far.) Also, I love the Shakespeare adaptation 😂😂😂 Perfect!
English nerd and librarian here… that intro was gold!! The verbiage, the dramatic reading.. just fab! 😁 Also… I love the idea of you donating the partially crocheted blanket with the yarn and pattern so somebody can finish it. That’s a sweet idea. 😉 This was such a good exercise! I was mentally going through my projects. There is only one I am unsure about. It’s my first shawl. I finished it, but then ripped back the BO so that I could make it bigger…. But it’s striped and I’m not loving the colors together… I really like the yarn… but am no longer enjoying knitting it. I feel compelled to finish it bc it’s my first shawl, but I don’t think I’ll really wear it. I might frog it and decide how to repurpose the yarn. 😅
I do this every February. Some people have called it Finish it February. Where I go through all my projects and decide what to finish and what to frog. I've gotten better since doing for a few years about the amount of UFOs I have going on and limit myself to 4.
It's videos like this where your experience as an educator really comes out and shines. I think you were a great teacher and it's definitely one of the things that keeps me watching your videos and coming back again and again. ❤
I knit the Sophie scarf, while travelling by plane. An easy little thing to bring, when on the mowe😊 And what a pretty thought, to give the senior center the crochet project❤ it may give some the Joy, of having some creative to do🧶 Thank YOU, for a great midweek ramble🙏 Rikke, knitting in Denmark
First, I LOVED you Shakespearian take on frogging. Second, I'm a big frogger. I had a brown cable sweater laid out to piece together for over a year. I finally caved to the pressure and frogged the mess. 🐸 I also had a glossy pale blue yarn sweater knitted and hated it. 🐸 Now I can decide what projects those yarns are really meant for. 🐸🐸
And another thing... On the Sundance granny ripple blanket.. I made one from your suggestion and I hated using the yarn but I did finish it. When I washed it, it softened up and is really much better and cuddly. I did choose a different color combo that suited my rooms and taste a bit better.
I can't remember what level/subject you taught....but that intro was very ELA of you! I could see all my ELA colleagues who know nothing about knitting just loving it!
Thank you! I can’t take full credit for writing it as I had some help from…deep breath…AI in order to get the meter right and a skeleton I could build on (I know. I know.) but I did my part in adding some good knitterly verse. I remember having to write in iambic pentameter in my English and theater classes and it’s no easy thing. 😉
IP is so not easy! That’s crazy AI was able to help out! Here I was thinking… ‘how long has she been working on this Hamlet rework??’ 🤣🤣 But props nonetheless. 🤓
Hi Taylor; I always doubt my choices with pattern and yarns halfway through each product that I am working on! Ugh....I don't know if its my ADD, pattern, yarn or my indecisiveness?! I am making a cardigan with 'About Strings' yarn for my daughter. I am at the ribbing stage and will finish the garment, but, not totally in love with it.
Great Intro! I tend to be a monogamous knitter over all. I will knit most of a sweater and take a quick break to knit a simple hat or scarf if I am on sleeve island…. But I would be overwhelmed if I had too many things on my needles. I definitely can relate to having the experience of not liking the yarn that I am working with on occasion, donating it is a great idea. I knit every day, I have so many things I want to knit and a stash that is overflowing currently. Time for a NewYears yarn diet!
I had a Sophie Scarf on my needles for the longest time, but one day I decided I was going to finally finish it and then was able to knock it out in two days. It's really nice and light yet warm to wear under a hoodie or with a sweater on a cold day. The yarn you chose would look really great on you, too!
“To frog or not to frog” is similar to the “Finish It February” I participated in a few years ago. It was so freeing! I now have little to do or consider each February, as I am now more discerning when I plan projects.
It may be too late, but don't frog that crocheted Sundance Throw. Bind off and donate to a NICU or nursing home, or put away for a baby gift. It is a perfect crib or lap sized throw.
Just watched a follow-up episode. Yay!!! So happy you donated to the Ronald McDonald House! That is one of my favorite charities. We were recipients of their generosity and I can't say enough about their mission!!❤❤❤❤
Interesting trip through projects. I decided a while ago that I would begin and finish one project at a time. For me this works; if I have too many going on, I forget how I’m planning the project or start knitting with different tension, etc. The downside is portability - lugging a sweater around isn’t always possible. I like your criteria for consideration! Thank you.
Can you finish off the Mama in a Stitch Blanket at the size it is now and just gift it to someone with a kid who may like the colors then donate your leftover yarn?
Definitely Finish the Sophie Scarf! I just finished my first one in a beautiful deep Red Merino/Cashmere and I LOVE IT! I wore it to work the next day even before blocking it. You won’t be sorry .
And now I got the courage to frog some products. I have a small scarf type knit that has been hibernating for oh…12 years and I have picked it up several times and don’t feel compelled to finish. The yarn will make a lovely pair of socks 😊
i made the sophie scarf simply because of FOMO. Knit with silky merino, it was a quick knit. Then, the feeling of silky merino against my neck put it solidly in the W column
I frogged socks yesterday because I hated the yarn and I wasn’t enjoying the process. I felt terrible about the time loss, so I found this so helpful, thank you! Not sorry I frogged any longer. Now I’m working on a project that I am truly enjoying. Knitting should always be enjoyable!
i agree with the other commenters saying to just cast off the blanket and donate it to a shelter somewhere and donate the last of the yarn. there’s always someone out there who could use a blanket regardless of the size.
The crochet piece would be a lovely gift to Ronald Mcdonald House. They give small blankets to families to wrap around a sick child in hospital. The acrylic would make it easily washable multiple times. Wish i lived closer. I would finish it for you to gift to my favourite charity in your name 🇨🇦💕
I can see through this video how one can get your mojo back by going to each WIP. You were so happy when you found that pair of socks in the leather bag. Thanks this help me.
👏👏👏👏 Bravo and encore for your Froglet performance at the beginning, there! Always enjoy watching your content and I happened to notice that you didn't drink much of your tea during the half hour of chatting. Do you have a mug warmer, yet?? Last year I got myself a candle/cast iron version, then a USB chargeable one for my dad, and inspired my friend to get her chargeable version, too. We all love them since they keep our tea/coffee nice and hot while sipping slowly! Anyways, thought I'd ask and put that out there in case you haven't discovered this affordable luxury yet! 😄
Thank you so much! And I really didn’t drink much of my tea! I think that’s because I was getting pretty warm. I actually ended up opening my window halfway through. And yes. I do keep my water close by and I was definitely my drinking that. ❤️❤️
I knit the sophie scarf last fall in a bright cherry red and loooooved the process. The larger one knit up within a day or two, which made it a really nice break from larger, more time consuming projects. Now, it's actually my most worn scarf! I take it to work with me a few times a week because it's easy to throw on, doesn't take up a whole bunch of space, keeps me warm, and doubles as a cute accessory when I tie it onto my handbag to leave the office, as it's a bit warmer outside at the end of the day. I highly recommend and may or may not knit a few more this winter season!
I knit 4 Sophie Scarfs last fall (2 as xmas gifts) and I have to say it was really great tv knitting for me! I actually realized on the 4th scarf that I had been reading the pattern WRONG the whole time (with that center point -- oops) but it's one of those low stakes patterns where I can just roll with it! It's a nice project for a palette cleanser, I think, especially after holiday knits!
For the Sophie scarf I have made several. They were my car knitting or other times I needed a mindless knit. But most of all the scarf itself is great. I keep one in my coat pocket when when it gets chilly. I use it to keep my neck warm or even to tie around my head to keep my ears warm. I hand them out for people to use when we go hiking and they don't have a hat or cowl. I did see where someone knit more rows in the middle without increases or decreased to make less tight around the neck when you wrap it double. Plus they are quick and cute. Hope that helps!
Thank you! This is my No Frills sweater. I used a deep teal navy fingering weight yarn here with a variegated mohair in rust-inspired colors. I'll link to my project page here: www.ravelry.com/projects/TaylerEarl/no-frills-sweater
The Sophie Scarf would be a good hockey practice project. I made mine during figure skating watching last year--perfect. Blankets don't count as WIPs, but if you hate the yarn....
I knit the Sophie scarf and absolutely love it! The color that you are work it is so perfect and I’m slightly jealous of the amazing yarn. It is a quick knit once you get going and the finished product is perfect for a fashionable light scarf.
You must have been an English Lit teacher! Loved my Shakespeare classes for my English minor. Excellent homage to Hamlet that beautifully expresses our knitting existential crises.
I vote bandana over Sophie. I love that color. I think Sophie is the ultimate trendy pattern that will not be as classic and usable as the bandana in a warm yarn like alpaca.
Hello Tayler, please don't frog the blanket!! Give it away with the yarn!! I am sure that somebody will appreciate halfway knitting work done! 😊 Love so much your channel ❤ you are my guru 😁
I’ve come the realization that in order for me to keep my knitting mojo, I really need to be a monogamous knitter. If I lose steam on a project or it’s too cumbersome to bring around with me, I’ll cast a smaller palate cleanser or to-go project, but if I have more than 2 projects on the needles I really get overwhelmed. I have one interchangeable needle set and that helps me not get overwhelmed. The progress just gets wayyyyyy too slow and I lose motivation. I also try to keep my main project and palate cleanser at different gauges so that my hands don’t get too fatigued with either very small or very large needles. This works great for me!
I knit a Sophie Scarf & want to k it another. I love how it looks, & I feel you would enjoy wearing it in that color. My opinion is that you should finish it as it is a great addition to your wardrobe.
I absolutely hated doing "quick back and forth" projects like Ten-stitch and entrelac UNTIL I learned how to reverse-knit. Turns out I was mostly annoyed at having to turn the work and re-orient myself every thirty seconds. Forced myself to work on a ten-stitch baby blanket without turning the work at all, and afterwards, I took a stab at some entrelac socks. Much more enjoyable now.
Re the Sophie scarf dilemma: I made one little one which hasn't really seen much wear and a shawl size I'm much happier with. However, I have now made *two* Sherbet Bandanas, which I think was a pattern you recommended. One is for a gift but the one for me has been very useful. In particular, it has come in to fill the gap left by a jumper with a big but floppy collar, or one where the collar was just a tiny bit itchy. So my vote is for that pattern, assuming you've enough yarn.
That intro is Epic! Yarn that catches on my skin like a microfiber cloth gives me the heeby-jeebies. I think it might have a bit to do with living in the desert. It happens to me more here in ABQ than it did in OC.
Your scarf with the back-n-forth, I would frog it and look for another pattern. I get so bored making scarves like this. I made one and felt like I would never ever finish it.
Just finished knitting the Sofie Scarf yesterday for a gift. I loved knitting it,the simple construction. I loved the the I- cord on each side. After soaking it was soft and beautiful. The first time I saw the pattern I thought " how dumb, who would ever wear that." Well I needed to make a gift and I used yarn from my stash, Farmers Daughter hand dyed held with silk mohair. I loved the way I looked on me and I love it. It's just Metro. It will be a 2 day knit. Don't stop!
As to the Sophie scarf. It does have a classic vibe. It is also not hard to make progress on quickly. ( I have made 2). Maybe you should invest 30-60 minutes into it and see if you are finding enjoying once again. You really have not put much time into the knitting at this point. I think it is the perfect carry out with me kind of knit. Maybe hit the coffee shop and take her with you and see if it is worth your time.
Lion Brand Mandala OMBRE is a much more enjoyable experience. It’s softer, sleeker, more forgiving when frogged/torn back, and has much nicer stitch definition. I’ve completely given up on the standard Lion Brand Mandala yarn. I just don’t like the fabric it makes. And I don’t like the experience of it. On the other hand, I have made baby sleep sacks from Ombre and really enjoyed the process. I also bought a sweater’s worth of two or three different colorways on 60% off Black Friday sales (Joann Fabric) on the Mandala Ombre, and I’m legitimately looking forward to casting on with them. And also, my library has a yarn craft club, and we have had legitimately two storage bins worth of this yarn donated to us too. It stinks to love the colorways, but not the yarn itself.
Thank you so much for this video. It has encouraged me to frog a shrug. I frogged it before because it was too small. I didn’t get very far. I will frog it again because of stitch consistency. It was for a holiday KAL. It doesn’t matter when I finish it. I want it to look great on me and I can’t fix it because it is a one by one rib and it doesn’t look good when it is stretched. I am a new knitter (1 ½ years) and I think because I am rushing that I didn’t go back and look at my stitches. I will be more conscious after the holidays when I finish my gift knitting. Happy knitting 🧶
I made a Sophie, also in Alpaca. I persevered but I will never wear it. I think it may be the floppiness of the fiber but I feel no affection for the finished product and wish I’d used a yarn with more crispy structure. Go with your gut and use that beautiful yearn for a hat.
I totally made the Sofie scarf by petite knits for a friend for Xmas, and I loved it. It was finished super fast. It’s a good grab and go project. I was able to crank it out in less than a week. Finish it! You can do it.
You haaaave to finish the Sophie scarf! It’s so fun! I will say I used a super colorful yarn so that kept my attention. I love to wear mine with a sweatshirt. I ride a bike and it’s great for keeping my neck warm.
Maybe wait until after Christmas to finish the Sophie Scarf...I get overwhelmed this time of year and think that I just have too many projects, but thoroughly enjoy them in January ..when things calm down.
If you like the fabric continue with the Sophie Scarf. I think you'll be glad you did, but at the end of the day " you're the boss of your knitting "!!
I'm frogging a yoke as I'm watching this video but I will cast on for that project again as soon as I'm done. The gauge is too small and I don't want to do all the work required to finish and have it be too small. Thankfully I'm used to starting over so I'm not bummed
Taylor, I knit the Sophie scarf and shawl and love them both. Works super fast and looks so finished. Mine is in a deep red and it turned out gorgeous and because it is fast it may help your mojo finishing a fast project? Just a thought. Also you could adjust it to be more like a bandana very easily.
The Mandala acrylic softens up after washing. I had that same dislike of the texture while I was knitting a baby blanket. After I washed it and steam blocked it, it was soft and lovely. The mama who received it says it's not pilling and is holding up wonderfully to lots of washing. If you just can't finish it, donating to the senior center is a great idea. Someone will LOVE it.
Today I'm circling back on the frog or not to frog dilemma to help sort through my maybe-languishing WIPs. And yes. If I have a chance to incorporate a play on Hamlet's 'to be or not to be' speech, I'm taking it. 😎
Enjoy and happy Wednesday!
PS: The verse I recite in the intro was written with some help from an AI generator. After struggling over and over to write a witty intro, and deciding that I wanted to do a play on the "to be or not to be" soliloquy from Hamlet, but was somewhat low on time to sit and rewrite Shakespeare in full iambic pentameter, and I remembered how folks have used AI to write prose in a particular verse style...I gave it a shot and was really impressed with how well it did. I had to restructure a few things and change wording here and there, but it was helpful to have all of the meter sort of done for me with the little time I had.
That intro was fabulous! It truly captures the knitters woo. 😂
woe to the knitters!
That knitting Shakespeare at the beginning was one of the best things I've heard all year!!!
Tayler, with all the love I can send, it seems like you have had struggles with the sweaters you cast on over the last several months. Mostly it seems to be gauge issues, yarn choice issues, or in the case of the cabled cardigan a stretching your skills issue. Can I suggest that: you are bored with plain stockinette sweaters but a cabled cardigan in pieces was too big a leap. Gauge and yarn choice: research, thoughtful planning, swatches, and knowing your preferences. As I type this, you are talking about your husband's sweater and how you aren't enjoying the sport weight, dark yarn. Knitter, know thyself😘
You're not wrong, Andrea. You're not wrong. ❤
Thank you Tayler for another great episode.
Uschi
It is my pleasure! Thank you for watching and for your support Uschi. ❤
Love, love, love my Sophie scarf. A few months ago we were traveling where it can be chilly and the Sophie was my companion several days. Super fun and cozy. Though I agree the process was a bit mundane but worth it.
Just a tip about Nutiden - most people I've seen knitting with it seem to feel like it's a lot easier to wind the yarn into smaller balls, so that's what I did and I find it works so much better. Those cakes are not fun to bring or take in and out of bags and so on. They easily become a huge mess. With the smaller balls (pull from the outside!) it's so much easier! And since the yarn is so easy to join it's not really a problem with extra ends or anything. Maybe this way you'll find it easier to work on your sweater. It really looks great so far!
You should finish the Sophie scarf! I'm a crocheter, and have made a couple crochet versions, but I love the look of the scarf so much, I learned to knit so I could make it. It's very versatile, and as a simple pattern, it's a good one to do when you just want to relax and zone out.
Instant like for that intro ❤🔥
I’m not going to walk into a hockey arena with a peanut basket full of yarn… well I probably would😂😂😂 you’re so funny Taylor! And that info! Love it. I’d like to know if you had a teleprompter app going with that or if you had that memorized and how many takes did it take?
Hi Sharon! Thank you for the compliment, friend. And as for the intro, I memorized a good deal of it, but needed some prompts to get me through. I did the whole thing in pieces in about three takes each. And I actually cut out half of the whole soliloquy due to time. 🥴
This was a great podcast! I've spent a lot of time on a sweater that was not working out! Size was wrong. I'm definitely frogging it and maybe trying it again later. I have to say I loved when you found socks at the bottom of your bag.😂
I'm knitting a Sophie scarf at the moment and if it weren't a gift for an aunt I wouldn't bother finishing it. Whilst it's a quick knit, it's not very interesting to do and I'm not 190% convinced on the look.
I was going through my bags.... I found a sock I knit when our daughter was pregnant with her first child. Our granddaughter is now 27. 🤣 One sock syndrome. I'm thinking I'll embroider her DOB on it and gift it as an ornament. 🤦
Interesting - I just stopped knitting a hat. I loved the yarn and the pattern, but I kept making mistakes. The pattern was one row of knit and one row of yarn over - K2 together. I kept making mistakes on the yarn over row. I just couldn't correct my mistakes and they just didn't stop. No matter how I concentrated - this stupid line kept me being negative. So... I ripped it out totally. I hope one day to knit that hat - but I guess this is not the time.
I had that problem with a shawl, similar stitches. I figured the yearn didn’t want to be that. Frogged it, and later it became a nice asymmetrical garter stitch shawl-just flew off the needles.
I would add a category…Are you using the right needles? I had a project that I had set down about a month ago and just picked it up again…and hated it. The yarn was too fine and slipping all over the metal needles. I switched to wooden needles and I love it. Definitely finishing it now!
Absolutely. It's amazing what a difference switching needle types can make. Kind of reminds me of hating a shrub in my back yard. Moved it to a different spot and now it's one of my favorite plants.
Regarding your crochet blanket - it looks large enough to be a lapghan. Why don't you bind off - perhaps put a border edging on it and then gift it to a senior who would put it to good use.
The riff on Hamlet was greatly appreciated. I did not expect more than the initial phrase, but I applaud your extension of the metaphor to the very end of the speech. Very well realized!
Indeed! I was amazed it went all so long! And the dramatic, emphatic reading! It was such a pep talk! I felt inspired. 😁
Thank you Rachel! ❤️
Thank you Martha!! I couldn’t help myself.
Has anyone else ever frogged a project to use the yarn for something else? I have frogged small beginner items because I wanted a small amount of a certain color but not the whole new skein. 😂
Great Shakespearean intro 🙂!
Love ❤️ the Hamlet bit
Very clever intro. Bravo.
Thank you!
Take that blanket and finish the current row. Donate it to a women's shelter at its current size. The donate the yarn to the seniors centre!
Great review of your projects!
I like Roxanne Richardson's idea of "Finish It February". Leading up to Feb 1, sort your WIPs and UFOs with the considerations you mentioned. During February dont cast on new things; the month is dedicated to UFOs and near-UFOs. Frog the things you don't want, fix things that need mended, sleeve length adjusted, etc, and focus on a few UFOs and get them done. March 1st, cast on with abandon 😉
There's not enough time and too many beautiful yarns to use something you dislike. Just donate that blanket!
Finish the Sophie Scarf. It’s good hockey knitting.( I used a ring row counter to keep track of where I was at. )
16:03 you owe it to yourself to try at least one Sophie! The back-and-forth becomes quite rhythmic and the look of the finished item is so classy. The alpaca is perfect for next-to-skin. Then you can decide if you like the look. (I've made 3 so far.) Also, I love the Shakespeare adaptation 😂😂😂 Perfect!
English nerd and librarian here… that intro was gold!! The verbiage, the dramatic reading.. just fab! 😁
Also… I love the idea of you donating the partially crocheted blanket with the yarn and pattern so somebody can finish it. That’s a sweet idea. 😉
This was such a good exercise! I was mentally going through my projects. There is only one I am unsure about. It’s my first shawl. I finished it, but then ripped back the BO so that I could make it bigger…. But it’s striped and I’m not loving the colors together… I really like the yarn… but am no longer enjoying knitting it. I feel compelled to finish it bc it’s my first shawl, but I don’t think I’ll really wear it. I might frog it and decide how to repurpose the yarn. 😅
I do this every February. Some people have called it Finish it February. Where I go through all my projects and decide what to finish and what to frog. I've gotten better since doing for a few years about the amount of UFOs I have going on and limit myself to 4.
It's videos like this where your experience as an educator really comes out and shines. I think you were a great teacher and it's definitely one of the things that keeps me watching your videos and coming back again and again. ❤
That makes my day. Truly. Thank you so much August. ❤️
I knit the Sophie scarf, while travelling by plane. An easy little thing to bring, when on the mowe😊
And what a pretty thought, to give the senior center the crochet project❤ it may give some the Joy, of having some creative to do🧶
Thank YOU, for a great midweek ramble🙏
Rikke, knitting in Denmark
First, I LOVED you Shakespearian take on frogging. Second, I'm a big frogger. I had a brown cable sweater laid out to piece together for over a year. I finally caved to the pressure and frogged the mess. 🐸 I also had a glossy pale blue yarn sweater knitted and hated it. 🐸 Now I can decide what projects those yarns are really meant for. 🐸🐸
And another thing... On the Sundance granny ripple blanket.. I made one from your suggestion and I hated using the yarn but I did finish it. When I washed it, it softened up and is really much better and cuddly. I did choose a different color combo that suited my rooms and taste a bit better.
I can't remember what level/subject you taught....but that intro was very ELA of you! I could see all my ELA colleagues who know nothing about knitting just loving it!
Thank you! I can’t take full credit for writing it as I had some help from…deep breath…AI in order to get the meter right and a skeleton I could build on (I know. I know.) but I did my part in adding some good knitterly verse. I remember having to write in iambic pentameter in my English and theater classes and it’s no easy thing. 😉
IP is so not easy! That’s crazy AI was able to help out! Here I was thinking… ‘how long has she been working on this Hamlet rework??’ 🤣🤣 But props nonetheless. 🤓
Hi Taylor; I always doubt my choices with pattern and yarns halfway through each product that I am working on! Ugh....I don't know if its my ADD, pattern, yarn or my indecisiveness?! I am making a cardigan with 'About Strings' yarn for my daughter. I am at the ribbing stage and will finish the garment, but, not totally in love with it.
Great Intro! I tend to be a monogamous knitter over all. I will knit most of a sweater and take a quick break to knit a simple hat or scarf if I am on sleeve island…. But I would be overwhelmed if I had too many things on my needles.
I definitely can relate to having the experience of not liking the yarn that I am working with on occasion, donating it is a great idea.
I knit every day, I have so many things I want to knit and a stash that is overflowing currently. Time for a NewYears yarn diet!
I had a Sophie Scarf on my needles for the longest time, but one day I decided I was going to finally finish it and then was able to knock it out in two days. It's really nice and light yet warm to wear under a hoodie or with a sweater on a cold day. The yarn you chose would look really great on you, too!
In thy face I see the map of honor, truth and loyalty. What an amazing intro!!
Thank you Brenda. 😊
“To frog or not to frog” is similar to the “Finish It February” I participated in a few years ago. It was so freeing! I now have little to do or consider each February, as I am now more discerning when I plan projects.
It may be too late, but don't frog that crocheted Sundance Throw. Bind off and donate to a NICU or nursing home, or put away for a baby gift. It is a perfect crib or lap sized throw.
Just watched a follow-up episode. Yay!!! So happy you donated to the Ronald McDonald House! That is one of my favorite charities. We were recipients of their generosity and I can't say enough about their mission!!❤❤❤❤
Haven’t even watched the rest of the video yet but have to take a moment to bow down to the intro! Shakespeare would approve!❤
A good wash in fabric softner does wonders for Mandala yarn. I like it for bany blankets, but much better after I wash it!
Interesting trip through projects. I decided a while ago that I would begin and finish one project at a time. For me this works; if I have too many going on, I forget how I’m planning the project or start knitting with different tension, etc.
The downside is portability - lugging a sweater around isn’t always possible.
I like your criteria for consideration! Thank you.
Can you finish off the Mama in a Stitch Blanket at the size it is now and just gift it to someone with a kid who may like the colors then donate your leftover yarn?
I totally can. I didn't even consider that. It's a great idea. Thank you Somer!
Don't frog the crochet blanket. Finish it now as a baby blanket to donate. Then donate the rest.
I like what you said about creative vision. Sometimes the creative vision has changed and it renders an old project obsolete.
Best intro EVER!!!!!!!!
Definitely Finish the Sophie Scarf! I just finished my first one in a beautiful deep Red Merino/Cashmere and I LOVE IT! I wore it to work the next day even before blocking it. You won’t be sorry .
And now I got the courage to frog some products. I have a small scarf type knit that has been hibernating for oh…12 years and I have picked it up several times and don’t feel compelled to finish. The yarn will make a lovely pair of socks 😊
i made the sophie scarf simply because of FOMO. Knit with silky merino, it was a quick knit. Then, the feeling of silky merino against my neck put it solidly in the W column
I frogged socks yesterday because I hated the yarn and I wasn’t enjoying the process. I felt terrible about the time loss, so I found this so helpful, thank you! Not sorry I frogged any longer. Now I’m working on a project that I am truly enjoying. Knitting should always be enjoyable!
Brilliant! I love the intro, your delivery was spot on 🔥
Thank you Carolyn!
Hi Taylor, maybe frig the Sophie scarf and try the drk everyday cowl. It's bandana style, engaging to knit and fly off the needles
i agree with the other commenters saying to just cast off the blanket and donate it to a shelter somewhere and donate the last of the yarn. there’s always someone out there who could use a blanket regardless of the size.
Could you donate the half project with the yarn and pattern and a hook and gift it to them?
great idea. The senior center would love it.
The crochet piece would be a lovely gift to Ronald Mcdonald House. They give small blankets to families to wrap around a sick child in hospital. The acrylic would make it easily washable multiple times. Wish i lived closer. I would finish it for you to gift to my favourite charity in your name 🇨🇦💕
What I thoughtful idea…..love it!
I LOVE this. Thank you so much for this suggestion. I think I may just do that.
I can see through this video how one can get your mojo back by going to each WIP. You were so happy when you found that pair of socks in the leather bag. Thanks this help me.
That intro was amazing. You need to find a way to get that on merch for us!!!!
That would be cool! I find lots of the merch sayings funny but gotta day I’m not a fan of the plain blocky font.
Second this!
👏👏👏👏 Bravo and encore for your Froglet performance at the beginning, there! Always enjoy watching your content and I happened to notice that you didn't drink much of your tea during the half hour of chatting. Do you have a mug warmer, yet?? Last year I got myself a candle/cast iron version, then a USB chargeable one for my dad, and inspired my friend to get her chargeable version, too. We all love them since they keep our tea/coffee nice and hot while sipping slowly! Anyways, thought I'd ask and put that out there in case you haven't discovered this affordable luxury yet! 😄
Thank you so much! And I really didn’t drink much of my tea! I think that’s because I was getting pretty warm. I actually ended up opening my window halfway through. And yes. I do keep my water close by and I was definitely my drinking that. ❤️❤️
Froglet!! 🤣 Yes!
I need one of those…..I’m constantly reheating my tea in the microwave.
Hahahahahahaha! Awesome intro 😂
Thank you Nicole! I couldn't leave well enough alone. 😂
@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS It’s a thing of beauty for this English major 😉
OMG what an awesome intro!!
I knit the sophie scarf last fall in a bright cherry red and loooooved the process. The larger one knit up within a day or two, which made it a really nice break from larger, more time consuming projects. Now, it's actually my most worn scarf! I take it to work with me a few times a week because it's easy to throw on, doesn't take up a whole bunch of space, keeps me warm, and doubles as a cute accessory when I tie it onto my handbag to leave the office, as it's a bit warmer outside at the end of the day. I highly recommend and may or may not knit a few more this winter season!
Loved the intro. As always, a great program.
Thank you so much Raschelle!
Love, love,love this intro I would like a tee shirt . Please
I knit 4 Sophie Scarfs last fall (2 as xmas gifts) and I have to say it was really great tv knitting for me! I actually realized on the 4th scarf that I had been reading the pattern WRONG the whole time (with that center point -- oops) but it's one of those low stakes patterns where I can just roll with it! It's a nice project for a palette cleanser, I think, especially after holiday knits!
For the Sophie scarf I have made several. They were my car knitting or other times I needed a mindless knit. But most of all the scarf itself is great. I keep one in my coat pocket when when it gets chilly. I use it to keep my neck warm or even to tie around my head to keep my ears warm. I hand them out for people to use when we go hiking and they don't have a hat or cowl. I did see where someone knit more rows in the middle without increases or decreased to make less tight around the neck when you wrap it double. Plus they are quick and cute. Hope that helps!
Agreed, I'm on my 4th. My sis-in-law also started on them when she saw my first one and has knit many.
Hamlet at 7 am! That was great. :D
What are you wearing? Love the yarn!
Thank you! This is my No Frills sweater. I used a deep teal navy fingering weight yarn here with a variegated mohair in rust-inspired colors. I'll link to my project page here:
www.ravelry.com/projects/TaylerEarl/no-frills-sweater
Whoah.....that opening was good!
Thank you Mindy!
The Sophie Scarf would be a good hockey practice project. I made mine during figure skating watching last year--perfect. Blankets don't count as WIPs, but if you hate the yarn....
You could finish off the blanket and donate it to a homeless sheltee
20:44 That description of dry hands on microfiber cloth gave me such a visceral reaction! 😬 😂
OMG right!? ❤
I knit the Sophie scarf and absolutely love it! The color that you are work it is so perfect and I’m slightly jealous of the amazing yarn. It is a quick knit once you get going and the finished product is perfect for a fashionable light scarf.
You must have been an English Lit teacher! Loved my Shakespeare classes for my English minor. Excellent homage to Hamlet that beautifully expresses our knitting existential crises.
I vote bandana over Sophie. I love that color. I think Sophie is the ultimate trendy pattern that will not be as classic and usable as the bandana in a warm yarn like alpaca.
Hello Tayler, please don't frog the blanket!! Give it away with the yarn!! I am sure that somebody will appreciate halfway knitting work done! 😊 Love so much your channel ❤ you are my guru 😁
Where were you when I was teaching literature to middle schoolers for 40+ years!.?! I absolutely loved the opening. Well done!
I’ve come the realization that in order for me to keep my knitting mojo, I really need to be a monogamous knitter. If I lose steam on a project or it’s too cumbersome to bring around with me, I’ll cast a smaller palate cleanser or to-go project, but if I have more than 2 projects on the needles I really get overwhelmed. I have one interchangeable needle set and that helps me not get overwhelmed. The progress just gets wayyyyyy too slow and I lose motivation. I also try to keep my main project and palate cleanser at different gauges so that my hands don’t get too fatigued with either very small or very large needles. This works great for me!
I knit a Sophie Scarf & want to k it another. I love how it looks, & I feel you would enjoy wearing it in that color. My opinion is that you should finish it as it is a great addition to your wardrobe.
I absolutely hated doing "quick back and forth" projects like Ten-stitch and entrelac UNTIL I learned how to reverse-knit. Turns out I was mostly annoyed at having to turn the work and re-orient myself every thirty seconds. Forced myself to work on a ten-stitch baby blanket without turning the work at all, and afterwards, I took a stab at some entrelac socks. Much more enjoyable now.
Re the Sophie scarf dilemma: I made one little one which hasn't really seen much wear and a shawl size I'm much happier with. However, I have now made *two* Sherbet Bandanas, which I think was a pattern you recommended. One is for a gift but the one for me has been very useful. In particular, it has come in to fill the gap left by a jumper with a big but floppy collar, or one where the collar was just a tiny bit itchy. So my vote is for that pattern, assuming you've enough yarn.
That intro is Epic! Yarn that catches on my skin like a microfiber cloth gives me the heeby-jeebies. I think it might have a bit to do with living in the desert. It happens to me more here in ABQ than it did in OC.
Your scarf with the back-n-forth, I would frog it and look for another pattern. I get so bored making scarves like this. I made one and felt like I would never ever finish it.
Just finished knitting the Sofie Scarf yesterday for a gift. I loved knitting it,the simple construction. I loved the the I- cord on each side. After soaking it was soft and beautiful. The first time I saw the pattern I thought " how dumb, who would ever wear that." Well I needed to make a gift and I used yarn from my stash, Farmers Daughter hand dyed held with silk mohair. I loved the way I looked on me and I love it. It's just Metro. It will be a 2 day knit. Don't stop!
Fabulous intro Taylor………made me grin from ear to ear! 🎉🎉😂
As to the Sophie scarf. It does have a classic vibe. It is also not hard to make progress on quickly. ( I have made 2). Maybe you should invest 30-60 minutes into it and see if you are finding enjoying once again. You really have not put much time into the knitting at this point. I think it is the perfect carry out with me kind of knit. Maybe hit the coffee shop and take her with you and see if it is worth your time.
Lion Brand Mandala OMBRE is a much more enjoyable experience. It’s softer, sleeker, more forgiving when frogged/torn back, and has much nicer stitch definition. I’ve completely given up on the standard Lion Brand Mandala yarn. I just don’t like the fabric it makes. And I don’t like the experience of it. On the other hand, I have made baby sleep sacks from Ombre and really enjoyed the process. I also bought a sweater’s worth of two or three different colorways on 60% off Black Friday sales (Joann Fabric) on the Mandala Ombre, and I’m legitimately looking forward to casting on with them. And also, my library has a yarn craft club, and we have had legitimately two storage bins worth of this yarn donated to us too. It stinks to love the colorways, but not the yarn itself.
Thank you so much for this video. It has encouraged me to frog a shrug. I frogged it before because it was too small. I didn’t get very far. I will frog it again because of stitch consistency. It was for a holiday KAL. It doesn’t matter when I finish it. I want it to look great on me and I can’t fix it because it is a one by one rib and it doesn’t look good when it is stretched. I am a new knitter (1 ½ years) and I think because I am rushing that I didn’t go back and look at my stitches. I will be more conscious after the holidays when I finish my gift knitting. Happy knitting 🧶
I made a Sophie, also in Alpaca. I persevered but I will never wear it. I think it may be the floppiness of the fiber but I feel no affection for the finished product and wish I’d used a yarn with more crispy structure. Go with your gut and use that beautiful yearn for a hat.
I’ve literally made tons of Sophie Scarves! Love them for the fastness and “giftability.”
I totally made the Sofie scarf by petite knits for a friend for Xmas, and I loved it. It was finished super fast. It’s a good grab and go project. I was able to crank it out in less than a week. Finish it! You can do it.
You haaaave to finish the Sophie scarf! It’s so fun! I will say I used a super colorful yarn so that kept my attention. I love to wear mine with a sweatshirt. I ride a bike and it’s great for keeping my neck warm.
Not only the soliloquy, but the presentation of it were both incredible
Maybe wait until after Christmas to finish the Sophie Scarf...I get overwhelmed this time of year and think that I just have too many projects, but thoroughly enjoy them in January ..when things calm down.
Keep Sophie scarf. It is great mindless knitting and I think the final product is pretty and useful
Intro omg the best!!
If you like the fabric continue with the Sophie Scarf. I think you'll be glad you did, but at the end of the day " you're the boss of your knitting "!!
I'm frogging a yoke as I'm watching this video but I will cast on for that project again as soon as I'm done. The gauge is too small and I don't want to do all the work required to finish and have it be too small. Thankfully I'm used to starting over so I'm not bummed
Shakespeare and knitting….love it
Taylor, I knit the Sophie scarf and shawl and love them both. Works super fast and looks so finished. Mine is in a deep red and it turned out gorgeous and because it is fast it may help your mojo finishing a fast project? Just a thought. Also you could adjust it to be more like a bandana very easily.
The Mandala acrylic softens up after washing. I had that same dislike of the texture while I was knitting a baby blanket. After I washed it and steam blocked it, it was soft and lovely. The mama who received it says it's not pilling and is holding up wonderfully to lots of washing. If you just can't finish it, donating to the senior center is a great idea. Someone will LOVE it.
I was just about to say the same thing! Acrylic does much better after the first wash
Definitely inspiring! I’ll have to frog some things when hubby isn’t around, he doesn’t understand it. 🙄