AMEN! My 1 rule with my boys when I'm knitting. If you're not hurt or bleeding or serious issues just let me finish this row. mom I want mac n cheese! Let me finish this row then I'll do anything you want and all my attention!!❤❤❤🧶🧶
After trial and error I try to implement all these steps in all of my work. Another thing I started doing is counting stitches as I go but only on every other row. If my stitches are off then I can check back and fix the mistake before I go any further. This has saved me countless times. Countless times lol
This made me imagine the Sesame Street Count with knitting needles counting a whole row. (Ah, ah, ah, ahhh!). Have to admit, this technique might help me, but I’d never manage it, because I’d wind up having to count each row four times to make sure.
I totally adore this video, your tips, your good humour and your experience. These are tips that many TH-camrs don’t mention and I am glad you have. They really help beginner knitters like myself gain more confidence. Thanks for sharing your experience and you will be glad to know you did not waste your mistakes 😆
Thank you for your kind words. I just try to think of all of the mistakes I have made and the confusion I've run into and try to head it off at the pass.
Oh Barbara got to mid tip ‘stop & admire, check’ I did what you said and damn I made mistake 4 rows back on lace pattern finger weight yarn grrrrrrr learnt a lesson from you again THANK YOU tinking back now 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I use stitch markers on every project. I count my stitches as I go. This has saved me so many times. I catch dropped stitches and other errors before I get too far along. When I am not careful bad things happen and it’s always something simple that I missed. I would also add to the list use lifelines on lace or complicated patterns that are hard to recover from and note on the pattern where you put the lifelines in. If you have to frog back you know exactly where you are in the pattern and your stitches are captive and can’t run away or hide 😀. Your videos are great! Thank you!
This excellent video was just suggested to me by YT. As usual, I'm late to the party, but wanted to add my own tips to the mix. 1) Always mark the "right" side of work, and move the marker up as you go. 2) Use proactive lifelines. My needles have those small holes in the ends for inserting thread/yarn, which makes it easy. 3) When you've completed a session, place point protectors on the needles before stowing work in a safe place. These not only keep your stitches firmly on the needles, but keep kids and dogs from possible injury from sharp needles. Thank you for sharing your valuable expertise!
Thank you Wise One for your counsel. Your disciple will take your words to heart.💖Better to do it slow and correctly once. Take good notes if you have to stop mid repeat. Always swatch. Read and understand the pattern. Annotate!! Stop and admire💖
Lord, IF only I had seen this video when I first started knitting!!! All of the 5 mistakes I made over and over LOL..Thank you for these videos, and sharing your knowledge, it is sooooo appreciated!
Oh, so that was the story with the misbehaving project in the freezer time out! It’s always a good reminder. And two sticks and yarn into fabric is a post-apocalyptic life skill! I’m always guilty of wanting to do too much. 😊🧶
At this point, I've been knitting long enough that those five are pretty much second nature for me. What struck me watching this is how applicable that list is to life in general! 1) read instructions thoroughly before starting 2) dont stop mid-anything without taking good notes 3) dont rush 4) step back and take a look at the big picture 5) practicing before doing the real thing can be extremely helpful. So, what's your next world problem to solve? :P
I've watched several different youtube knitting channels and there are some good ones out there but you are absolutely the best!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Hi, I'm sitting here working on a mosaic shawl listening to you and you "inspire" me to continue my 2022 challenge, (the mosaic shawl). Thank You. I learn so much from you. Affirmation and confirmation on how I work and how I do it. Also, what I need to change. Thank YOU !!!
Thank you so much! I hate to say I have never made a swatch however I seldom ever make any thing that has to “ fit” usually just scarves, cowls, baby blankets, and cowls. I do makes lots of mistakes and this sure will help me avoid some of these.
You sound just like a High School teacher!! And I mean that as a compliment!! Thank you so much for your help in my learning to knit. -Signed, a former high school teacher :)
I am happy to take it as a complement! My mother taught Elementary school for 26 years and I know that teaching is a hard job that requires very specific skills. I appreciate the High School reference tho, because my mom had a definite ""I'm talking to 8 year olds" voice that I try to avoid!
All are good tips. Every time I stop in mid-row it takes me so long to get restarted. The first few stitches are usually looser so they show up. I lovwd looking at the beautiful shawl on the form behind you. I had to go look check it out.
I truly enjoy your videos. I was laughing all the way through this one. I haven’t been knitting over 60 years! This is all excellent advice for knitters. PS. I did not know most of the acronyms for knitting. KIP is some thing I have done all my life! I am the one on public transportation, in the movie theater, on a park bench, and in church; knitting! Thanks for your great videos.
Stopping to look over your work is so helpful! At times I’ve noticed I would have pooling that I didn’t like and was able to adjust and make it come out prettier.
These are great tips. I’ve learned from my mistakes, too. Creativity in crisis! Have you ever tried the Knit Companion app? The basic version is free. Since I started using it, I hardly ever use paper patterns. The highlighter and row counters stay where you put them when you close and open the app. There are multiple counters so they really help when you are doing multiple repeats. I saw a tutorial on Very Pink Knits. Knit Companion has been a huge game changer for me.
I played with it a wee bit when it first came out, and I know it has great capabilities, but it isn't really for me. I am never knitting from a finished pattern because I'm still writing it LOL!
Very helpful tips. As a beginner knitter, I don't do complicated patterns yet but I find if I stop at the end of a row or round, I don't remember if I pushed my row counter or not, and then I can get off. So I stop in the middle. I haven't learned to fully read my knitting yet.(I can tell knits from purls but can't count rows easily.) Anyway, thank you for the tips!
Maybe a row counter isn't the best solution for you then. Sometimes old fashioned pencil and paper is the way to go. Write out row numbers or repeat numbers and check them off as you go. If stopping in the middle of a row is working for you then go for it, just be careful to go the right way working the correct row when you pick it up!
I stopped mid-project bc I was waiting to restock yarn. When I got my yarn a few months later, I lost my pattern, and couldn't remember how to knit it. Worst thing ever!
Thanks for this video, Barbara! The stop and admire tip is a must for me right now. I've been working like a madwoman trying to get projects done that I admit to being a little burnt out the last few days. I just got excited to create again thanks to you and this video. :)
I have 1 rule with my boys! If you're not bleeding or hurt just let me finish this row. And I'll do anything you need from me or want me to help you with. You can have my undivided attention after if it's not a serious issue. Mac n cheese can wait 5 minutes to get to a stopping point. Every dropped stich or lost in pattern was stopping mid row! Best ADVICE EVER!!!!
Such great advice...I am a writer/poet and I make several drafts before submitting the final product, so makes so much sense. I am starting since last night to practice some things from your videos on a small scale to build my confidence as well.
Looking at your knitting is so important! I'm new to knitting and my first project is a vest. I kind of created my pattern based of a youtube tutorial and a vest that I already had at home and liked the shape of. It's just simple 2x2 rib and stockinette with some decreases to form the armholes and neckline. I did a gauge swatch to figure out how many stitches and rows i would need and started knitting. I did know how to do the rib stitch, but I didn't think properly about the right and wrong side and endet up knitting/purling at the wrong times. I didn't catch it in the first few rows, but then I stopped and noticed that something didn't look right. I went to the video and figured out my mistake. i only had to frog about 4 or 5 rows. That still hurt as it took some time to knit it, but it's still better than unravelling the entire 24 rows of ribbing.
May I add an example? As a fairly new knitter I had the gauge correct, the correct stich count, BUT I just assumed that the size that I am is the same as the pattern. In other words MEASURE yourself and than check the pattern for that size. I now have a beautiful sweater that is TOO large for me, and the thought of froging and stating over is very disheartening.
I have recently discovered your videos and I really enjoy them. They're very helpful. I totally agree with the comment of not putting your work down in the middle of a repeat or in the middle of a row. I always tell myself to "get to a good stopping place". Also, I am wondering If you have an alternative cast on method to suggest for the back loop cast on for under the arms of a sweater? It is so difficult to knit into those... TIA
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoy my videos. As you watch more you will find that one of the areas where I have holes in my knowledge is in garments. I do not design or knit garments so unfortunately I do not have much in the way of guidance for those sorts of things. Backwards loop is the most common cast on for that sort of application and I agree, it's a major pain to knit into.
Thank you for these five "rules", they should really help me when I get to start the Lady Jessica shawl. Hope you and your family are safe in the midst of the craziness.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Smokey, Muscat and I are doing quite well. No worries about not shipping yet. I have long teddy bears for patients in ICU so they won't feel totally alone.
Great tips... Annotating your pattern is a must for me, because I have poor vision. Besides, I love to see any kind of instructions marked up, with notes in the margins. As a crocheters of lots of baby blankets, the best thing I do for myself is to take a picture of my project, with the color coded hook (each size has a color) on it... That way, I will always pick up the right hook.. I never remember what size I am using.. my fav hooks are the Clover Amours, because each size has its own color.
make sure your work light is either an Ott Light (expensive, I don't use them, but they exist), or a nice lamp with a gooseneck and put in 'daylight' bulbs...these are available at the big hardware stores and have normal screw-in bases. They give you real daylight colors which make especially help dark yarns and evening hours. You will love these bulbs, if you have not found them, yet. I love your note re: different colored crochet hooks...I have not bought new hooks for a long time as I usually only crochet for knit finishing. I will have to look...love new tips and tricks....my favorite part of Barbara's videos...those little things I just never thought of....
I also like to essentially "save" my work(similar to saving a word document to make sure you have your work in case something horrible happens) by using a long piece of yarn and putting it through loops to hold it in case i mess up down the line. That way i can just frog to that point(which i know is correct) and none of thise stitches will come out. I'm currently working on a sweater and have a 6 row repeat where i kept messing up over and over and having to undo like 30 rows and have now started to put this string in after i have successfully completed a repeat(saved me twice)
That is Ceto and it was in a color-way that was specifically dyed for a yarn club. I'm not certain it is available anymore but there are many beautiful gradients out there that would work. www.tumpedduck.com/designs/ceto/
The best thing I learned on avoiding mistakes, is to put in a proactive lifeline. Saved me many times. Problem is, I still struggle with doing a reactive life line, especially in a garter row. Could you possibly show how to do a reactive life line in a garter stitch scarf or sweater, etc? That would be a lifesaver in those times I get so into knitting that I forget about the lifeline!!
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Putting in a life line on a row that is already done. I was making a sweater and about 20 rows in, I noticed mistakes. It was on a garter knit pattern. Instead of tinking back multiple rows, if I could have added a life line in just a few rows below the mistake row, I could have just frogged instead.
@@jillibeens57 when putting in a lifeline, use your smallest needle attached to a good, long cable....now pick up the right leg from back to front on every st across the row. You can take off the small needle now and replace with cable caps to make it secure. Why? because if something goes wrong, you can unravel right to the cable, put on the proper size needle tips and just start knitting. I also put a pc of cloth (because paper tears off) and write the number of the row and any important info or note and just stick the needle thru it before putting on the caps.
Hello Barbara, I felt in love with the Irulan shawl you shown on this video. I’m about to buy the pattern but I would love to knit it larger and deeper, the size isn’t mentionned on the Ravelry description but I found that it’s about 30 x90 cm. I’ m an intermediate but timide knitter and wouldn’t like to spoil and frog it . Could you explain how to modifie a crescent shawl with several different sections like the Irulan . I know it’s a matter of multpying the pattern number of stitches and adding the good number of raws and increases but I don’t know where nor when to do it. I would like first to lay it down on paper before starting this projet. Would you? Thanks again for your excellents tips and your communicative great enthousiasm🤗
I am so glad you like Irulan but I am afraid that you're not going to like my answer. The way Irulan is designed it cannot be easily sized. It isn't simply a single stitch pattern repeated across the shawl. Think of it more like a colorwork pattern that creates a single image only the image is being created with YO holes. The only way to make it bigger would be to knit it on larger needles with larger yarn. Thank you for letting me know about the missing size information. I have added that to the Ravelry page.
Swatching will also help you figure out if you have enough yarn. NOTHING worse than getting to the end and you are short 2 yards and there is no more yarn to be found. Ask me how I know. LOL
About swatching I have a problem, I can get number of stitches per row but cannot get number of rows per 4 inches. How can I remedy this when it is a garment?
Row gauge can be a big challenge. One thing I have to mention is to make sure you are checking your gauge on a blocked swatch. Assuming that - changing the material of your needle can subtly shift your gauge - ie: swapping from metal to wood or acrylic to metal.
I think it is easier to learn some math and instead of trying to get the stitch guage that the designer pattern specified, instead you might want to change the number of rows and numbers of stitches per row to fit your stitch guage. Obviously, this is not possible with some projects and not worth doing but modifying a pattern is sometimes worth it.
This was a really helpful video, thank you! Over time I’ve learned the value of a good swatch. Tbh anymore I think swatching is fun. But stopping mid-anything is still a constant struggle. You’re right though, you’ll pay for it later if you don’t!
THIS is a great informative video!! I do always stop and admire. But that's mostly because I'm just impressed I'm that I'm knitting so well 😂😘 but I will DEFINITELY be checking more carefully for mistakes now. I'm starting to create my own designs so I am more careful.🥰😍 #YARNMakesMeHappy #GPWarrior💚🥄🧘🏼♀️😷 💐🙏🏼🙋🏼♀️Be safe and stay Healthy 😷😷😷😷🧘🏼♀️🧘🏼♀️🧘🏼♀️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💐💐💐
Then you're a project knitter! Most knitters fall somewhere on the spectrum of project to process knitters. On one end is the knitter who barely tolerates the process because they want the finished object badly. On the other end is the knitter who just likes knitting and could care less what they make. Every point on the spectrum is a totally valid approach - you do you!
WatchBarbaraKnit My daughter is a process knitter. She has at least a dozen unfinished garments made with EXPENSIVE yarn (some that I paid for) and tying up MY needles. I’m pretty angry about it. So no respect for process people from me!
i can add three more. Do not start something new if you are tired, distracted, or drinking wine
That applies to a new project or technique.
LOL! Excellent.
lol !!! fab!
"Don't stop mid-anything!" Best advice I ever got, or gave to any new(er) knitter. 🙌
Yay! Maybe we should make a t-shirt? LOL.
* Thinks of the 15 projects I have in various stages of completion *
Yeah....that sounds about right.
Ugh! I made this rule for myself then broke it. I wish I'd heard this advice before I pulled the needles out!
@@csmith2662 This made me laugh out loud!
AMEN! My 1 rule with my boys when I'm knitting. If you're not hurt or bleeding or serious issues just let me finish this row.
mom I want mac n cheese! Let me finish this row then I'll do anything you want and all my attention!!❤❤❤🧶🧶
After trial and error I try to implement all these steps in all of my work. Another thing I started doing is counting stitches as I go but only on every other row. If my stitches are off then I can check back and fix the mistake before I go any further. This has saved me countless times. Countless times lol
I have met many a counter so you are in good company!
🤣
This made me imagine the Sesame Street Count with knitting needles counting a whole row. (Ah, ah, ah, ahhh!). Have to admit, this technique might help me, but I’d never manage it, because I’d wind up having to count each row four times to make sure.
Love the advice to stop and admire your work! It really is dual purpose :)
Absolutely!! Glad you enjoyed the video.
I knit to de stress, to cope, to focus my scattered thoughts,. I try to never rush knitting, it is for me, to be enjoyed.
Since it is my work, I sometimes get in a hurry LOL.
I totally adore this video, your tips, your good humour and your experience. These are tips that many TH-camrs don’t mention and I am glad you have. They really help beginner knitters like myself gain more confidence. Thanks for sharing your experience and you will be glad to know you did not waste your mistakes 😆
Thank you for your kind words. I just try to think of all of the mistakes I have made and the confusion I've run into and try to head it off at the pass.
Stop and admire is great advice. I always stop and admire my heels once done. It amazes me every time that it works and that I managed to do it right!
It's like magic, right?
Oh Barbara got to mid tip ‘stop & admire, check’ I did what you said and damn I made mistake 4 rows back on lace pattern finger weight yarn grrrrrrr learnt a lesson from you again THANK YOU tinking back now 🤣🤣🤣🤣😂🤣😂🤣
I'm so glad you caught them before you got too far!
WOW! 2
At first I thought "Goodness she has been reading my mail".... I learned so much from your talk.........
THANK YOU
LOL, I am always happy to be helpful!
I use stitch markers on every project. I count my stitches as I go. This has saved me so many times. I catch dropped stitches and other errors before I get too far along. When I am not careful bad things happen and it’s always something simple that I missed. I would also add to the list use lifelines on lace or complicated patterns that are hard to recover from and note on the pattern where you put the lifelines in. If you have to frog back you know exactly where you are in the pattern and your stitches are captive and can’t run away or hide 😀. Your videos are great! Thank you!
I'm so glad you like my videos. I have sooooo many stitch markers and I always want more!
This excellent video was just suggested to me by YT. As usual, I'm late to the party, but wanted to add my own tips to the mix. 1) Always mark the "right" side of work, and move the marker up as you go. 2) Use proactive lifelines. My needles have those small holes in the ends for inserting thread/yarn, which makes it easy. 3) When you've completed a session, place point protectors on the needles before stowing work in a safe place. These not only keep your stitches firmly on the needles, but keep kids and dogs from possible injury from sharp needles. Thank you for sharing your valuable expertise!
All excellent advice! Thank you!
Thank you Wise One for your counsel. Your disciple will take your words to heart.💖Better to do it slow and correctly once. Take good notes if you have to stop mid repeat. Always swatch. Read and understand the pattern. Annotate!! Stop and admire💖
LOL .... best of luck!
STOP and ADMIRE..... very good advise. Thanks
Thank you!
Lord, IF only I had seen this video when I first started knitting!!! All of the 5 mistakes I made over and over LOL..Thank you for these videos, and sharing your knowledge, it is sooooo appreciated!
Well, I am glad you have seen it now! Thanks so much for your kind words.
Oh, so that was the story with the misbehaving project in the freezer time out! It’s always a good reminder. And two sticks and yarn into fabric is a post-apocalyptic life skill! I’m always guilty of wanting to do too much. 😊🧶
I'm finally caught back up to where it was when I realized I had a problem!
Thank you! I’m new, so I’m encouraged that YOU have found mistakes that could have been fixed by “stop and admire❣️”
Oh yeah, I make plenty o' mistakes LOL.
At this point, I've been knitting long enough that those five are pretty much second nature for me. What struck me watching this is how applicable that list is to life in general! 1) read instructions thoroughly before starting 2) dont stop mid-anything without taking good notes 3) dont rush 4) step back and take a look at the big picture 5) practicing before doing the real thing can be extremely helpful. So, what's your next world problem to solve? :P
Hmm, right now it's how to get the pickle jar open LOL.
I've watched several different youtube knitting channels and there are some good ones out there but you are absolutely the best!! Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks so much 😊 I am glad that you enjoy my content and hope to continue to earn your views!
I'm a new knitter and your videos are terrific, thanks for these beginning knitter recommendations.
Glad you like them! And thank you for watching.
Hi, I'm sitting here working on a mosaic shawl listening to you and you "inspire" me to continue my 2022 challenge, (the mosaic shawl). Thank You. I learn so much from you. Affirmation and confirmation on how I work and how I do it. Also, what I need to change. Thank YOU !!!
I'm so glad you got good stuff from this video!
Thank you so much! I hate to say I have never made a swatch however I seldom ever make any thing that has to “ fit” usually just scarves, cowls, baby blankets, and cowls. I do makes lots of mistakes and this sure will help me avoid some of these.
Fingers crossed!
These are great rules. Stopping and admiring applies to needlepoint, too. I've had to rip out a lot of stitches because I went off pattern.
I think it might be good advice for lots of things! Love needlepoint.
Thanks again🌸🌼🌹 good advice, Merry Christmas 🎄🎄🎄
Happy holidays!
You sound just like a High School teacher!! And I mean that as a compliment!! Thank you so much for your help in my learning to knit. -Signed, a former high school teacher :)
I am happy to take it as a complement! My mother taught Elementary school for 26 years and I know that teaching is a hard job that requires very specific skills. I appreciate the High School reference tho, because my mom had a definite ""I'm talking to 8 year olds" voice that I try to avoid!
All are good tips. Every time I stop in mid-row it takes me so long to get restarted. The first few stitches are usually looser so they show up. I lovwd looking at the beautiful shawl on the form behind you. I had to go look check it out.
LOVE the "yarn Alchemy " !!!
Thank you!
I truly enjoy your videos. I was laughing all the way through this one. I haven’t been knitting over 60 years! This is all excellent advice for knitters. PS. I did not know most of the acronyms for knitting. KIP is some thing I have done all my life! I am the one on public transportation, in the movie theater, on a park bench, and in church; knitting! Thanks for your great videos.
Loved, "Stop and admire".
The credit for that one goes to Elizabeth Zimmerman!
You always give excellent advice. Thanks
My pleasure!
Stopping to look over your work is so helpful! At times I’ve noticed I would have pooling that I didn’t like and was able to adjust and make it come out prettier.
Very cool! I just love looking LOL.
These are great tips. I’ve learned from my mistakes, too. Creativity in crisis! Have you ever tried the Knit Companion app? The basic version is free. Since I started using it, I hardly ever use paper patterns. The highlighter and row counters stay where you put them when you close and open the app. There are multiple counters so they really help when you are doing multiple repeats. I saw a tutorial on Very Pink Knits. Knit Companion has been a huge game changer for me.
I played with it a wee bit when it first came out, and I know it has great capabilities, but it isn't really for me. I am never knitting from a finished pattern because I'm still writing it LOL!
Read like a recipe is a great comparison. Thank you for all your great advice!
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful tips. As a beginner knitter, I don't do complicated patterns yet but I find if I stop at the end of a row or round, I don't remember if I pushed my row counter or not, and then I can get off. So I stop in the middle. I haven't learned to fully read my knitting yet.(I can tell knits from purls but can't count rows easily.) Anyway, thank you for the tips!
Maybe a row counter isn't the best solution for you then. Sometimes old fashioned pencil and paper is the way to go. Write out row numbers or repeat numbers and check them off as you go. If stopping in the middle of a row is working for you then go for it, just be careful to go the right way working the correct row when you pick it up!
This was so helpful, I tend to hurry, will work on that. thank you.
You can do it!
This video goes wonderfully with the video I just watched about "3 Things I Wish I Knew as a Beginner Knitter." Make notes, study the pattern.
They definitely are in the same arena. I'm glad you liked them!
I stopped mid-project bc I was waiting to restock yarn. When I got my yarn a few months later, I lost my pattern, and couldn't remember how to knit it. Worst thing ever!
Ouch, that sounds miserable.
Great advice. Enjoyed this video. I will start swatching! Been in the camp of I want to start now!
You got this!
Thanks for this video, Barbara! The stop and admire tip is a must for me right now. I've been working like a madwoman trying to get projects done that I admit to being a little burnt out the last few days. I just got excited to create again thanks to you and this video. :)
You got this!
I have 1 rule with my boys! If you're not bleeding or hurt just let me finish this row. And I'll do anything you need from me or want me to help you with. You can have my undivided attention after if it's not a serious issue. Mac n cheese can wait 5 minutes to get to a stopping point. Every dropped stich or lost in pattern was stopping mid row! Best ADVICE EVER!!!!
Excellent advice, Barbara. Thank you :)
You are so welcome!
Great help . I have done all these things and regretted it not out in the freezer though. That’s cute!
I made a video and I guarantee I'll make these mistakes again LOL.
These are great advice! I would add “use lifelines” they make correcting lace errors easy, but when I use them, I never need them😂
Indeed!
Such great advice...I am a writer/poet and I make several drafts before submitting the final product, so makes so much sense. I am starting since last night to practice some things from your videos on a small scale to build my confidence as well.
You can totally do it! And I love the idea of thinking of the knitting process having rough drafts LOL!
Looking at your knitting is so important! I'm new to knitting and my first project is a vest. I kind of created my pattern based of a youtube tutorial and a vest that I already had at home and liked the shape of. It's just simple 2x2 rib and stockinette with some decreases to form the armholes and neckline. I did a gauge swatch to figure out how many stitches and rows i would need and started knitting. I did know how to do the rib stitch, but I didn't think properly about the right and wrong side and endet up knitting/purling at the wrong times. I didn't catch it in the first few rows, but then I stopped and noticed that something didn't look right. I went to the video and figured out my mistake. i only had to frog about 4 or 5 rows. That still hurt as it took some time to knit it, but it's still better than unravelling the entire 24 rows of ribbing.
May I add an example? As a fairly new knitter I had the gauge correct, the correct stich count, BUT I just assumed that the size that I am is the same as the pattern. In other words MEASURE yourself and than check the pattern for that size. I now have a beautiful sweater that is TOO large for me, and the thought of froging and stating over is very disheartening.
Oh yes! Always go by the measurements stated in the pattern. Letter sizes are pretty much arbitrary.
I have recently discovered your videos and I really enjoy them. They're very helpful. I totally agree with the comment of not putting your work down in the middle of a repeat or in the middle of a row. I always tell myself to "get to a good stopping place". Also, I am wondering If you have an alternative cast on method to suggest for the back loop cast on for under the arms of a sweater? It is so difficult to knit into those... TIA
Thank you so much! I am glad you enjoy my videos. As you watch more you will find that one of the areas where I have holes in my knowledge is in garments. I do not design or knit garments so unfortunately I do not have much in the way of guidance for those sorts of things. Backwards loop is the most common cast on for that sort of application and I agree, it's a major pain to knit into.
Thank you for these five "rules", they should really help me when I get to start the Lady Jessica shawl. Hope you and your family are safe in the midst of the craziness.
Yay! We are hanging in there. We haven't gotten out much at all (this includes to the Post Office, my apologies). I hope you and your's are well.
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Smokey, Muscat and I are doing quite well. No worries about not shipping yet. I have long teddy bears for patients in ICU so they won't feel totally alone.
Great tips... Annotating your pattern is a must for me, because I have poor vision. Besides, I love to see any kind of instructions marked up, with notes in the margins.
As a crocheters of lots of baby blankets, the best thing I do for myself is to take a picture of my project, with the color coded hook (each size has a color) on it... That way, I will always pick up the right hook.. I never remember what size I am using.. my fav hooks are the Clover Amours, because each size has its own color.
Great suggestion!
make sure your work light is either an Ott Light (expensive, I don't use them, but they exist), or a nice lamp with a gooseneck and put in 'daylight' bulbs...these are available at the big hardware stores and have normal screw-in bases. They give you real daylight colors which make especially help dark yarns and evening hours. You will love these bulbs, if you have not found them, yet. I love your note re: different colored crochet hooks...I have not bought new hooks for a long time as I usually only crochet for knit finishing. I will have to look...love new tips and tricks....my favorite part of Barbara's videos...those little things I just never thought of....
Thanks very useful tips. I try not to rush.
Perfect!
Sage advice. Thank you
Glad it was helpful!
I also like to essentially "save" my work(similar to saving a word document to make sure you have your work in case something horrible happens) by using a long piece of yarn and putting it through loops to hold it in case i mess up down the line. That way i can just frog to that point(which i know is correct) and none of thise stitches will come out.
I'm currently working on a sweater and have a 6 row repeat where i kept messing up over and over and having to undo like 30 rows and have now started to put this string in after i have successfully completed a repeat(saved me twice)
Lifelines are a great addition to your knitting!
I really like the shawl on the mannequin behind you in this video. Would like to know what the name of it is and what colorway you used.
That is Ceto and it was in a color-way that was specifically dyed for a yarn club. I'm not certain it is available anymore but there are many beautiful gradients out there that would work.
www.tumpedduck.com/designs/ceto/
All good advice! Hope you are all safe and healthy these days.
We are staying in. I hope the same for you and yours.
Thanks Barbara! You're such a good source of information and resources!
You are so welcome!
Great reminders! Thank you Barbara
Glad it was helpful!
Thanks for the great tips!
No problem!
Thank you so much from a fairly new knitter!!!!
Glad it was helpful!
Great video! Thank you
Glad you liked it!
The best thing I learned on avoiding mistakes, is to put in a proactive lifeline. Saved me many times. Problem is, I still struggle with doing a reactive life line, especially in a garter row. Could you possibly show how to do a reactive life line in a garter stitch scarf or sweater, etc? That would be a lifesaver in those times I get so into knitting that I forget about the lifeline!!
Could you explain what you mean by reactive life line?
@@WatchBarbaraKnit Putting in a life line on a row that is already done. I was making a sweater and about 20 rows in, I noticed mistakes. It was on a garter knit pattern. Instead of tinking back multiple rows, if I could have added a life line in just a few rows below the mistake row, I could have just frogged instead.
@@jillibeens57 when putting in a lifeline, use your smallest needle attached to a good, long cable....now pick up the right leg from back to front on every st across the row. You can take off the small needle now and replace with cable caps to make it secure. Why? because if something goes wrong, you can unravel right to the cable, put on the proper size needle tips and just start knitting. I also put a pc of cloth (because paper tears off) and write the number of the row and any important info or note and just stick the needle thru it before putting on the caps.
These are great tips!
Glad it was helpful!
I wish I’d watched this three days ago........😜🤪🤪!! Such great advice!
Well, now you know and you will going forward!
Thanks for your tips it was very helpful.
So glad!
I spent 26 years in aircraft maintenance in the Marine Corps and it's surprising how many of these crossover.
That is awesome to hear LOL!
Thank you for sharing your tutorials with me “ 👌
I am so glad you like them!
Hello Barbara, I felt in love with the Irulan shawl you shown on this video. I’m about to buy the pattern but I would love to knit it larger and deeper, the size isn’t mentionned on the Ravelry description but I found that it’s about 30 x90 cm. I’ m an intermediate but timide knitter and wouldn’t like to spoil and frog it . Could you explain how to modifie a crescent shawl with several different sections like the Irulan . I know it’s a matter of multpying the pattern number of stitches and adding the good number of raws and increases but I don’t know where nor when to do it. I would like first to lay it down on paper before starting this projet. Would you? Thanks again for your excellents tips and your communicative great enthousiasm🤗
I am so glad you like Irulan but I am afraid that you're not going to like my answer. The way Irulan is designed it cannot be easily sized. It isn't simply a single stitch pattern repeated across the shawl. Think of it more like a colorwork pattern that creates a single image only the image is being created with YO holes. The only way to make it bigger would be to knit it on larger needles with larger yarn. Thank you for letting me know about the missing size information. I have added that to the Ravelry page.
🤗WatchBarbaraKnit well... therefore I couldn’t find the way to increase it😩 I understand, thanks for you quick answer.
So wise!!! Thanks👍🏻😘
You are so welcome!
Swatching will also help you figure out if you have enough yarn. NOTHING worse than getting to the end and you are short 2 yards and there is no more yarn to be found. Ask me how I know. LOL
Agreed. I am pretty sure I made a whole video ranting about swatching LOL!
I can't find any kind of program online that will allow me to make an online knitting pattern. (I don't want to print it out and use ink)
Great video...thank you
Glad you enjoyed it
Great tips👌
Thank you!
And count stitches frequently !
Excellent tip.
About swatching I have a problem, I can get number of stitches per row but cannot get number of rows per 4 inches. How can I remedy this when it is a garment?
Row gauge can be a big challenge. One thing I have to mention is to make sure you are checking your gauge on a blocked swatch. Assuming that - changing the material of your needle can subtly shift your gauge - ie: swapping from metal to wood or acrylic to metal.
I think it is easier to learn some math and instead of trying to get the stitch guage that the designer pattern specified, instead you might want to change the number of rows and numbers of stitches per row to fit your stitch guage. Obviously, this is not possible with some projects and not worth doing but modifying a pattern is sometimes worth it.
Great Tips! We all need to do them. Lol!
And apply them LOL.
What is that bobble head cat in the background?
I might have to do a video for it, so many people have asked. It is a Japanese "Lucky Cat" that was a gift from my son!
This was a really helpful video, thank you!
Over time I’ve learned the value of a good swatch. Tbh anymore I think swatching is fun.
But stopping mid-anything is still a constant struggle. You’re right though, you’ll pay for it later if you don’t!
If you gotta do it - write down what you did!
Dating it if you have to stop midstream - what a good idea.
It might seem silly at first, but I've had to write so many notes that I sometimes lose track.
Been there! Done that! 😏
THIS is a great informative video!! I do always stop and admire. But that's mostly because I'm just impressed I'm that I'm knitting so well 😂😘 but I will DEFINITELY be checking more carefully for mistakes now. I'm starting to create my own designs so I am more careful.🥰😍 #YARNMakesMeHappy #GPWarrior💚🥄🧘🏼♀️😷
💐🙏🏼🙋🏼♀️Be safe and stay Healthy 😷😷😷😷🧘🏼♀️🧘🏼♀️🧘🏼♀️🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼💐💐💐
I am glad that this was inspiring!
8:40ish "If you don't have time to do it right the first time, how are you going to find time to do it over?"
"
That is an awesome way of putting it!
Literally, in the freezer!
Yep, it's the only way with mohair.
I knit because I want a product I can’t buy. I want it now. I don’t actually enjoy the process of knitting. Or crocheting, cooking, traveling, etc.
Then you're a project knitter! Most knitters fall somewhere on the spectrum of project to process knitters. On one end is the knitter who barely tolerates the process because they want the finished object badly. On the other end is the knitter who just likes knitting and could care less what they make. Every point on the spectrum is a totally valid approach - you do you!
WatchBarbaraKnit My daughter is a process knitter. She has at least a dozen unfinished garments made with EXPENSIVE yarn (some that I paid for) and tying up MY needles. I’m pretty angry about it. So no respect for process people from me!
Tip 3: slow is smooth, smooth is fast. 😉
LOL
Isn’t it natural to stop and check things? I’m the queen of double checking though 😅
Apparently not so much LOL.
Marinate overnight and then order pizza!!! Lol!!!
Yep.
Great tips! Thank you. 🤗
You are so welcome!