Sewing tip: take your time! I often find that the slower and more precisely I work, the better the project turns out :) but also don’t expect your first project to be perfect and be proud of it (even if the seams turned out a little crooked). If you’re looking for some online resources, I recommend Rosery Apparel here on youtube. She has a bunch of great tutorials (including for tote bags and dresses) and even a beginner sewing series. Hope you’ll have fun with it!
I've just read that somebody also mentioned Rosery Apparel, she was my second guess. The first one is Made Everyday on YT. I think she is not as active as she used to be on YT, but still has some amazing beginning project. When I was learning to sew it was a great help because her videos are very well photographed. Love the new name of the chanel😊 As english is my second language it is always so nice to understand a good pun😂😅 Greetings from Hungary❤
As usual, another great podcast! Thank you for sharing your projects and thoughts. For me, I've been enjoying knitting socks for family members, and planning a sweater project for myself, but then, everything changed! I found an adorable toy book and ordered a boat load of cotton to spend my summer making toys. In time, the cardigan for me will happen, this is just a change of direction and super enjoyable when I know the kids will love receiving a knitted toy. Truthfully, I may keep a few for myself 🙂
I need to go through what I have, but I will say that usually watching podcasts makes me feel like I'm good, I don't have anywhere near the amount some people have. It's like when your yard is a mess but your neighbor's yard is worse, it makes you feel good. "I'm not the worst!" I guess I'm doing a popular summer knits moment right now, making a ranunculus and a deschain. Loving them both. I also have two wintery things on the needles which I will finish hopefully by the time it gets cold in November, so lots of time on those.
Knitting books and magazines..... We collect them but don't use them as often as we should. I really appreciate that you are making a point of making an item out of the printed pattern collection. My goal is to do the same in the fall. There is a cardigan earmarked for that very purpose! Thanks for sharing 🧶
Sewing skirts is so easy and satisfying! You can literally just do 2 rectangles (W) that are each your waist circumference by your desired length + ~3 inches for hemming and waist band (L). Seam L together stopping a couple inches (~5cm) from the top on one side for the elastic. Make sure you have both seams facing the inside (you want to place the right sides of the fabric together when you seam) Fold over and iron about half an inch (~1.25cm) on both the top and bottom (W) on the inside of the skirt (on the wrong side of the fabric) Fold and iron down another inch (~2.5cm) on both the top and bottom. (this makes sure the edges are folded inside the little tunnel you created so they cant fray). Sew the double fold down on the bottom for the hem. Sew the double fold for the top down from one edge of the opening to the other edge. Cut a piece of elastic that is snug but not too tight around your waist where the skirt will sit. Insert into the top end tunnel in one side opening through to the other. Sew the elastic together then sew close the rest of the seam. Finish the inside side seams using pinking shears or the zigag stitch (or a serger if you have one). Circle skirts you can get away with side seams entirely if the fabric is big enough.
The persimmon is pretty. I would do a little research and make sure they will hold up. If you have already done that then forget I said anything. Lol. Love your plans and knitting is beautiful
This episode has helped in a couple of ways, thank you 😊. I often feel pressure to hurry and "get it done", so I can get to other WIPs and ones waiting in the wings. i need to just relax and enjoy whichever knit strikes my fancy. Also, I'm going to mark on my 2024 calendar in February to try to start summer knits then! I'm also in Ontario, so even just squeezing 3 summer knits in will be difficult. I think I'll actually begin a Christmas sweater in July, as the last 2 years have been to busy in thd Fall. I want that Christmas sweater this year!!! 😅
I absolutely agree that I want to knit with that I have but I never want to be stashless! I love buying yarn, supporting indie dyers! My perspective has shifted a bit in the past few years to try and be a bit less "Oh shiny!" and buy one skein of yarn and more so "oh this would be lovely for x pattern" and invest in an entire garment. however, I def still have oh shiny days lol
kisses from the southern hemisphere haha actually i knit my fall garments in the summer, so it's finishing all the winter goodies for me even if we are just starting july. Good luck with all your projects tho!!!
Wet felting is a great “immediate satisfaction” fibre art that could work great for making totes! There’s some crazy stuff you can do with colour and different recycled textiles. I learnt from a lady at my local fibre club, and I highly recommend checking out any clubs local to you if you haven’t already 💖 they can hold a wealth of knowledge, resources, and camaraderie.
Hi from Tasmania❤ I’m finishing my first 4 ply socks using yarn scraps given to me, learning how to knit a cardigan for my adult son and crocheting a granny hexagon cardigan for me out of leftover yarn. I made a pencil case using a repurposed zip and a borrowed sewing machine and I sewed Xmas dish towels together and made Santa sacks which was my first sewing project. I’m looking fwd to following along with you learning to sew too.
Tasmania, that's wild! I love hearing about all the faraway places people tune in from. Your projects all sound very engaging and I've written down a few to remember when inspiration is running low. I lost the pencil case I'd had since elementary school a couple years ago and really should try making a new one... thanks for your comment! Happy crafting :)
I’m currently working on a birthday gift for my mom the Eowyn blouse by fabelknitwear . I made one for myself last month and my mom liked mine that I thought i would surprise her for her birthday with one. Also for myself cause I’m a selfish knitter a Poison Grrls boardwalk blouse. This is my third boardwalk it’s such a great pattern. I also want to make the golden oak top by Aminita (I think that’s right) Though fall is my season and already planning fall items to start up in august. As for sewing sewing is my main love and I started in 2015 when I got into cosplay at comic conventions and historical events my recommendation is go for it. I taught myself and TH-cam is a great source. My best friend who got me back into knitting specifically sweater knitting I. 2019 I got her into sewing and it’s been awesome seeing her just tactile it. Also really enjoy your podcast definitely want to make some of the recent items you’ve made as well.
Nice plans ! I don't have that many summer knit plans,, other than some socks. Recently I finished a summer tee, which is my first knit summer garment ever, and I am not sure how many more I want. Partly because I don't usually enjoy knitting with solid cotton ( which is used quite often I reckon ) and partly because I am afraid I won't get too much wear out of it. My work requires well-washable tshirts, and so I tend to just buy summer garments. Also, I don't know if I would wear a knitted cardigan on a knitted summer tee, whereas I am sure I will on a bought cottton shirt. I agree on wanting to knit from stash, but going stahsless... no... It is always nice to have something in your stash, if you want to knit simple socks for a change, or want to do some unexpected gift knitting.
I get that! Sometimes I feel like I should be making every type of garment (or at least tops and accessories) since I technically have a way I know how through knitting - but honestly for cotton tshirts or tanks, sometimes store bought fits the bill best. I was reading that's also often the case for baby items, especially for newborns. Thanks for your comment!
I love these topics! Summer knitting - I bought way too much Knit Picks organic cotton sport weight for natural dyeing ages ago so every summer I try and get at least one garment out of that stash. I prefer to knit it at a worsted/aran gauge so SariNordlund's Olive Tank is on my list this year, maybe 2! I also have her Ogee tank which I'd like to attempt as a more challenging knit. I am finishing up the Double Take tee right now but I'm not sure how I feel about it, the neckline is ginormous. Anyway, I def have many of the same stash feelings so its refreshing to hear yours! I have enough and I love what I have is the Jist of it, right? I have been keeping close track of yarn in/out this year, which has helped immensely. Also patterns, tools etc that comes in. For financial reasons mostly. To take a good hard look at my habits. Any way future, future goals of mine are to eventually calculate metrage in or out PLUS maybe upload my entire stash and the details to Ravelry. One day...
Thank you for leaving such an in-depth comment! I can totally relate. One of my friends recently said "why don't you upload all of your yarn to ravelry so you can keep track more easily and without being at home?" and i was like oh man that ship has SAILED
Hi rachel, I loved hearing you talk about your stashphilosophy. Weird how suddenly you can start to feel overwhelmed with the amount of yarn in stash. I started a very loose stashbusting last year. Just counting the amount of 50 gram balls used. But my cotonyarnstash is not included and has exploded significantly over the last few months😮. Also I am not superstructured and like you said don't want my knitting to be about strict goals that take the fun and creativiy out of it. But I do feel some pressure to use up yarns. Still looking for that balance😊. Bye🙋🏻♀️
I cast on the pebble top without doing my research on the pattern and I agree with what a lot of people have said about it. The crochet pico edge section is particularly badly written and hard to follow. From what I’ve seen, lene has re-written the crochet section multiple times but I wouldn’t say it has improved 😅 If you can figure it out it would be stunning
As a Floridian I don't really abide by the seasons for knitting, I am not going to make something super warm so sweater weather is inside weather. I mostly knit what ever I want and know that when I am done I will be able to wear it in some capacity. Lately I have been focusing on my work wardrobe so I am currently knitting a Monday sweater in a rust orange color.
I think that's a great approach too! For me, seasonal knitting is a fun way to lean into the seasons and feel like I'm acknowledging the passage of time more actively, but that's also because ours are so extreme. A rust coloured Monday sweater sounds awesome!
I feel like we have similar thoughts on our ”stash busting”, i enjoy following you on this journey. About sewing, I really think you can do it!! It doesn’t have to be complicated. If you need any help or tips, I’m here 🌷🪡🧵
I'm taking a stand. I think quantifying any aspect of this craft is a buzzkill. It's a trope that's gained traction among content creators and it needs to pass. The only place for quantifying is maybe '3 total strangers have stopped me on the street to ask me about this sweater'. Let's go back to feel, fit, triumph and disaster.
Sewing tip: take your time! I often find that the slower and more precisely I work, the better the project turns out :) but also don’t expect your first project to be perfect and be proud of it (even if the seams turned out a little crooked). If you’re looking for some online resources, I recommend Rosery Apparel here on youtube. She has a bunch of great tutorials (including for tote bags and dresses) and even a beginner sewing series. Hope you’ll have fun with it!
You have such great turn-of-phrase! “Gone like a fine morning mist” - swoon!
Thank you!!
A simple skirt or shorts with an elasticated waistband is actually a great early sewing project! Excited for your sewing adventure 🎉
I've just read that somebody also mentioned Rosery Apparel, she was my second guess. The first one is Made Everyday on YT. I think she is not as active as she used to be on YT, but still has some amazing beginning project. When I was learning to sew it was a great help because her videos are very well photographed. Love the new name of the chanel😊 As english is my second language it is always so nice to understand a good pun😂😅 Greetings from Hungary❤
As usual, another great podcast! Thank you for sharing your projects and thoughts. For me, I've been enjoying knitting socks for family members, and planning a sweater project for myself, but then, everything changed! I found an adorable toy book and ordered a boat load of cotton to spend my summer making toys. In time, the cardigan for me will happen, this is just a change of direction and super enjoyable when I know the kids will love receiving a knitted toy. Truthfully, I may keep a few for myself 🙂
I need to go through what I have, but I will say that usually watching podcasts makes me feel like I'm good, I don't have anywhere near the amount some people have. It's like when your yard is a mess but your neighbor's yard is worse, it makes you feel good. "I'm not the worst!"
I guess I'm doing a popular summer knits moment right now, making a ranunculus and a deschain. Loving them both. I also have two wintery things on the needles which I will finish hopefully by the time it gets cold in November, so lots of time on those.
Knitting books and magazines..... We collect them but don't use them as often as we should.
I really appreciate that you are making a point of making an item out of the printed pattern collection. My goal is to do the same in the fall. There is a cardigan earmarked for that very purpose!
Thanks for sharing 🧶
Loved this episode Rachel, I like the organization and thinking part too!
Sewing skirts is so easy and satisfying! You can literally just do 2 rectangles (W) that are each your waist circumference by your desired length + ~3 inches for hemming and waist band (L). Seam L together stopping a couple inches (~5cm) from the top on one side for the elastic. Make sure you have both seams facing the inside (you want to place the right sides of the fabric together when you seam) Fold over and iron about half an inch (~1.25cm) on both the top and bottom (W) on the inside of the skirt (on the wrong side of the fabric) Fold and iron down another inch (~2.5cm) on both the top and bottom. (this makes sure the edges are folded inside the little tunnel you created so they cant fray). Sew the double fold down on the bottom for the hem. Sew the double fold for the top down from one edge of the opening to the other edge. Cut a piece of elastic that is snug but not too tight around your waist where the skirt will sit. Insert into the top end tunnel in one side opening through to the other. Sew the elastic together then sew close the rest of the seam. Finish the inside side seams using pinking shears or the zigag stitch (or a serger if you have one). Circle skirts you can get away with side seams entirely if the fabric is big enough.
Thank you for mentioning the southern hemisphere! These summer ideas inspire me to make woollen versions
The persimmon is pretty. I would do a little research and make sure they will hold up. If you have already done that then forget I said anything. Lol. Love your plans and knitting is beautiful
This episode has helped in a couple of ways, thank you 😊. I often feel pressure to hurry and "get it done", so I can get to other WIPs and ones waiting in the wings. i need to just relax and enjoy whichever knit strikes my fancy.
Also, I'm going to mark on my 2024 calendar in February to try to start summer knits then! I'm also in Ontario, so even just squeezing 3 summer knits in will be difficult. I think I'll actually begin a Christmas sweater in July, as the last 2 years have been to busy in thd Fall. I want that Christmas sweater this year!!! 😅
I absolutely agree that I want to knit with that I have but I never want to be stashless! I love buying yarn, supporting indie dyers! My perspective has shifted a bit in the past few years to try and be a bit less "Oh shiny!" and buy one skein of yarn and more so "oh this would be lovely for x pattern" and invest in an entire garment. however, I def still have oh shiny days lol
kisses from the southern hemisphere haha actually i knit my fall garments in the summer, so it's finishing all the winter goodies for me even if we are just starting july. Good luck with all your projects tho!!!
Wet felting is a great “immediate satisfaction” fibre art that could work great for making totes! There’s some crazy stuff you can do with colour and different recycled textiles. I learnt from a lady at my local fibre club, and I highly recommend checking out any clubs local to you if you haven’t already 💖 they can hold a wealth of knowledge, resources, and camaraderie.
Big fan of your content!
Hi from Tasmania❤ I’m finishing my first 4 ply socks using yarn scraps given to me, learning how to knit a cardigan for my adult son and crocheting a granny hexagon cardigan for me out of leftover yarn. I made a pencil case using a repurposed zip and a borrowed sewing machine and I sewed Xmas dish towels together and made Santa sacks which was my first sewing project. I’m looking fwd to following along with you learning to sew too.
Tasmania, that's wild! I love hearing about all the faraway places people tune in from. Your projects all sound very engaging and I've written down a few to remember when inspiration is running low. I lost the pencil case I'd had since elementary school a couple years ago and really should try making a new one... thanks for your comment! Happy crafting :)
I’m currently working on a birthday gift for my mom the Eowyn blouse by fabelknitwear . I made one for myself last month and my mom liked mine that I thought i would surprise her for her birthday with one. Also for myself cause I’m a selfish knitter a Poison Grrls boardwalk blouse. This is my third boardwalk it’s such a great pattern. I also want to make the golden oak top by Aminita (I think that’s right) Though fall is my season and already planning fall items to start up in august. As for sewing sewing is my main love and I started in 2015 when I got into cosplay at comic conventions and historical events my recommendation is go for it. I taught myself and TH-cam is a great source. My best friend who got me back into knitting specifically sweater knitting I. 2019 I got her into sewing and it’s been awesome seeing her just tactile it. Also really enjoy your podcast definitely want to make some of the recent items you’ve made as well.
Nice plans ! I don't have that many summer knit plans,, other than some socks. Recently I finished a summer tee, which is my first knit summer garment ever, and I am not sure how many more I want. Partly because I don't usually enjoy knitting with solid cotton ( which is used quite often I reckon ) and partly because I am afraid I won't get too much wear out of it. My work requires well-washable tshirts, and so I tend to just buy summer garments. Also, I don't know if I would wear a knitted cardigan on a knitted summer tee, whereas I am sure I will on a bought cottton shirt.
I agree on wanting to knit from stash, but going stahsless... no... It is always nice to have something in your stash, if you want to knit simple socks for a change, or want to do some unexpected gift knitting.
I get that! Sometimes I feel like I should be making every type of garment (or at least tops and accessories) since I technically have a way I know how through knitting - but honestly for cotton tshirts or tanks, sometimes store bought fits the bill best. I was reading that's also often the case for baby items, especially for newborns. Thanks for your comment!
I feel pressured by my stash we’re opposites in that regard 😂 steadily working on it though!
I was going to text you to ask what you were knitting 😅 perfect timing
This timing working out for you makes me feel better about the 5 days of failing to successfully upload this :)
I love these topics! Summer knitting - I bought way too much Knit Picks organic cotton sport weight for natural dyeing ages ago so every summer I try and get at least one garment out of that stash. I prefer to knit it at a worsted/aran gauge so SariNordlund's Olive Tank is on my list this year, maybe 2! I also have her Ogee tank which I'd like to attempt as a more challenging knit. I am finishing up the Double Take tee right now but I'm not sure how I feel about it, the neckline is ginormous. Anyway, I def have many of the same stash feelings so its refreshing to hear yours! I have enough and I love what I have is the Jist of it, right? I have been keeping close track of yarn in/out this year, which has helped immensely. Also patterns, tools etc that comes in. For financial reasons mostly. To take a good hard look at my habits. Any way future, future goals of mine are to eventually calculate metrage in or out PLUS maybe upload my entire stash and the details to Ravelry. One day...
Thank you for leaving such an in-depth comment! I can totally relate. One of my friends recently said "why don't you upload all of your yarn to ravelry so you can keep track more easily and without being at home?" and i was like oh man that ship has SAILED
Hi rachel, I loved hearing you talk about your stashphilosophy. Weird how suddenly you can start to feel overwhelmed with the amount of yarn in stash. I started a very loose stashbusting last year. Just counting the amount of 50 gram balls used. But my cotonyarnstash is not included and has exploded significantly over the last few months😮. Also I am not superstructured and like you said don't want my knitting to be about strict goals that take the fun and creativiy out of it. But I do feel some pressure to use up yarns. Still looking for that balance😊. Bye🙋🏻♀️
I cast on the pebble top without doing my research on the pattern and I agree with what a lot of people have said about it. The crochet pico edge section is particularly badly written and hard to follow. From what I’ve seen, lene has re-written the crochet section multiple times but I wouldn’t say it has improved 😅 If you can figure it out it would be stunning
As a Floridian I don't really abide by the seasons for knitting, I am not going to make something super warm so sweater weather is inside weather. I mostly knit what ever I want and know that when I am done I will be able to wear it in some capacity. Lately I have been focusing on my work wardrobe so I am currently knitting a Monday sweater in a rust orange color.
I think that's a great approach too! For me, seasonal knitting is a fun way to lean into the seasons and feel like I'm acknowledging the passage of time more actively, but that's also because ours are so extreme. A rust coloured Monday sweater sounds awesome!
I feel like we have similar thoughts on our ”stash busting”, i enjoy following you on this journey. About sewing, I really think you can do it!! It doesn’t have to be complicated. If you need any help or tips, I’m here 🌷🪡🧵
I'm taking a stand.
I think quantifying any aspect of this craft is a buzzkill.
It's a trope that's gained traction among content creators and it needs to pass.
The only place for quantifying is maybe '3 total strangers have stopped me on the street to ask me about this sweater'. Let's go back to feel, fit, triumph and disaster.