Also, I feel you on the "is the pattern nice or is the model just hot" dilemma. The trend for models is rail-thin with short torsos and I'm not only chubby but have a fairly dramatic difference between my overbust and full bust measurements and a very long torso, so I really have to sit myself down and ask if I think a pattern would actually be nice on ME, haha.
I actually think the Mt Auburn cardigan would look very nice on you in the blue, especially if you style it right (I think the model benefits a lot from the nice clean lines the double-breasted waistcoat creates, for instance).
I scrutinize the ravelry "projects" for how a pattern may look on a person of my proportions, also taking in consideration the yarn and accompanying notes of said patterns. That's the best advice I can provide and that is how I usually make my own pattern decisions --and how it appears you do the same.
You don’t come across as nervous at all! You have a very gentle, calm demeanor-which I appreciate 😊 I have been focusing on working down my stash for the last year, but I gave myself a break by getting 3 new Marie Wallin sweater kits for my birthday. New motivation to keep stash busting!
@@MakerMarkKnits I definitely recommend giving them a go! So fun. Knitting with Hannah has my favorite purling Fair Isle two handed tutorial: using English lever knitting for the right hand and a thumb purl on the left! With a little practice, it’s really not much more hassle than knitting two handed.
Love how you look closely at details of pattern/styles that I wouldn’t think of . I get sucked in by color, pretty pictures but it’s so helpful to have you point out those design details that affect the outcome of a project. Thanks!!!!!Helpful video!!!!!
Ignore the trolls If we want to know about the (mostly upsetting) "more important" news, we know where to find it. Keep doing what you're doing. Love your channel!
V-necks always look great. It slims the face and looks more approachable. You look nice in cool tones and light neutrals. I'm so not cool enough to make any of your projects but I love watching your videos and seeing what your making. Keep doing you and we'll be here to watch. ❤
I can relate to your skintone as “being dragged from the river”.I have always referred to my skintone as “recently deceased”. I am so enjoying your videos!
Good Day Mark, I love that we are able to see your expressions as you talk to us. It makes a world of enjoyable feels that come through to us, as a pose to the voice over. Great job !! I love working with 100% wools too, I'm fortunate to have some amazing yarns locally here in Canada. Looking forward to seeing what you choose to get on your needles ! Blessings
That's a great point! It's so helpful for me to read comments like yours after the fact. It makes the "conversation" side of things feels so real :) What part of Canada are you in?
Thanks for braving the camera! This was nice to watch felt like talking to a friend/sitting together working on fiber crafts :-) also really appreciate the ravelry discussion- it’s nice to see how others go about planning and organizing their materials and projects.
Appreciate this display and instruction on using Ravelry! Your voice is so calming ..you should consider narrating an audiobook! Your pattern choices and yarn 🧶 colors , I feel, go together perfectly ! 😊🌟☮️
I think you need to rethink the alpaca one if it is all alpaca. Alpaca is warmer than wool, super drapey, without much memory. I think a cardigan might be a good choice since it's hot as hell....
Your comments about the collars of the vest being too wide were very helpful and illuminating. I haven't done much menswear knitting but I would like to and it is helpful to know what you have already come up against. I can definitely understand why it is frustrating to end up with a wider neckline than you want. I also want to tell you that you don't appear nervous or awkward at all and your voice is very pleasant to listen to...something that I'm sensitive to and will check out very quickly if the speaker's voice is grating. AND...you have such beautiful eyes. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to knit next.
Oh I am so with you on the models , I end up having to go look at projects on real folks. Im larger and have to give myself a talking go with my gut. I really like the v neck on you But I think the cardigan in the red would look amazing in the blue yarn you have Thank you for another lovely chat ooh and the tip on folders for ravelry
Thank you! Yes, I love the projects tab on ravelry so I can see normal people wearing the garment. It makes such a difference! Thank you for the advice and for watching :)
I think that "academic" cardigan would look good in a dark blue which I think is your loon lake color. Yes it is a good sweater and yes the model is distracting. 😅
Hmm. I wonder why you have less time for knitting this year? Oh yeah the podcast; you're busy getting all of us inspired and motivated...I vote for the green yarn with rust and medium grey for the vest. Gus is awesome 🧡but maybe he ate your hamster, oh no!🐹
Another great video Mark…..cables make my brain hurt so no opinions there. I totally agree with you about necklines ending up too large -I now routinely cast on fewer stitches or do provisional and then add ribbing at the end. As for the alpaca- you may want to do an extra large swatch and include some colourwork. If you measure it before and after blocking, you could get a sense of whether or not it will grow as well as if that beautiful blue will bleed.
Thank you, Beverly! That's a great suggestion for the necklines. Thank you for the suggestion for the alpaca...I recently had a bleeding incident (video to come soon)...so now I'm extra cautious!
There's something about that Auster sweater that I don't think looks good (and it's not the model...). It doesn't look like it fits well in any of those pictures. Can't wait to see your Halibut sweater when it's done. That's one I plan on making this year as well.
For the alpaca, the fibre drapes a lot, not necessarily grows a lot. It has a long staple length. The material also has less elasticity and is relatively heavy compared to wool. I have a similar situation in my stash (2 colours of beautiful dk weight alpaca)For the neckline issue, either use a smaller size collar based on the schematic OR you can pickup fewer stitches. I also tend to knit it a bit deeper. I always love a pattern inspo video. Thanks!
Thank you for that great advice!! I'll probably block the alpaca sweater as I go to make sure that I'm happy with the drape before committing to final length/dimensions :)
The cardigan would be lovely in that blue yarn. And I think a cardigan would suit you. The neckline on Mr. Hot Model pattern is quite strange, would be a struggle to find a shirt that would work well with it. Such a wide neckline, but then high on the front of the neck. Looking forward to seeing what you make. I currently knitting white and pink socks 😊
Oh my word, the "OA" is stunning! I don't know if I'm ready to commit to that much colorwork...but boy is it beautiful. I've added it to my favorites for when I gather the strength! Yay for the Halibut! What colors are you using?
I have the same issue with huge necklines on patterns. I can't remember who advised it, but I cast on a smaller size and increase out - I cast on for a 36" chest usually and then increase however makes sense in the pattern before it hits the FB. Shoulders can also be hugely disproportionate unless I cast on a much smaller size, and between that and the massive neckline I get a really sloppy looking finish unless I alter the sizing!
I'm with you in your love of handsome bearded models 😂 and Jared Flood is a very good looking guy. As for patterns, have you seen Norah Gaughan's Larrimer sweater? I made it for my husband and he's a XXL/XXXL sized guy and he looks great in it. I like the slipover you mentioned, but I'm wary of stripes that hit the bottom of a v-neck. They often seem to be distorted and end up curving under the chest, creating the impression of man boobs. So, i avoid that combination.
Ooh this is great advice! I haven't looked at that sweater...looking now! For whatever reason, I feel like the cables look bulky in the example pictures. I guess I won't know for sure until I make a sweater and try it on myself! I'll add it to my favorites and keep daydreaming about color, etc. Good point about the stripes on the v-neck...something else I'll take into consideration! Thank you so much for watching :)
I just found your channel this weekend and love what I've seen so far! You're so right about the necklines on larger sizes. I'm about the same size and it makes me so angry. Just because my torso is larger doesn't mean I have a 22 inch neck! The same with sleeves - I always have to rewrite the sleeve decreases so that they don't fall to my knees. I love the Oster sweater (with neck fixed) and think it would look great in the Woolstock green that you showed.
A few things, you said rehearsal, I’m a composer and music professor at a small college in ND, 2XL sweater knitter and wearer, and queer 30 something and cat dad. I’m knitting Stephen West’s dustland sweater and it’s working up beautifully! Much simpler than the cabled patterns you’re showing, but I just bought the moby sweater men’s pattern and am looking forward to casting that on!
Beautiful suggestion! I've just added it to my "favorites." I really like the example picture without sleeves. I think I'd enjoy an oversized cozy vest. :)
Cadaver? No, I love the way your skin tone looks on camera and your blue eyes are awesome. I also am pale and pink, grays and muted colors are really good on me probably on you as well. I think you have a great eye for putting colors together, don’t overthink it.😂❤
Wonderful, so informative, you are a natural. I can't believe you aren't a teacher. I agree, you have such a lovely relaxed demeanour, I have learnt so much from watching you. Thank you so much.
Wow, thank you so much! My first job out of college was teaching at a middle school 🙂 until last year I was either a graduate student or teaching at the college level. But now I'm spending more time performing and way more time crafting 🙂
Great job. Wouldn't have known you were nervous if you hadn't mentioned it. I like the new layout too. I LOVE the fish sweater and would think it would look great in your teal-y blue---for me. I can only dream about getting to that skill level since I have a brain injury that limits my abilities in some areas. Oh, well. Keep up the great work, 😀
A wonderful episode! One way to stabilize the neck after the sweater has been knit is to reinforce portions of it with a crochet chain. It adds a bit of bulk, especially if worked along a picked up ridge, but I’d rather have that over a neck that keeps getting wider. Roxanne Richardson has a tutorial called “Fix sweater shoulders/neck that are too stretchy” and she shows how to do this along the back of the neck through the purl bumps when there isn’t a line of picked up stitches. Another tutorial to check out is “Stabilizing a Neckline” by Heather Storta.
Thank you so much! Yes, I've heard of that technique but haven't yet tried it! I hate to feel too many seams or ridges (that's one reason I love a top down yoke sweater). A colleague of mine has also talked about stay-tape for stabilizing cardigans. I may resort to some of these solutions at the start of next season when I give my sweaters a refresh!
@@MakerMarkKnits - if I ever try this, I will use a thinner yarn. I really want to knit cardigans as I wear them often instead of a jacket. I think I’ll always put one on the back of the neck for those.
I truly appreciate your Raverly help, as I'm still quite new to it, and sadly keep trying to use it on my phone without really having tried the website on my computer. If you have videos going over this more, I'll definitely go searching for them :)
Just found your channel and love it. You are doing a great job of starting my day with your calm approach and nice eyes. A big help with Ravelry . Would you consider talking about ease. I always have a problem with that and just ripped out a piece that was way too big.
Absolutely! I'm going to release a detailed video on blocking and finishing garments. In the future. I'll make sure to talk about taking measurements and considering ease in that video 🙂
Thanks for such a satisfying podcast. You did great with recording on-camera and talking in real time instead of later adding voice over. It felt very friendly and personable. Like Gus 😻. I really like the Auster. It’s not just the model, although he is gorgeous. I’ve had some friends have good luck with casting on a smaller size at the neck and then gradually transitioning (or making the transition at the underarms) to the desired sized to insure getting a nice high neckline. Have you tried that? I’ve been looking for a worsted weight lightly cabled pattern for my hubby. I think Denali might be it! Thank you!! I love saddle shoulders and if these are knit-in I might cast on today. Also I think the burgundy of the Mt. Auburn sample would be very nice on you.
Thank you so much for watching! I have tried starting with directions for a smaller size then transitioning. For now I like the option of adding the collar at the very end, just so I can have total control over the final fit and shape. I think the saddle shoulders might have been seamed after the fact...but it's been many years since I knit that pattern. I'd recommend it either way! Also, I think the pattern is worked in panels (front and back), but I remember that I adapted it to work in the round. I like to stay on the "right" side of my work if possible.
Great video, Mark. I learned so much. I have a.2024 goal of knitting my first sweater, but honestly what's the most daunting is choosing the right pattern and the right yarn. There is so much to consider it can be overwhelming. Hearing your thoughts as you go through prospective patterns has been so illuminating. And kudos for challenging yourself to speak during filming. You did a wonderful job.
At least 3 of my sweaters were entirely a case of "i love this yarn, I want to use this yarn, come to Elis, yarn. Oh, hey, this pattern'll work alright" lol
Thank you so much! I'm excited for you to make your first sweater! I think you should definitely look for patterns that have excellent reviews...don't waste your time with poorly written instructions or pattern errors...they could drive you crazy! And pick a yarn that you love. Something that is beautiful to you and also feels good to work with. We spend so much time with our projects, I think it makes all the difference to invest in something you'll love from start to finish!
Absolutely! I don't like the idea of buying random yarn...but if it's a brand I know (like Woolstok), then I go ahead and invest in the sweater quantity and enjoy the creative freedom of finding a pattern that sparks that joy!
I like the Denali with the blue. I am glad you are trying the face forward. You have so many great choices lined up. Have the most fun with all your works!
You did a great job of being on camera! You need to do it more! Personally, I like to have the person talking “to” me. Background looks great too! I’m from CT, where was the tree farm? 😍
@@MakerMarkKnits I lived in Litchfield for about 24 years. And was born in Torrington. I don't know if you know that are, NW corner! It's a beautiful area.
Cadaver skin LOL!! And, oh yeah, I can relate. When looking at a pattern on Ravelry that catches my eye, I find that viewing all helpful projects is a great feature. For example, re the gorgeous Mt. Auburn Cardigan, several have said it runs small or has slender shaping. I hope you make this one; will look great on you! Love the Bees’s Knees cardigan also!
Ha! :) It is invaluable to see real people's results before diving into one's own project! Thank you for pointing out those notes regarding the Mt. Auburn.
Your videos are so professional. I am amazed at each one. I am glad you are showing how to do more on Ravelry. I do have bundles but I need to orgaize them more. Your sweater knitting is so complex. I admire your skills. Keep braving the camera. Thanks for you show. Love Oster Sweater
Thankyou so much for sharing all your knits, pattern ideas, Ravelry tips and your kitty he is adorable. It’s a lot of work doing these podcasts and I really appreciate it as it helps us all to be inspired about our crafts. I love your cable sweater ideas, am going to cast on the Reverso sweater newly released by Sascha Knits on Rav. It’s top down for my son it’s Fisherman’s rib and I will need to modify the neck as he likes the smaller neck but more ease in the body. So I will swatch and then check sizes to have the neck cast on with less stitches and increase under the arms for the body. ❤🙏
Great episode. The Oban Sweater is wonderful with the asymmetry. The model aspect is a thing here too. I was drawn to and knit Lars Rains Asymptote sweater partly for that reason. Also, Lars had me at green! Gus is beautiful.
I also love the Mt Auburn sweater. I think it looks amazing in cranberry but I think a dark blue would look good. I also think it would look good on your size
My favorites tab is full of ones that I just think are gorgeous, whether or not I intend to make them. I use the queue for ones I'm strongly considering making. Sometimes if I'm unsure about a color pairing I look and see if anyone else has made it in similar colors to the ones I'm thinking of. Usually happens with mittens, lol. I think either Pitch, The Botanist, or Mt Auburn would look lovely in that blue. Looking through the project galleries for them, and I kinda want to make Mt Auburn now, too, in either deep blue or green. There are a few lovely examples in there.
That's a smart way to use "favorites" vs the queue! I love digging to see if others have worked a project in the colors I'm considering! Thank you for the great feedback :)
Have you thought about doing a Stephen West pullover pattern? I’ve made the Dustland sweater that turned out great. He also has a brionate sweater that looks intriguing. His patterns are more of an adventure than just a pattern.
Hi Mark enjoyed your podcast as always .....just a thought re necks could you knit the neckband of a smaller size then on the last row of ribbing or put in a plain knit row evenly increase stitches to meet the amount needed for the body of the correct size jumper? I also like shirt collars to be worn out/over vests, and vests look smart under jackets of any sort .... cheers Carol
Definitely! That's another way to help bring in an oversized neck opening. The only problem is that I don't know exactly how big it will be until I've knit and blocked it. So for now, I'm working the entire sweater (except the collar), blocking, then trying on and deciding how much ribbing and what kind of collar I'd like. I agree that shirt collars look great with sweaters! Thanks so much for watching and for the advice :)
Really enjoyed my morning coffee with your latest update. It also was another set of tips using Ravelry. Im still learning the ins and outs . Thank you,, will be fun to see what you pick up through 2024 to include in your stash of sweaters/vests!! Have a good day!!☺️
you said " fish sweater" and my reaction was - what? fish? what fish he is talking about, this is sweater with bit abstract ladies in long dress....Couple of seconds I was completely confused until I figured out that this is a fish, not lady. :)))
I don't think the Auster sweater is for you. You have a lot of concerns about the length and the collar. I think you are trying too hard to convince yourself. Bad idea, in my opinion 😊 ps. The model is gorgeous
I think you're right. Which is such a bummer! Every time I see it, I get really excited...then I remember why I don't think I'll make it. I think I've got too much of a crush on the model...and then the green color draws me in even more!
Also, I feel you on the "is the pattern nice or is the model just hot" dilemma. The trend for models is rail-thin with short torsos and I'm not only chubby but have a fairly dramatic difference between my overbust and full bust measurements and a very long torso, so I really have to sit myself down and ask if I think a pattern would actually be nice on ME, haha.
I actually think the Mt Auburn cardigan would look very nice on you in the blue, especially if you style it right (I think the model benefits a lot from the nice clean lines the double-breasted waistcoat creates, for instance).
Yes! It can be so hard to separate the garment from the model and staging. Thank you for the great advice! :)
Hard agree. Cropped sweaters with teeny arms are awful on my, I look like my ta tas are making a break for it....
I scrutinize the ravelry "projects" for how a pattern may look on a person of my proportions, also taking in consideration the yarn and accompanying notes of said patterns. That's the best advice I can provide and that is how I usually make my own pattern decisions --and how it appears you do the same.
Yes! That is such good advice to give.
Laughed in sympathy at the do I like this sweater or just the red head wearing it. So true
You don’t come across as nervous at all! You have a very gentle, calm demeanor-which I appreciate 😊
I have been focusing on working down my stash for the last year, but I gave myself a break by getting 3 new Marie Wallin sweater kits for my birthday. New motivation to keep stash busting!
Wow, thank you! I have never worked a Marie Wallin pattern, but I always drool over them...such beautiful and intricate colorwork designs. :)
@@MakerMarkKnits I definitely recommend giving them a go! So fun. Knitting with Hannah has my favorite purling Fair Isle two handed tutorial: using English lever knitting for the right hand and a thumb purl on the left! With a little practice, it’s really not much more hassle than knitting two handed.
The V neck looks nice on you.
The face-to-face is great, and you are amazing, don't worry, this was a very helpful video to a new knitter.
Thank you SO much :) Happy knitting!
Love how you look closely at details of pattern/styles that I wouldn’t think of . I get sucked in by color, pretty pictures but it’s so helpful to have you point out those design details that affect the outcome of a project. Thanks!!!!!Helpful video!!!!!
I adore your wedding set!
Ignore the trolls If we want to know about the (mostly upsetting) "more important" news, we know where to find it. Keep doing what you're doing. Love your channel!
V-necks always look great. It slims the face and looks more approachable. You look nice in cool tones and light neutrals. I'm so not cool enough to make any of your projects but I love watching your videos and seeing what your making. Keep doing you and we'll be here to watch. ❤
I really like the Mt. Auburn cardigan. You should definitely do it in the blue. It will look amazing.
Love the Halibut Sweater! I used to live in Alaska and used to see schools of halibut during the season - the pattern shows the shape well!
How incredible is that? Thank you for watching ☺️
Thanks for the videos!@@MakerMarkKnits
I can relate to your skintone as “being dragged from the river”.I have always referred to my skintone as “recently deceased”. I am so enjoying your videos!
Good Day Mark, I love that we are able to see your expressions as you talk to us. It makes a world of enjoyable feels that come through to us, as a pose to the voice over. Great job !! I love working with 100% wools too, I'm fortunate to have some amazing yarns locally here in Canada. Looking forward to seeing what you choose to get on your needles ! Blessings
That's a great point! It's so helpful for me to read comments like yours after the fact. It makes the "conversation" side of things feels so real :)
What part of Canada are you in?
I cannot even imagine reaching a level where I can knit the complex projects you do!!!
Thanks for braving the camera! This was nice to watch felt like talking to a friend/sitting together working on fiber crafts :-) also really appreciate the ravelry discussion- it’s nice to see how others go about planning and organizing their materials and projects.
Thank you so much! Honestly, reading comments like yours makes me feel like I am talking to real people and just hanging out as we craft :)
I'm just here for the kitty!!!
Appreciate this display and instruction on using Ravelry! Your voice is so calming ..you should consider narrating an audiobook! Your pattern choices and yarn 🧶 colors , I feel, go together perfectly ! 😊🌟☮️
I think you need to rethink the alpaca one if it is all alpaca. Alpaca is warmer than wool, super drapey, without much memory. I think a cardigan might be a good choice since it's hot as hell....
Thank you for that tip! I will definitely do some more research before committing to a project with that yarn.
Your comments about the collars of the vest being too wide were very helpful and illuminating. I haven't done much menswear knitting but I would like to and it is helpful to know what you have already come up against. I can definitely understand why it is frustrating to end up with a wider neckline than you want. I also want to tell you that you don't appear nervous or awkward at all and your voice is very pleasant to listen to...something that I'm sensitive to and will check out very quickly if the speaker's voice is grating. AND...you have such beautiful eyes. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to knit next.
You're so kind! Thank you for that feedback :) I am very sensitive to grating voices on TH-cam, podcasts, and audiobooks! Thank you for watching!
Oh I am so with you on the models , I end up having to go look at projects on real folks. Im larger and have to give myself a talking go with my gut. I really like the v neck on you But I think the cardigan in the red would look amazing in the blue yarn you have Thank you for another lovely chat ooh and the tip on folders for ravelry
Thank you! Yes, I love the projects tab on ravelry so I can see normal people wearing the garment. It makes such a difference! Thank you for the advice and for watching :)
Agree with you on your concern for the slightly wide neck and being limited on styling.
Absolutely! Thank you for backing up that concern 🙂
I loved this, thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and plans. All knitting videos should feature cute cats at some point.
Aw, thank you Daniel!!
The halibut sweater is cute and FUN!
SHEEP HAT❤❤❤
Isn't it adorable? I love the big sheep!
I think that "academic" cardigan would look good in a dark blue which I think is your loon lake color.
Yes it is a good sweater and yes the model is distracting. 😅
Hmm. I wonder why you have less time for knitting this year? Oh yeah the podcast; you're busy getting all of us inspired and motivated...I vote for the green yarn with rust and medium grey for the vest. Gus is awesome 🧡but maybe he ate your hamster, oh no!🐹
Ha! Thanks for the color suggestions! And your hamster joke is great; Gus loved it!
Newbie here. Well done on all of your videos so far!
I’ll be hanging around !
Awesome! Thank you!
Another great video Mark…..cables make my brain hurt so no opinions there. I totally agree with you about necklines ending up too large -I now routinely cast on fewer stitches or do provisional and then add ribbing at the end. As for the alpaca- you may want to do an extra large swatch and include some colourwork. If you measure it before and after blocking, you could get a sense of whether or not it will grow as well as if that beautiful blue will bleed.
Thank you, Beverly! That's a great suggestion for the necklines. Thank you for the suggestion for the alpaca...I recently had a bleeding incident (video to come soon)...so now I'm extra cautious!
These are amazing!!!! Ahhh! My goals some day!!!! That modern love one !!! 🤩
There's something about that Auster sweater that I don't think looks good (and it's not the model...). It doesn't look like it fits well in any of those pictures. Can't wait to see your Halibut sweater when it's done. That's one I plan on making this year as well.
Yes! I so agree about the fit. I've loved making the Halibut...also, from what I can tell, it fits really beautifully so far!
I’d love to know what you’re throwing the yarn into when you’re done. I’m imagining a basket ball hoop that feeds into a giant basket. Lol
The Botantist would be stunning in the blue!
Great advice! Thank you :)
You asked for more options. Have you seen Redd Barna by Arne & Carlos? The collar is tighter too. Love your channel.🙂
No, I haven't looked at that! Thank you for the recommendation :)
For the alpaca, the fibre drapes a lot, not necessarily grows a lot. It has a long staple length. The material also has less elasticity and is relatively heavy compared to wool. I have a similar situation in my stash (2 colours of beautiful dk weight alpaca)For the neckline issue, either use a smaller size collar based on the schematic OR you can pickup fewer stitches. I also tend to knit it a bit deeper. I always love a pattern inspo video. Thanks!
Thank you for that great advice!! I'll probably block the alpaca sweater as I go to make sure that I'm happy with the drape before committing to final length/dimensions :)
Also, beautiful channel! I've just subscribed and look forward to watching your videos!
@@MakerMarkKnits Thanks!
Mark you did a great job without voice over. And thanks for sharing Ravelry tips
Thank you so much!
The cardigan would be lovely in that blue yarn. And I think a cardigan would suit you.
The neckline on Mr. Hot Model pattern is quite strange, would be a struggle to find a shirt that would work well with it. Such a wide neckline, but then high on the front of the neck.
Looking forward to seeing what you make. I currently knitting white and pink socks 😊
that auburn cardigan is really nice, look at the finished ones, I think they all look good on the people
Thank you for the vote of confidence 🙂 I think I will commit to that project sometime this year!
I think vests look great on you.
I would do the OA by Kate Davies with the alpaca.
And I am making the Halibut just now. I am stuck on the second sleeve and unfortunately started another project now...
Oh my word, the "OA" is stunning! I don't know if I'm ready to commit to that much colorwork...but boy is it beautiful. I've added it to my favorites for when I gather the strength!
Yay for the Halibut! What colors are you using?
I have the same issue with huge necklines on patterns. I can't remember who advised it, but I cast on a smaller size and increase out - I cast on for a 36" chest usually and then increase however makes sense in the pattern before it hits the FB. Shoulders can also be hugely disproportionate unless I cast on a much smaller size, and between that and the massive neckline I get a really sloppy looking finish unless I alter the sizing!
I made the Auster sweater my son and it turned out quite lovely. I used an off white color.
I'm with you in your love of handsome bearded models 😂 and Jared Flood is a very good looking guy. As for patterns, have you seen Norah Gaughan's Larrimer sweater? I made it for my husband and he's a XXL/XXXL sized guy and he looks great in it. I like the slipover you mentioned, but I'm wary of stripes that hit the bottom of a v-neck. They often seem to be distorted and end up curving under the chest, creating the impression of man boobs. So, i avoid that combination.
Ooh this is great advice! I haven't looked at that sweater...looking now! For whatever reason, I feel like the cables look bulky in the example pictures. I guess I won't know for sure until I make a sweater and try it on myself! I'll add it to my favorites and keep daydreaming about color, etc. Good point about the stripes on the v-neck...something else I'll take into consideration!
Thank you so much for watching :)
I just found your channel this weekend and love what I've seen so far! You're so right about the necklines on larger sizes. I'm about the same size and it makes me so angry. Just because my torso is larger doesn't mean I have a 22 inch neck! The same with sleeves - I always have to rewrite the sleeve decreases so that they don't fall to my knees.
I love the Oster sweater (with neck fixed) and think it would look great in the Woolstock green that you showed.
I love your videos.
Thank you SO much!
My vote is the oban sweater I think that neckline would really flatter you 😊
Thank you! I think I'll cast that on soon!
I've been eyeing the Kerr sweater for a while myself - if you do end up going with that, you should let us know how it goes!
I'll definitely share updates!
A few things, you said rehearsal, I’m a composer and music professor at a small college in ND, 2XL sweater knitter and wearer, and queer 30 something and cat dad. I’m knitting Stephen West’s dustland sweater and it’s working up beautifully! Much simpler than the cabled patterns you’re showing, but I just bought the moby sweater men’s pattern and am looking forward to casting that on!
How cool! We have SO much in common :) I'm a singer and pianist. I'd love to see your Dustland when you finish it!
Although it is listed in aran weight category, I think you may like Carly Cardigan by Irene Lin Designs
Beautiful suggestion! I've just added it to my "favorites." I really like the example picture without sleeves. I think I'd enjoy an oversized cozy vest. :)
Cadaver? No, I love the way your skin tone looks on camera and your blue eyes are awesome. I also am pale and pink, grays and muted colors are really good on me probably on you as well. I think you have a great eye for putting colors together, don’t overthink it.😂❤
Wonderful, so informative, you are a natural. I can't believe you aren't a teacher. I agree, you have such a lovely relaxed demeanour, I have learnt so much from watching you. Thank you so much.
Wow, thank you so much! My first job out of college was teaching at a middle school 🙂 until last year I was either a graduate student or teaching at the college level. But now I'm spending more time performing and way more time crafting 🙂
Great job. Wouldn't have known you were nervous if you hadn't mentioned it. I like the new layout too. I LOVE the fish sweater and would think it would look great in your teal-y blue---for me. I can only dream about getting to that skill level since I have a brain injury that limits my abilities in some areas. Oh, well. Keep up the great work, 😀
Thank you so much for watching and taking the time to share your story with me! Keep on crafting 🙂
A wonderful episode! One way to stabilize the neck after the sweater has been knit is to reinforce portions of it with a crochet chain. It adds a bit of bulk, especially if worked along a picked up ridge, but I’d rather have that over a neck that keeps getting wider. Roxanne Richardson has a tutorial called “Fix sweater shoulders/neck that are too stretchy” and she shows how to do this along the back of the neck through the purl bumps when there isn’t a line of picked up stitches. Another tutorial to check out is “Stabilizing a Neckline” by Heather Storta.
Thank you so much! Yes, I've heard of that technique but haven't yet tried it! I hate to feel too many seams or ridges (that's one reason I love a top down yoke sweater). A colleague of mine has also talked about stay-tape for stabilizing cardigans. I may resort to some of these solutions at the start of next season when I give my sweaters a refresh!
@@MakerMarkKnits - if I ever try this, I will use a thinner yarn. I really want to knit cardigans as I wear them often instead of a jacket. I think I’ll always put one on the back of the neck for those.
You live in Cleveland, with Cleveland winters. You need a bulky sweater.
I've made Pitch - lovely pattern, great knit. It would look great in the Woolstock Blue
I truly appreciate your Raverly help, as I'm still quite new to it, and sadly keep trying to use it on my phone without really having tried the website on my computer. If you have videos going over this more, I'll definitely go searching for them :)
A little late to the party but maybe you'd like to check out Beagle by Norah Gaughan. It's a beautiful classic gansey.
I made Carver by Julie Hoover for my husband in Woolstok Wild Thyme and he loves it, it might work in the blue color too!
Have you thought of doing a color analysis to know exactly which colors work for your skin tone?
Just found your channel and love it. You are doing a great job of starting my day with your calm approach and nice eyes. A big help with Ravelry . Would you consider talking about ease. I always have a problem with that and just ripped out a piece that was way too big.
Absolutely! I'm going to release a detailed video on blocking and finishing garments. In the future. I'll make sure to talk about taking measurements and considering ease in that video 🙂
Thanks for such a satisfying podcast. You did great with recording on-camera and talking in real time instead of later adding voice over. It felt very friendly and personable. Like Gus 😻.
I really like the Auster. It’s not just the model, although he is gorgeous. I’ve had some friends have good luck with casting on a smaller size at the neck and then gradually transitioning (or making the transition at the underarms) to the desired sized to insure getting a nice high neckline. Have you tried that?
I’ve been looking for a worsted weight lightly cabled pattern for my hubby. I think Denali might be it! Thank you!! I love saddle shoulders and if these are knit-in I might cast on today.
Also I think the burgundy of the Mt. Auburn sample would be very nice on you.
Thank you so much for watching! I have tried starting with directions for a smaller size then transitioning. For now I like the option of adding the collar at the very end, just so I can have total control over the final fit and shape.
I think the saddle shoulders might have been seamed after the fact...but it's been many years since I knit that pattern. I'd recommend it either way! Also, I think the pattern is worked in panels (front and back), but I remember that I adapted it to work in the round. I like to stay on the "right" side of my work if possible.
Great video, Mark. I learned so much. I have a.2024 goal of knitting my first sweater, but honestly what's the most daunting is choosing the right pattern and the right yarn. There is so much to consider it can be overwhelming. Hearing your thoughts as you go through prospective patterns has been so illuminating. And kudos for challenging yourself to speak during filming. You did a wonderful job.
At least 3 of my sweaters were entirely a case of "i love this yarn, I want to use this yarn, come to Elis, yarn. Oh, hey, this pattern'll work alright" lol
Thank you so much! I'm excited for you to make your first sweater! I think you should definitely look for patterns that have excellent reviews...don't waste your time with poorly written instructions or pattern errors...they could drive you crazy!
And pick a yarn that you love. Something that is beautiful to you and also feels good to work with. We spend so much time with our projects, I think it makes all the difference to invest in something you'll love from start to finish!
Absolutely! I don't like the idea of buying random yarn...but if it's a brand I know (like Woolstok), then I go ahead and invest in the sweater quantity and enjoy the creative freedom of finding a pattern that sparks that joy!
I like the Denali with the blue. I am glad you are trying the face forward. You have so many great choices lined up. Have the most fun with all your works!
Thank you for the recommendation! :)
Love your channel. Take a look at the Clay Sweater for that yarn in your stash. Let me know what you think. Thanks 😊
Thank you so much! That's a beautiful sweater; thank you for the great suggestion!
I’m a fan of the Mt. Auburn with and without attractive model ❤
Great feedback, thank you!
You did a great job of being on camera! You need to do it more! Personally, I like to have the person talking “to” me. Background looks great too! I’m from CT, where was the tree farm? 😍
Thank you for the feedback! I agree that it's more engaging to talk face to face! The tree farm is East Village Farm in Shelton!
@@MakerMarkKnits I lived in Litchfield for about 24 years. And was born in Torrington. I don't know if you know that are, NW corner! It's a beautiful area.
Thanks for the tour around Ravelry, Mark! I have never explored bundles and had no idea you could make notations on existing or future projects.
Thank you for watching! I need to go in and spend more time organizing my thoughts and projects on Ravelry. Maybe I'll get to it this summer 🙂
Cadaver skin LOL!! And, oh yeah, I can relate. When looking at a pattern on Ravelry that catches my eye, I find that viewing all helpful projects is a great feature. For example, re the gorgeous Mt. Auburn Cardigan, several have said it runs small or has slender shaping. I hope you make this one; will look great on you! Love the Bees’s Knees cardigan also!
Ha! :) It is invaluable to see real people's results before diving into one's own project! Thank you for pointing out those notes regarding the Mt. Auburn.
Your videos are so professional. I am amazed at each one. I am glad you are showing how to do more on Ravelry. I do have bundles but I need to orgaize them more. Your sweater knitting is so complex. I admire your skills. Keep braving the camera. Thanks for you show. Love Oster Sweater
Thankyou so much for sharing all your knits, pattern ideas, Ravelry tips and your kitty he is adorable. It’s a lot of work doing these podcasts and I really appreciate it as it helps us all to be inspired about our crafts. I love your cable sweater ideas, am going to cast on the Reverso sweater newly released by Sascha Knits on Rav. It’s top down for my son it’s Fisherman’s rib and I will need to modify the neck as he likes the smaller neck but more ease in the body. So I will swatch and then check sizes to have the neck cast on with less stitches and increase under the arms for the body. ❤🙏
That looks like a beautiful project! Your son is lucky! Thank you for taking the time to leave such a kind comment ☺️
Great episode. The Oban Sweater is wonderful with the asymmetry. The model aspect is a thing here too. I was drawn to and knit Lars Rains Asymptote sweater partly for that reason. Also, Lars had me at green! Gus is beautiful.
Thank you! Oh, that's a beautiful sweater :) Gus is such a sweetie. We love that his eyes are the same orange as his coat!
I also love the Mt Auburn sweater. I think it looks amazing in cranberry but I think a dark blue would look good. I also think it would look good on your size
Thank you for that vote of confidence! I may end up doing it out of a cranberry...because I love that color!
Hi Mark, careful with the Baa-ble hat pattern. Google Susan B Anderson’s mods for it.
Thank you so much for that tip! I'll be sure to look at that project page before working the hat 🙂
My favorites tab is full of ones that I just think are gorgeous, whether or not I intend to make them. I use the queue for ones I'm strongly considering making. Sometimes if I'm unsure about a color pairing I look and see if anyone else has made it in similar colors to the ones I'm thinking of. Usually happens with mittens, lol.
I think either Pitch, The Botanist, or Mt Auburn would look lovely in that blue. Looking through the project galleries for them, and I kinda want to make Mt Auburn now, too, in either deep blue or green. There are a few lovely examples in there.
That's a smart way to use "favorites" vs the queue! I love digging to see if others have worked a project in the colors I'm considering! Thank you for the great feedback :)
Have you thought about doing a Stephen West pullover pattern? I’ve made the Dustland sweater that turned out great. He also has a brionate sweater that looks intriguing. His patterns are more of an adventure than just a pattern.
I made the Dustland. Loved it
Hi Mark enjoyed your podcast as always .....just a thought re necks could you knit the neckband of a smaller size then on the last row of ribbing or put in a plain knit row evenly increase stitches to meet the amount needed for the body of the correct size jumper? I also like shirt collars to be worn out/over vests, and vests look smart under jackets of any sort .... cheers Carol
Definitely! That's another way to help bring in an oversized neck opening. The only problem is that I don't know exactly how big it will be until I've knit and blocked it. So for now, I'm working the entire sweater (except the collar), blocking, then trying on and deciding how much ribbing and what kind of collar I'd like. I agree that shirt collars look great with sweaters! Thanks so much for watching and for the advice :)
Really enjoyed my morning coffee with your latest update. It also was another set of tips using Ravelry. Im still learning the ins and outs . Thank you,, will be fun to see what you pick up through 2024 to include in your stash of sweaters/vests!! Have a good day!!☺️
Wonderful! Thank you so much for spending your morning with me!
Thank you
Welcome!
I would love to know what beginner friendly sweater/cardigan you would suggest . I would love to surprise my husband . he is a very casual person
You just need to find a yarn color that complements your dreamy blue eyes.
you said " fish sweater" and my reaction was - what? fish? what fish he is talking about, this is sweater with bit abstract ladies in long dress....Couple of seconds I was completely confused until I figured out that this is a fish, not lady. :)))
I don't think the Auster sweater is for you. You have a lot of concerns about the length and the collar. I think you are trying too hard to convince yourself. Bad idea, in my opinion 😊 ps. The model is gorgeous
I think you're right. Which is such a bummer! Every time I see it, I get really excited...then I remember why I don't think I'll make it. I think I've got too much of a crush on the model...and then the green color draws me in even more!
your bitching about neck proportion sizes on bigger grades of sweater pattern is exactly the sort of tea i wanna hear HAHA