As a beginner knitter going on 2 years now, I think the fear and frustration of making mistakes keeps me from trying socks and other garments. Frogging is a necessary learning curve. Thank you for saying so!
Cast on? Girl, you answered your own question. The 3rd sweater is the one you're most excited about. Do that one. What have I learned? I've been knitting for almost 50 yrs (learned when I was 8 years old) and I've learned a TON. But recently I've learned the value of swatching... something I never used to do. But I love the confidence I have when I swatch, as opposed to guessing and worrying about the sizing.
I have definitely learn to embrace frogging. 🐸 It's better to frog it or re-knit something you will actually wear. My vote is for the Kaskade sweater. 🧶
I've been knitting for 2+ years now and love making washcloths, hats, and socks. I'm going to learn to knit my first sweater. But I am not over the fear of frogging part of a project because of a mistake or making a change because of fit. I haven't had much success before...loosing so many stitches! I need to get over the fear. My vote on the last garment...#2. You had so many good things to say and I think you'll get wear out of it this year. Also, it may be a good lesson to put aside the shiny new for awhile. I think we all need to practice self-control every once in a while.
I LOVE the yarn you chose for Gemma! Aside from practicality, choose whatever brings you the most joy.💗 I’m addicted to knitting lacy shawls even though I prefer to grab a sweatshirt when chilly. The lacework fills me with joy.
I learned that I don’t like boat neck or dropped shoulder sweaters 😂. A lot of the lessons you’ve learned, I learned some time ago, but I’m in my sixties so I probably learned them around the same time in my life. Also, I started at a very young age, and learned some of these things through sewing. Especially, if you make a mistake take it apart and do it again 😊. For your next project, I like the Kascade or the Gemma!
Less is More is so true. I feel lucky that I learned that first with my sewing so I was really onto the minimal yarn stash and pattern buying when I got to knitting. But I still had to learn it the hard way!
I vote for the last sweater with the new yarn. You’re never going to be more excited about that yarn than you are now, so strike while the iron’s hot, rather than letting it languish into deep stash! I’ll have been knitting for 20 years as of next month. I agree with your lessons and would add two more: 1. Use the right tools for the job, including yarn. The right tools make it more pleasant to knit, and knowing that, eg, alpaca is drapey and cotton has no recovery will help you produce a finished object that behaves as expected. 2. Learn to modify patterns to fit your body. This is a foundational skill among sewists, but I don’t see it as much in knitters. It can be as easy as knitting more rows to lengthen a crop top to your preferred length. You can also use short rows to make bust darts, blend between sizes, combine elements from multiple patterns etc. Here’s to many more years knitting!
Sweater #3! It includes cables (and you love knitting cables), and you are excited about the yarn, which will add to the knitting experience. Honestly, you should enjoy the knit as much as possible, though I do understand the feelings associated with not using yarn that has been in your stash much longer. Frankly, I decided to not feel too guilty about that older yarn that I keep skipping over lol. I do respect the concept of less is more and I have attempted to limit how much I take in (yarn, accessories, needles, etc.). A trip to Europe this summer and Rhinebeck last week have not helped me in that regard lol.
Thanks for sharing what you've learned over the last 4 years. My journey just started last year and I've learned so much from all of you podcasters on TH-cam!! Sorry but my vote is for the Kaskade. The Mallard color is beautiful and I think you look good in bright colors like your Book Club Cardigan.
I would make the one from deep stash. You'll be SO satisfied when you use that deep stash to make something beautiful! Then you'll probably still be excited to work with your new yarn, and can use that next.
I totally agree with you about frogging. My lesson is pretty similar: for me, every project is worth doing right. I will rip and re-start a project as many times as it takes to make things correct. I feel prouder wearing the finished object when I know that I've made everything the way I want it and I haven't settled for less/tried to hide my mistakes. I vote for sweater #3. Follow your energy! Especially if you're a product knitter, then having the finished garment you want to have sooner makes perfect sense. I do think sweater #2 is going to be incredibly gorgeous, however!
@cassafrass098 so true, i feel proudest when I know i did everything in my power to ensure a good outcome. Thanks for watching and for weighing in on decision 😁
Go with the Gemma sweater 😄. You can call it recency bias if you want but there's nothing wrong with being excited about your new yarn! Also think about it this way, if/when you get to the point when you have no stash you'll only ever have new yarn and so you'll have to get used to knitting with your new stuff straight away 😝. Your other yarn's waited long enough, it can wait a bit longer.
Go for Gemma! There is nothing wrong with using “fresh” yarn. That was the pattern that made me say, “ooooh!” I love your attitude toward frogging, and you learned that lesson so quickly. I am less reluctant to frog a WIP than a finished object.
I want to support you in the one you want to make the most; however, I’d love to see how that Let Lopi works up in the first cardigan and hear your take on it. The consensus, from what I’ve seen from other knitters, is that it’s either too scratchy or they just love it. And I’ve heard it’s plenty warm, so you may even be able to get away with using it as a jacket. Whatever you choose, please be happy about it! Thanks for letting us vote 😊
I frog my work all the time. If it’s not going to fit or the mistakes aren’t fixable then I won’t wear it or want to give it as a gift. No regrets. The lesson on colors is a good one too. I am learning to be OK with repeating colors when they look flattering on me. I think because there are so many color choices in yarn, there is pressure to use unique colors. I get variety through textures, cable, and colorwork patterns. I vote for the Kascade. ☺️🧶
I would go with the Gemma sweater. It's what you are most excited about and I find that valuable. I love your 4 lessons. I have been learning about color as well and I think I will always be learning about that through my knitting as I explore options with various yarns. I have also learned to slow down on buying patterns. Just because it's on sale doesn't mean I need to buy it!
@@bradibergesen8272 I've learned the same thing with collecting patterns! I have so many that I haven't gotten around to knitting. I find it's better to just buy when I'm about to cast on
@balancedskein I've been thinking more about the things you've learned and it really got me thinking about what I have learned on my knitting journey and the changes I can make to be more authentic in my knitting. Thank you so much for posting this video. I never thought it would be so imapctful for me!
Nice video... Your lessons are valuable! As for the last one you share, I just came to the opposite conclusion yesterday or the day before: I want to knit things that maybe do not look the best on me (round yoke colourwork sweaters), but that I will make anyway because I love colourwork. I am at home most of the time, so it doesn't really matter anyway. And with colour I can solve part of the issue, high contrast works well for me. Totally embrace the less is more. No more discount shopping for me. I ll gladly "pay" my discount to the shop for them to keep my yarn in their stash until I need it. 😊
I liked this episode a lot. Something I have thought about is that as a beginner knitter living in a remote location I bought yarn on special rather than for a project. That is not the best way to buy yarn. I have a lovely stash of yarns which I will work my way through those that I still like. I will also pass onto others those yarns I don’t want to knit with or, my tastes have changed. Just recently I have bought brushed mohair to add to skeins which will now allow me to knit garments I like but didn’t buy enough yarn for. For other yarns I haven’t enough skeins for, I will gradually add mohair or extra balls of the same yarn and hold them double so the dye lots aren’t obvious and don’t draw the eye. I also like knitting cables and lace but every now and then a good long run of stockinette is relaxing, too much is boring for my brain. Thanks for your honesty, it’s helpful to know other people have the same dilemmas as I do.
I need to learn that lesson about frogging.. I really hate it when I have to frog 😭 but my vote for the project you should work on is the second one - get through that deep stash stuff!
I was going to vote for #1 cardigan because that's my maiden/middle name 😂, however I say go for the Gemma since you're most excited about it and it looks like it has some cabling, which you said you most enjoy. You may like it so much that you'll finish before January!
Very perceptive points, all of which resonate. I use knitworthy members of my family as an excuse to knit colours, textures or styles that don’t suit me. Luckily we’re all quite different in tastes, tones and shape! Unfortunately, for the last fifteen minutes my brain has been going “Kaskade, no Gemma, no Kaskade, no Gemma, no Kaskade…” and on. So I’m as hopelessly indecisive as you! 😂
We have the same knitting journey story in a lot of ways. I’m a product knitter also and while I don’t ‘resent’ knitting through a project, I’m very excited when it’s finished. Also, I’m slowly appreciating that I have to rip sometimes. I still hate it but sometimes it’s necessary. Great podcast.
I also love cables / more intricate patterns but am not a particularly stylish or ornate person, so a lot of my sweaters go to my sister! I also find it a lot easier to wear cardigans and vests than sweaters because there’s no problem with itch and I can pair these items with the rest of my closet rather than have to style the sweater itself as a huge thing (if that makes sense)
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Gemma, Kaskade then the third. In the sequence that corresponds to your level of excitement for these projects. Maybe finish 2024 with the Gemma, start 2025 with Cascade, and leave the third for the next fall
I agree about color. I'm still figuring it out for myself and have a sweater I want to make in a color I'm not sure about on me, so I'm going to buy a small amount and make a little Simple Thing scarf to see if it works with my complexion. For next sweater, my vote is the Kaskade because it's beautiful and that's my favorite color. 😊 I think it would make a lovely sweater. And it'd be a great use of yarn you'd like to be made into something. I wonder if there'd be time to make the Gemma afterward.
I think the Gemma would be a great option. The photos of the Olson show lots of extra fabric under the arms. That might feel a bit bulky. The Kaskade is great, but an open cardigan style might be more vertical. ( new edit!!) I was looking at a different Gemma! 😜
Go with what you are most excited about. It will deepen your investment in the product as well as decrease your stash. Your first cast on for 2025 could be the Kascade project.😊
I would go with design 2 first as that will be wearable this winter, then design 3 that seems more like a spring jumper. Knit design 3 last for Autumn 2025. 😊
I started knitting in 2020 or 2021 so about the same time. I enjoy small projects. Except I’ve come to hate mittens, lord help finish a pair I started last winter all I need to do is the darn thumbs 😂
Why not incorporate small elements of things you enjoy knitting into things you’ll enjoy wearing? For example a small cable down the each side of a sweater, at say the under arm. It’s not a major change to the sweater, if you’re knitting in a darker yarn it’ll hardly be noticeable but keep you more engaged as you work and it can be fun to have a little something different.
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As a beginner knitter going on 2 years now, I think the fear and frustration of making mistakes keeps me from trying socks and other garments. Frogging is a necessary learning curve. Thank you for saying so!
I’d go with the Gemma because that’s the one you really want to do!
Cast on? Girl, you answered your own question. The 3rd sweater is the one you're most excited about. Do that one. What have I learned? I've been knitting for almost 50 yrs (learned when I was 8 years old) and I've learned a TON. But recently I've learned the value of swatching... something I never used to do. But I love the confidence I have when I swatch, as opposed to guessing and worrying about the sizing.
I have definitely learn to embrace frogging. 🐸 It's better to frog it or re-knit something you will actually wear. My vote is for the Kaskade sweater. 🧶
I've been knitting for 2+ years now and love making washcloths, hats, and socks. I'm going to learn to knit my first sweater. But I am not over the fear of frogging part of a project because of a mistake or making a change because of fit. I haven't had much success before...loosing so many stitches! I need to get over the fear.
My vote on the last garment...#2. You had so many good things to say and I think you'll get wear out of it this year. Also, it may be a good lesson to put aside the shiny new for awhile. I think we all need to practice self-control every once in a while.
I LOVE the yarn you chose for Gemma! Aside from practicality, choose whatever brings you the most joy.💗 I’m addicted to knitting lacy shawls even though I prefer to grab a sweatshirt when chilly. The lacework fills me with joy.
I learned that I don’t like boat neck or dropped shoulder sweaters 😂. A lot of the lessons you’ve learned, I learned some time ago, but I’m in my sixties so I probably learned them around the same time in my life. Also, I started at a very young age, and learned some of these things through sewing. Especially, if you make a mistake take it apart and do it again 😊.
For your next project, I like the Kascade or the Gemma!
I think you answered your question. Your face lit up when talking about the Gemma
There's something satisfying about using really old stash, especially end of the year. I vote that!
@@freddytam8181 i agree! Thanks for watching and for your input 😁
Agreed!
Less is More is so true. I feel lucky that I learned that first with my sewing so I was really onto the minimal yarn stash and pattern buying when I got to knitting. But I still had to learn it the hard way!
I vote for the last sweater with the new yarn. You’re never going to be more excited about that yarn than you are now, so strike while the iron’s hot, rather than letting it languish into deep stash!
I’ll have been knitting for 20 years as of next month. I agree with your lessons and would add two more:
1. Use the right tools for the job, including yarn. The right tools make it more pleasant to knit, and knowing that, eg, alpaca is drapey and cotton has no recovery will help you produce a finished object that behaves as expected.
2. Learn to modify patterns to fit your body. This is a foundational skill among sewists, but I don’t see it as much in knitters. It can be as easy as knitting more rows to lengthen a crop top to your preferred length. You can also use short rows to make bust darts, blend between sizes, combine elements from multiple patterns etc.
Here’s to many more years knitting!
@@emilypaulson1 hi Emily! Those are excellent lessons, and I couldn't agree more. I really appreciate your input ❤️❤️
Sweater #3! It includes cables (and you love knitting cables), and you are excited about the yarn, which will add to the knitting experience. Honestly, you should enjoy the knit as much as possible, though I do understand the feelings associated with not using yarn that has been in your stash much longer. Frankly, I decided to not feel too guilty about that older yarn that I keep skipping over lol. I do respect the concept of less is more and I have attempted to limit how much I take in (yarn, accessories, needles, etc.). A trip to Europe this summer and Rhinebeck last week have not helped me in that regard lol.
Thanks for sharing what you've learned over the last 4 years. My journey just started last year and I've learned so much from all of you podcasters on TH-cam!! Sorry but my vote is for the Kaskade. The Mallard color is beautiful and I think you look good in bright colors like your Book Club Cardigan.
@@stephanienorwicz1366 thanks for your input! ❤️❤️
Do the cabled pullover!!!! You’ve earned it!!
I would make the one from deep stash. You'll be SO satisfied when you use that deep stash to make something beautiful! Then you'll probably still be excited to work with your new yarn, and can use that next.
I agree with all of this. Especially color!
I totally agree with you about frogging. My lesson is pretty similar: for me, every project is worth doing right. I will rip and re-start a project as many times as it takes to make things correct. I feel prouder wearing the finished object when I know that I've made everything the way I want it and I haven't settled for less/tried to hide my mistakes.
I vote for sweater #3. Follow your energy! Especially if you're a product knitter, then having the finished garment you want to have sooner makes perfect sense. I do think sweater #2 is going to be incredibly gorgeous, however!
@cassafrass098 so true, i feel proudest when I know i did everything in my power to ensure a good outcome. Thanks for watching and for weighing in on decision 😁
Go with the Gemma sweater 😄. You can call it recency bias if you want but there's nothing wrong with being excited about your new yarn! Also think about it this way, if/when you get to the point when you have no stash you'll only ever have new yarn and so you'll have to get used to knitting with your new stuff straight away 😝. Your other yarn's waited long enough, it can wait a bit longer.
@@OliphantKat lol I LOVE your reasoning! 🤔🤔🤔
Can totally see what you mean with lesson 3, you have a clear bright complexion so saturated colours would look lovely on you
Go for Gemma! There is nothing wrong with using “fresh” yarn. That was the pattern that made me say, “ooooh!”
I love your attitude toward frogging, and you learned that lesson so quickly. I am less reluctant to frog a WIP than a finished object.
@@selfishknitter oh yeah, frogging an already finished item is definitely harder. And thanks for helping me choose!
I want to support you in the one you want to make the most; however, I’d love to see how that Let Lopi works up in the first cardigan and hear your take on it. The consensus, from what I’ve seen from other knitters, is that it’s either too scratchy or they just love it. And I’ve heard it’s plenty warm, so you may even be able to get away with using it as a jacket.
Whatever you choose, please be happy about it! Thanks for letting us vote 😊
You should knit what excites you! But that mallard color looks beautiful so selfishly I'd love to see you knit up that 2nd project/yarn combo.
I frog my work all the time. If it’s not going to fit or the mistakes aren’t fixable then I won’t wear it or want to give it as a gift. No regrets. The lesson on colors is a good one too. I am learning to be OK with repeating colors when they look flattering on me. I think because there are so many color choices in yarn, there is pressure to use unique colors. I get variety through textures, cable, and colorwork patterns. I vote for the Kascade. ☺️🧶
I would go with the Gemma sweater. It's what you are most excited about and I find that valuable. I love your 4 lessons. I have been learning about color as well and I think I will always be learning about that through my knitting as I explore options with various yarns. I have also learned to slow down on buying patterns. Just because it's on sale doesn't mean I need to buy it!
@@bradibergesen8272 I've learned the same thing with collecting patterns! I have so many that I haven't gotten around to knitting. I find it's better to just buy when I'm about to cast on
@balancedskein I've been thinking more about the things you've learned and it really got me thinking about what I have learned on my knitting journey and the changes I can make to be more authentic in my knitting. Thank you so much for posting this video. I never thought it would be so imapctful for me!
The Kaskade for sure.
Just found your podcast. I m enjoying your articulate presentation very much. Well done!
@danadunham1660 welcome, and thanks for watching!
Great video! thanks for sharing. I totally agree with what you said about color. I'm a new knitter and I love knitting stripes but not wearing them.
I love the cardigan #1!
Nice video... Your lessons are valuable! As for the last one you share, I just came to the opposite conclusion yesterday or the day before: I want to knit things that maybe do not look the best on me (round yoke colourwork sweaters), but that I will make anyway because I love colourwork. I am at home most of the time, so it doesn't really matter anyway. And with colour I can solve part of the issue, high contrast works well for me. Totally embrace the less is more. No more discount shopping for me. I ll gladly "pay" my discount to the shop for them to keep my yarn in their stash until I need it. 😊
@ouineque that's wonderful! Sounds like you're more of a process knitter and you know what you like which is so important!
I vote for Gemma!
I liked this episode a lot. Something I have thought about is that as a beginner knitter living in a remote location I bought yarn on special rather than for a project. That is not the best way to buy yarn. I have a lovely stash of yarns which I will work my way through those that I still like. I will also pass onto others those yarns I don’t want to knit with or, my tastes have changed. Just recently I have bought brushed mohair to add to skeins which will now allow me to knit garments I like but didn’t buy enough yarn for. For other yarns I haven’t enough skeins for, I will gradually add mohair or extra balls of the same yarn and hold them double so the dye lots aren’t obvious and don’t draw the eye. I also like knitting cables and lace but every now and then a good long run of stockinette is relaxing, too much is boring for my brain. Thanks for your honesty, it’s helpful to know other people have the same dilemmas as I do.
@@christinevalentine3373 i love that you're getting creative and making your stash work for you. Thanks for watching and engaging!
I need to learn that lesson about frogging.. I really hate it when I have to frog 😭 but my vote for the project you should work on is the second one - get through that deep stash stuff!
I was going to vote for #1 cardigan because that's my maiden/middle name 😂, however I say go for the Gemma since you're most excited about it and it looks like it has some cabling, which you said you most enjoy. You may like it so much that you'll finish before January!
#3 I think would be great and most practical for our Chicago winters.
Very perceptive points, all of which resonate. I use knitworthy members of my family as an excuse to knit colours, textures or styles that don’t suit me. Luckily we’re all quite different in tastes, tones and shape!
Unfortunately, for the last fifteen minutes my brain has been going “Kaskade, no Gemma, no Kaskade, no Gemma, no Kaskade…” and on. So I’m as hopelessly indecisive as you! 😂
@@nicolanoller9264 🤣🤣🤣
We have the same knitting journey story in a lot of ways. I’m a product knitter also and while I don’t ‘resent’ knitting through a project, I’m very excited when it’s finished. Also, I’m slowly appreciating that I have to rip sometimes. I still hate it but sometimes it’s necessary. Great podcast.
I also love cables / more intricate patterns but am not a particularly stylish or ornate person, so a lot of my sweaters go to my sister! I also find it a lot easier to wear cardigans and vests than sweaters because there’s no problem with itch and I can pair these items with the rest of my closet rather than have to style the sweater itself as a huge thing (if that makes sense)
Gemma, Kaskade then the third. In the sequence that corresponds to your level of excitement for these projects. Maybe finish 2024 with the Gemma, start 2025 with Cascade, and leave the third for the next fall
I agree about color. I'm still figuring it out for myself and have a sweater I want to make in a color I'm not sure about on me, so I'm going to buy a small amount and make a little Simple Thing scarf to see if it works with my complexion.
For next sweater, my vote is the Kaskade because it's beautiful and that's my favorite color. 😊 I think it would make a lovely sweater. And it'd be a great use of yarn you'd like to be made into something. I wonder if there'd be time to make the Gemma afterward.
@bloomwiththestars such a smart idea to start with a small project to test the color out. thanks for your input!
I vote for #3 💛
I think the Gemma would be a great option. The photos of the Olson show lots of extra fabric under the arms. That might feel a bit bulky. The Kaskade is great, but an open cardigan style might be more vertical. ( new edit!!) I was looking at a different Gemma! 😜
Go with what you are most excited about. It will deepen your investment in the product as well as decrease your stash. Your first cast on for 2025 could be the Kascade project.😊
@@rachelraye285 ❤️❤️
I would go with design 2 first as that will be wearable this winter, then design 3 that seems more like a spring jumper. Knit design 3 last for Autumn 2025. 😊
Oh man, I wish I was as accepting of frogging as you. I started knitting 3 years ago, and I'm still struggling with that!
I would go for option 1.
I have the same issue with my colors too.
I started knitting in 2020 or 2021 so about the same time. I enjoy small projects. Except I’ve come to hate mittens, lord help finish a pair I started last winter all I need to do is the darn thumbs 😂
@@kellyramos4140 🤣🤣🤣
I love to "look" at bright , saturated but, it doesn't make me feel good to wear them, so I Feast my eyes on th brights and knit with the muted.
Why not incorporate small elements of things you enjoy knitting into things you’ll enjoy wearing? For example a small cable down the each side of a sweater, at say the under arm. It’s not a major change to the sweater, if you’re knitting in a darker yarn it’ll hardly be noticeable but keep you more engaged as you work and it can be fun to have a little something different.
@@Starlit834 i hadn't even thought about doing something like that. Great idea!
I’ll be your fashion color coordinator just FaceTime me 😂😉