I love the ‘non-verbal-ness’ of charts. Whenever l’m in a Kinokuniya store, I spend a long time in their craft section. Thank you for your thoughtful makes.
As always, such an interesting episode! I love seeing the finished Hypnosis sweater, and I can't wait to see how the crochet/knit shirt works up. Thanks
I absolutely adore Japanese designers' attention to detail, tiny little things that inject fun into the knitting process, and their whimsical take on design. I don't think I could wear many of these designs, but get so much pleasure in looking at the patterns!
What a wonderful episode, Mel. I found your musings on the crochet pattern very interesting. I am an avid crocheter and I experimented a lot with delicate crochet garments in the past. Marie Wallin wrote 2 amazing books on crochet garments, some even combine knitting and crochet. While I love the way Japanese patterns are written, I learnt the most by studying Marie Wallin‘s crochet patterns. From what I see on the pattern pages of your project, there is every stitch laid out in its order. The squares are joined-as-you-go. Replacing the slip stich join with a taller stitch would change the overall look of the lace borders of each motif significantly, I assume. What you could easily do is adding a vertical strip - either knitted or crocheted - under the armhole down to the hip. Make each strip 3 cm wide will give you the desired additional width. Lengthen the sleeves accordingly, and you should be fine.
Yes, I do remember seeing those Marie Wallin knit/crochet combo patterns - a lot of floral motifs if I recall correctly. I know I have some of those saved on Ravelry 🥰
It dawned on me why I think the top still looks great despite the length you don't typically go for (I'm also a little short so I tend to make the same modifications lol this one got me thinking). The solid darker green starts at about where you typically stop your sweaters, so it's creating a higher visual "divide" between top and bottom even if it starts at a place in your sweater rather than between garments. I think if you continue wearing it with darker bottoms it'll keep the zones it creates between "top" and "bottom". Where as if you were to wear lighter bottoms with it, you'd be adding another divide, and wouldn't look the same proportionally.
This is so insightful, thanks for pointing this out! I was just having a conversation with friends yesterday about that horizontal divide and how playing with that line makes such a difference in the overall look. Definitely want to keep pondering this…
Beautiful job on your Hypnosis. I moonlight at an LYS, and a coworker referred me to your channel after I told her I bought that Japanese Rowan book. Hypnosis is one of the projects I plan to make. Your FO is making me want to move it up my queue. I also wanted to give you a brief confirmation on your undergarment thoughts. I used to have a STUNNING Alexander McQueen dress shirt made of a very diaphanous cotton batiste. I wore a Hanes undershirt with the cut off sleeves under it, and it looked great.
For the crochet sweater, if you're ok with adding width to only the body of the sweater around the bust area (not at the shoulders), you might consider adding a partial motif just under the sleeve + at the underarm where the drape of the fabric will disguise any changes. This would make more of a traditional armscye shape so you'd need to hack the sleeve shape a bit, but I think you'd still get "the look" of the original design.
I love the Japanese aesthetic, but i think I would have to gird my loins, as it were, approaching any pattern that's only in Japanese. More power to you for taking on the challenge! Your intarsia sweater looks beautiful, and I enjoy watching your process.
You Hypnosis is stunning, just amazing! I want to make it as well and I totally get it when you say that after doing it you can everything :) I'm just not in that stage yet. I'm looking forward for your crochet top, I started doing some crochet and I find it very interesting your thought process and all the modifications (for crochet and knitting). All the best :)
Athena Liu of the Seedling Stitch podcast also knits a lot from japanese patterns! She's how I learned about Erika Tokai (her wall garden sweater is very kitch and cute). Iirc athena has even knit that colorwork bow vest you showed! If anyone is wanting to buy several japanese books at once, it might be cheaper to order from Japan via a proxy service like zenmarket. The yen is very weak right now compared to USD, so buying direct from Japan is often cheaper. I've also ordered individual books from my local japanese bookstore.
Hi Mel, good to see you and your amazing stuff. I'm intrigued as how to you figure out your latest challenge. Trebles between squares.....might change the overall look of the pattern...i would be tempted to add additional gorgeous of crochet at underarms, perhaps?😂 I have no idea😂 Much love to you and yours ❤
I am so impressed how you handled the broken stitches, Melissa! It seems that you had lots of joy at the end with this challenging pattern. Hypnosis let your knitting wings grow. Thank you for analyzing the crochet pattern. So interesting!
Mel, if one is in Manhattan, the bookstore Kinokuniya has a large selection of Japanese knitting magazines in their basement area which is great for the person who wants to see them in person. Oddly, they don’t carry Amirisu.
Your hypnosis sweater is absolutely a work of art! 😮- my face when you regaled us with the neck issues! But, props for persevering and encouraging us by sharing your struggles. 💚🧶😉 I was curious… what sweater blocker are you using there? As always, thank you for taking us along on your journey. 😊
I love the Japanese style! I’ve not knit/crocheted a garment (yet!) but I have sewn quite a few, and love them. Regarding the sweater you are starting, I am wondering if you really need to make it any bigger, because that huge sleeve will automatically add quite a bit of room. If you need more room at the hip only, maybe just make the bottom row of motifs at a larger gauge. I look forward to seeing your finished sweater! Your workmanship is top notch!
I’m in love with that crochet motif! ❤ And your watercolor sweater turned out amazing. And, this might be showing my age, but see how that longer sweater looks with a belt at the waist. Great episode!
What an interesting puzzle to solve is your crochet/Knit summer top! I love that you almost always choose unusual garment projects. Your Hypnosis sweater is absolutely stunning ! Congratulations on all of your hard work and perseverance. ❤❤❤
Love the jumper. I've been waiting for you to finish. Now I'm going to waiting for the next top which looks gorgeous, the sleeves are very interesting. I've said before I don't knit but love watching your videos. X
This was great! I traveled years ago routinely when I was in the garment business for design inspiration. What I think Western knitters misunderstand about Japanese sizing is that it is often oversized and commercial garments aren’t offered in as many sizes because the oversized aspect fits many. I think Japanese patterns reflect this. I am petite and this is all up my alley! ( I actually bought my wedding dress in Tokyo!).
"without looking like a tradwife" 🙂--pairing the top with wide-leg pants will save you, with a perfect blend of old & modern styles ... your repair on Hypnosis is invisible, very worth the time spent on it; i am also guilty of trying on a WIP with my glasses on. i promise to learn from your mistake--thx for cautioning us!
Hello, Wow- the Hypnosis sweater is so gorgeous. Its such an eye catchy sweater. Like a work of art. The creator should make an effort to size this pattern for multiple body sizes as I believe she would sell a boatload to knitters. I know I would purchase it if it had my size. It could quite possibly take over the popularity of the Ranunculas sweater!!!! Cudos to you for taking on the challenge and figuring out how to adapt it for you. I would wear it with black yoga pants that were shorter above the ankle with a calf hugging fit. No baggy pants with it. If a skirt, a black figure hugging knit skirt that is mid calf. You don't want anything to distract from that walking painting!!!!!!!!! Carrie from Northern CA Bay Area 😘🖖❤🐶🐑☕🧵🪡🧶
Your Hypnosis Sweater turned out amazing!! And I agree with you so much about how Japanese knitwear designers are masters of putting their own spin on traditional European knitting styles. They just put so much thought and care into small details, I find it so very admirable. I also have the Ecologue book and the sweater on the cover is on my list of dream projects.
Firstly, your Hypnosis sweater is gorgeous! 😍 My ears perked up when you mentioned patterns that combine crochet and knitting, because I've been eyeing up the recently-released Link Sweater by Tomomi Yoshimoto, which has a crocheted yoke and hem but is otherwise knit. That might have to be my next sweater project! Love your channel, it's my favorite knitting-related channel and I'm always so happy when a new video pops up! ☺️
Your Hypnosis sweater is phenomenal!! For the new pattern, you may be able to make an extra chain row all along the length of the first strip of motifs before you attach the second row. If you wanted to make it even on both sides you could make the four long strips of motifs, add like a chain 5, sc in previous ch space down the length of each. Then do a join method where you do 2ch, sc on right chain space, 2ch, sc on left chain space. Hope this makes sense!
Your sweater is stunning! I love that you figured out what needed to be done or adjusted and did it! It's one thing I love about knitting, that stitches can be disguised or changed in ways that no one will know. Once when I discovered a circular colorwork Alice Starmore cardigan was actually twisted (!) after 3-4", I crocheted my steek, cut it, untwisted it, and carried on. And that's just one example of many! We knitters are brave and clever, right?! 😊
Your knitting skill continues to blow me away! Such a beautiful sweater. For adding width to the cotton sweater, what about making the back and front different sizes? I'm thinking of adding 1 motif on each side of the front but keeping the back as is. I've used this as a strategy for adding room for my bust in knitted sweaters so wonder if it would work here. Also, Kinokuniya is a great source for Japanese knitting books, at least in-store.
In some languages, including Japanese, knitting and crochet have the same name, so it makes sense that they are combined more often. In the English speaking world they've become quite separated and people get offended if you label them wrong. Your Hypnosis sweater looks gorgeous! I think I puzzle out projects in a similar way to you.
Great point re: the language, so fascinating. I wonder if that’s why “knit” is sometimes spelled out in katakana in the book titles, maybe it’s to provide some additional clarification there 🧐
Thanks for the fascinating info. I have a Japanese (with some English) pattern in my library, the second pattern I ever purchased and I still have not started but you have encouraged me to try. The crochet top is great! I am not a granny square person AT ALL, but this design is lovely. Your crochet top from several years ago prompted me to learn crochet. I made a shopping bag, super quick and successful. Then I realized what fine yarn your top used and I chickened out....
Yes! I love your comment at the end that the Japanese designers seem on the whole less constrained by "traditions". I think that feeds how syncretic their patterns often are, combining different techniques and styles in the same pattern (lace + fair isle, Estonian nupps + cables etc). You can see this kind of aesthetic inspiring Western designers, in a sort of reverse influence. Sari Nordlund in particular seems to be very influenced by Japanese knitting aesthetics, in her stitch patterns if not necessary in the fit of her garments.
So glad you're back! I love your videos, I always feel so inspired to pick my needles back up. The hypnosis sweater turned out lovely (even the length you were worried about - it looks really nice on you!)
Thank you for another great episode. I have a question about your next project. The "bust" measurement given is 88 cm, and each motif is supposed to be 11 cm. There are 4 motifs across the front and the back, meaning all they've taken into account in calculating the "bust" measurement are the motifs. However, you also have the openings for the arms, which will be quite wide. It doesn't look like the front and back motifs join together until around the natural waist and even then only just barely so before splitting again for the split hem. Since you don't need that much additional width, could you simply add a couple centimeters under each arm with some kind of crochet fill? Kind of like how you can cast on extra stitches under the arm when knitting top down. That would give you the extra width at the one point where the front and back motifs join.
I only knit, (I'm 23) but I would like to know how to crochet as well. Crafting is actually not very common in my family, my grandmother knows basic knit stitches, but no crochet. I do have a great aunt that crochets, but she only makes blankets, my cousin knows crochet-not knitting. I do think in the past it was more common to learn both, and I find a lot of crafters these days specialize in one without knowing the other.
I find combos knit and crochet in wearable items. Crochet is better for some things like edgings. Knitting creates softer and I think stretcher fabrics. I haven't found many combo patterns.
Motifs can be joined as they are made, which makes them sturdier and prettier and less craft like ɓut more one piece. You could do partial Motifs to the sides
Hi Mel, I always learn something watching your videos - so Thank you for that 🙏🏼 You ask if any of us crochet at the same level as we knit! And yes, I think that some of us do - my mother or grandmother tought me to knit and crochet when I was 11-12 years old and that was during the 1960 - and also in school they tought us girls to knit and crothet! But that took place in Denmark - I don’t know if that was tought in other countries than the scandinavian countries! 🤷🏼♀️ Great job on the hypothesis sweater 💪🏼 Right now I’m working on Andrea Mowry’s ‘Framed’, her latest Rhinebeck sweater 😊
Thank you for another wonderful podcast! :) Your hypnosis looks amazing and was worth all the effort 100%. Actually, it looks very nice worn full length without a tack. I see it in those Japanese magazines too: long sweaters worn with wide leg mid shin pants. It's a cool look. I got a bunch of Japanese magazines in physical form but also as very cheap digital downloads from another seller on Etsy. Japanese patterns are really inspiring and just so creative! I want to knit everything there is in those books. In one of them I even saw a pattern where they combine knitting and sewn fabric in a sweater - how creative is that! Good luck with the new project, i'm sure it will be tons of fun :D
I'm intrigued by the Japanese patterns you use. I find lots of cool patterns only in Japanese and I'm afraid to try. Do you just go with charts and schematics? I really want to get over this hurdle.
I grew up in Korea. "Household Management" was one of the mandatory classes for girls, starting 7th grade. I was taught crochet, not knitting. And I must say I never liked it. My mom did all the home work crochet for me. On my own, I learned to knit in my early 30s. I still don't have much desire to learn how to crochet. Crochet is a lot more popular in Korea. Koreans tend to not crochet and knit at the same level. I certainly don't.
Ho alcuni dei libri in giapponese che hai mostrato, Sono davvero belli e diversi. Capisco bene, gli schemi, Ma per la taglia, bisogna lavorare molto. Questo smorza l' entusiasmo prima ancora di cominciare.😱
Another fascinating episode! I am so in love with Japanese knitwear.
You sweater is so beautiful! Love the colors. I still have to try to knit a japanese pattern!
I love the ‘non-verbal-ness’ of charts. Whenever l’m in a Kinokuniya store, I spend a long time in their craft section. Thank you for your thoughtful makes.
As always, such an interesting episode! I love seeing the finished Hypnosis sweater, and I can't wait to see how the crochet/knit shirt works up. Thanks
What an excellent video. I love hearing how you *think* through projects. Such a deep, well-thought-out podcast. Please keep them coming!
The hypnosis sweater is stunning!!
This sweater is STUNNING!
Your Hypnosis is GORGEOUS! Wow! 😍
Fabulous and fascinating as always, thanks Mel!
I absolutely adore Japanese designers' attention to detail, tiny little things that inject fun into the knitting process, and their whimsical take on design. I don't think I could wear many of these designs, but get so much pleasure in looking at the patterns!
Thanks Mel.
What a wonderful episode, Mel. I found your musings on the crochet pattern very interesting. I am an avid crocheter and I experimented a lot with delicate crochet garments in the past. Marie Wallin wrote 2 amazing books on crochet garments, some even combine knitting and crochet. While I love the way Japanese patterns are written, I learnt the most by studying Marie Wallin‘s crochet patterns.
From what I see on the pattern pages of your project, there is every stitch laid out in its order. The squares are joined-as-you-go. Replacing the slip stich join with a taller stitch would change the overall look of the lace borders of each motif significantly, I assume. What you could easily do is adding a vertical strip - either knitted or crocheted - under the armhole down to the hip. Make each strip 3 cm wide will give you the desired additional width. Lengthen the sleeves accordingly, and you should be fine.
Yes, I do remember seeing those Marie Wallin knit/crochet combo patterns - a lot of floral motifs if I recall correctly. I know I have some of those saved on Ravelry 🥰
Another great podcast. Thank you! You definitely inspire me to try harder knitting projects!
It dawned on me why I think the top still looks great despite the length you don't typically go for (I'm also a little short so I tend to make the same modifications lol this one got me thinking). The solid darker green starts at about where you typically stop your sweaters, so it's creating a higher visual "divide" between top and bottom even if it starts at a place in your sweater rather than between garments. I think if you continue wearing it with darker bottoms it'll keep the zones it creates between "top" and "bottom". Where as if you were to wear lighter bottoms with it, you'd be adding another divide, and wouldn't look the same proportionally.
This is so insightful, thanks for pointing this out! I was just having a conversation with friends yesterday about that horizontal divide and how playing with that line makes such a difference in the overall look. Definitely want to keep pondering this…
Beautiful job on your Hypnosis. I moonlight at an LYS, and a coworker referred me to your channel after I told her I bought that Japanese Rowan book. Hypnosis is one of the projects I plan to make. Your FO is making me want to move it up my queue.
I also wanted to give you a brief confirmation on your undergarment thoughts. I used to have a STUNNING Alexander McQueen dress shirt made of a very diaphanous cotton batiste. I wore a Hanes undershirt with the cut off sleeves under it, and it looked great.
For the crochet sweater, if you're ok with adding width to only the body of the sweater around the bust area (not at the shoulders), you might consider adding a partial motif just under the sleeve + at the underarm where the drape of the fabric will disguise any changes. This would make more of a traditional armscye shape so you'd need to hack the sleeve shape a bit, but I think you'd still get "the look" of the original design.
I love the intarsia sweater
I love the Japanese aesthetic, but i think I would have to gird my loins, as it were, approaching any pattern that's only in Japanese. More power to you for taking on the challenge! Your intarsia sweater looks beautiful, and I enjoy watching your process.
Your sweater is beautiful!
Mel, your Hypnosis Sweater is so dang cool. Excellent job, and thanks so much for sharing your making with us!
I found this channel because of this sweater. I'm so happy to see it done. It's so beautiful. I can' t imagine doing all of that intarsia with mohair.
You Hypnosis is stunning, just amazing! I want to make it as well and I totally get it when you say that after doing it you can everything :) I'm just not in that stage yet.
I'm looking forward for your crochet top, I started doing some crochet and I find it very interesting your thought process and all the modifications (for crochet and knitting).
All the best :)
Athena Liu of the Seedling Stitch podcast also knits a lot from japanese patterns! She's how I learned about Erika Tokai (her wall garden sweater is very kitch and cute). Iirc athena has even knit that colorwork bow vest you showed!
If anyone is wanting to buy several japanese books at once, it might be cheaper to order from Japan via a proxy service like zenmarket. The yen is very weak right now compared to USD, so buying direct from Japan is often cheaper. I've also ordered individual books from my local japanese bookstore.
Hi Mel, good to see you and your amazing stuff. I'm intrigued as how to you figure out your latest challenge. Trebles between squares.....might change the overall look of the pattern...i would be tempted to add additional gorgeous of crochet at underarms, perhaps?😂 I have no idea😂 Much love to you and yours ❤
This is gorgeous!
That sweater is so gorgeous, I would do a triple take if I saw it in person. Hope you enjoy showing it off when the weather gets cooler!
I am so impressed how you handled the broken stitches, Melissa! It seems that you had lots of joy at the end with this challenging pattern. Hypnosis let your knitting wings grow. Thank you for analyzing the crochet pattern. So interesting!
Mel, if one is in Manhattan, the bookstore Kinokuniya has a large selection of Japanese knitting magazines in their basement area which is great for the person who wants to see them in person. Oddly, they don’t carry Amirisu.
Your hypnosis sweater is absolutely a work of art! 😮- my face when you regaled us with the neck issues! But, props for persevering and encouraging us by sharing your struggles. 💚🧶😉
I was curious… what sweater blocker are you using there?
As always, thank you for taking us along on your journey. 😊
You did an amazing repair on that neckline! I wouldn't have had the patience you have to fix the collar three times.
I love the Japanese style! I’ve not knit/crocheted a garment (yet!) but I have sewn quite a few, and love them. Regarding the sweater you are starting, I am wondering if you really need to make it any bigger, because that huge sleeve will automatically add quite a bit of room. If you need more room at the hip only, maybe just make the bottom row of motifs at a larger gauge. I look forward to seeing your finished sweater! Your workmanship is top notch!
Very impressive! Not sure I'd have the patience to knit these intricate patterns😅but liked watching your video on it.
You are marvelous.
I’m in love with that crochet motif! ❤ And your watercolor sweater turned out amazing. And, this might be showing my age, but see how that longer sweater looks with a belt at the waist. Great episode!
What an interesting puzzle to solve is your crochet/Knit summer top! I love that you almost always choose unusual garment projects.
Your Hypnosis sweater is absolutely stunning ! Congratulations on all of your hard work and perseverance.
❤❤❤
Always love to watch your episodes and love the Japanese patterns 💖
Love the jumper. I've been waiting for you to finish. Now I'm going to waiting for the next top which looks gorgeous, the sleeves are very interesting. I've said before I don't knit but love watching your videos. X
This was great! I traveled years ago routinely when I was in the garment business for design inspiration. What I think Western knitters misunderstand about Japanese sizing is that it is often oversized and commercial garments aren’t offered in as many sizes because the oversized aspect fits many. I think Japanese patterns reflect this. I am petite and this is all up my alley! ( I actually bought my wedding dress in Tokyo!).
Go Mel!! 🎉Such an inspirational sharing. You're not afraid to take on Japanese. Love everything you showed and shared. ❤
"without looking like a tradwife" 🙂--pairing the top with wide-leg pants will save you, with a perfect blend of old & modern styles ... your repair on Hypnosis is invisible, very worth the time spent on it; i am also guilty of trying on a WIP with my glasses on. i promise to learn from your mistake--thx for cautioning us!
😂😂😂 it was all I could see in my mind when I pictured myself in a long denim skirt! Hopefully we’re both right about the wide leg pants 🤞🏼
Wonderful podcast Mel! It is so interesting to hear how you think about the challenges with these designs. Your finished sweater is fabulous!
Thank you Mel. Fabulous sweaters
Hello, Wow- the Hypnosis sweater is so gorgeous. Its such an eye catchy sweater. Like a work of art. The creator should make an effort to size this pattern for multiple body sizes as I believe she would sell a boatload to knitters. I know I would purchase it if it had my size. It could quite possibly take over the popularity of the Ranunculas sweater!!!! Cudos to you for taking on the challenge and figuring out how to adapt it for you. I would wear it with black yoga pants that were shorter above the ankle with a calf hugging fit. No baggy pants with it. If a skirt, a black figure hugging knit skirt that is mid calf. You don't want anything to distract from that walking painting!!!!!!!!! Carrie from Northern CA Bay Area 😘🖖❤🐶🐑☕🧵🪡🧶
It is a beautiful sweater, and I like it on you at the longer length.
I really appreciate how you talk us through your reasoning and problem solving. It helps me when I'm working on things later.
Your Hypnosis Sweater turned out amazing!! And I agree with you so much about how Japanese knitwear designers are masters of putting their own spin on traditional European knitting styles. They just put so much thought and care into small details, I find it so very admirable. I also have the Ecologue book and the sweater on the cover is on my list of dream projects.
That cover sweater is soooo dreamy 🥰
Amazing job on Hypnosis! Love the colors you chose. Looks like a watercolor painting.
Firstly, your Hypnosis sweater is gorgeous! 😍 My ears perked up when you mentioned patterns that combine crochet and knitting, because I've been eyeing up the recently-released Link Sweater by Tomomi Yoshimoto, which has a crocheted yoke and hem but is otherwise knit. That might have to be my next sweater project! Love your channel, it's my favorite knitting-related channel and I'm always so happy when a new video pops up! ☺️
Your Hypnosis sweater is phenomenal!! For the new pattern, you may be able to make an extra chain row all along the length of the first strip of motifs before you attach the second row. If you wanted to make it even on both sides you could make the four long strips of motifs, add like a chain 5, sc in previous ch space down the length of each. Then do a join method where you do 2ch, sc on right chain space, 2ch, sc on left chain space. Hope this makes sense!
Your sweater is stunning! I love that you figured out what needed to be done or adjusted and did it! It's one thing I love about knitting, that stitches can be disguised or changed in ways that no one will know. Once when I discovered a circular colorwork Alice Starmore cardigan was actually twisted (!) after 3-4", I crocheted my steek, cut it, untwisted it, and carried on. And that's just one example of many! We knitters are brave and clever, right?! 😊
I love this comment and totally agree! What a clever solution with your steek ❤️
Love your channel Mel. I wear glasses so totally understand your reasoning! I hate getting my jumpers on and off with them on !
Your knitting skill continues to blow me away! Such a beautiful sweater. For adding width to the cotton sweater, what about making the back and front different sizes? I'm thinking of adding 1 motif on each side of the front but keeping the back as is. I've used this as a strategy for adding room for my bust in knitted sweaters so wonder if it would work here. Also, Kinokuniya is a great source for Japanese knitting books, at least in-store.
In some languages, including Japanese, knitting and crochet have the same name, so it makes sense that they are combined more often. In the English speaking world they've become quite separated and people get offended if you label them wrong.
Your Hypnosis sweater looks gorgeous!
I think I puzzle out projects in a similar way to you.
Great point re: the language, so fascinating. I wonder if that’s why “knit” is sometimes spelled out in katakana in the book titles, maybe it’s to provide some additional clarification there 🧐
Your sweater is stunning. Excellent job.
Thank you so much!
Thanks for the fascinating info. I have a Japanese (with some English) pattern in my library, the second pattern I ever purchased and I still have not started but you have encouraged me to try. The crochet top is great! I am not a granny square person AT ALL, but this design is lovely. Your crochet top from several years ago prompted me to learn crochet. I made a shopping bag, super quick and successful. Then I realized what fine yarn your top used and I chickened out....
Oh wow, I’m honored that you picked up crochet because of me!! That top was definitely a labor of love 😂
Yes! I love your comment at the end that the Japanese designers seem on the whole less constrained by "traditions". I think that feeds how syncretic their patterns often are, combining different techniques and styles in the same pattern (lace + fair isle, Estonian nupps + cables etc). You can see this kind of aesthetic inspiring Western designers, in a sort of reverse influence. Sari Nordlund in particular seems to be very influenced by Japanese knitting aesthetics, in her stitch patterns if not necessary in the fit of her garments.
Totally agree re: Sari’s patterns! Lots of Hitomi Shida inspiration there and I love it.
I have absolutely LOVED this series of videos. I'm so tempted to purchase a book now.
I was so invested in this sweater! I loved! I think you did an excellent job! Thank you for sharing!❤
So glad you're back! I love your videos, I always feel so inspired to pick my needles back up. The hypnosis sweater turned out lovely (even the length you were worried about - it looks really nice on you!)
Great episode, as always!
Beautiful hypnosis ❤enjoy your podcast very much. Thank you
Thank you for another great episode. I have a question about your next project. The "bust" measurement given is 88 cm, and each motif is supposed to be 11 cm. There are 4 motifs across the front and the back, meaning all they've taken into account in calculating the "bust" measurement are the motifs. However, you also have the openings for the arms, which will be quite wide. It doesn't look like the front and back motifs join together until around the natural waist and even then only just barely so before splitting again for the split hem. Since you don't need that much additional width, could you simply add a couple centimeters under each arm with some kind of crochet fill? Kind of like how you can cast on extra stitches under the arm when knitting top down. That would give you the extra width at the one point where the front and back motifs join.
I only knit, (I'm 23) but I would like to know how to crochet as well. Crafting is actually not very common in my family, my grandmother knows basic knit stitches, but no crochet. I do have a great aunt that crochets, but she only makes blankets, my cousin knows crochet-not knitting. I do think in the past it was more common to learn both, and I find a lot of crafters these days specialize in one without knowing the other.
Thank you for not apologizing for having to do math! Some of us love puzzling through the types of modifications you did.
This is a math-friendly channel for sure 🤣
I find combos knit and crochet in wearable items. Crochet is better for some things like edgings. Knitting creates softer and I think stretcher fabrics. I haven't found many combo patterns.
Congrats For the Hypothesis sweater Mel! Amazing job!! 🥂
Thank you!! Feels like a real accomplishment ❤️
Motifs can be joined as they are made, which makes them sturdier and prettier and less craft like ɓut more one piece. You could do partial Motifs to the sides
Hi Mel, I always learn something watching your videos - so Thank you for that 🙏🏼 You ask if any of us crochet at the same level as we knit! And yes, I think that some of us do - my mother or grandmother tought me to knit and crochet when I was 11-12 years old and that was during the 1960 - and also in school they tought us girls to knit and crothet! But that took place in Denmark - I don’t know if that was tought in other countries than the scandinavian countries! 🤷🏼♀️
Great job on the hypothesis sweater 💪🏼
Right now I’m working on Andrea Mowry’s ‘Framed’, her latest Rhinebeck sweater 😊
Ooo nice, that Framed pattern looks like a fun one!
Thank you for another wonderful podcast! :) Your hypnosis looks amazing and was worth all the effort 100%. Actually, it looks very nice worn full length without a tack. I see it in those Japanese magazines too: long sweaters worn with wide leg mid shin pants. It's a cool look.
I got a bunch of Japanese magazines in physical form but also as very cheap digital downloads from another seller on Etsy. Japanese patterns are really inspiring and just so creative! I want to knit everything there is in those books. In one of them I even saw a pattern where they combine knitting and sewn fabric in a sweater - how creative is that! Good luck with the new project, i'm sure it will be tons of fun :D
Ooo I’ll have to go down the digital download rabbit hole on Etsy as well - I hadn’t encountered those yet!
Wow! The Hypnosis is gorgeous! Regarding the crochet top: if a double crochet creates too much ease, would a half double crochet do the trick? 😊
So excited, ❤x
lol, I totally see you wearing that “proper” sweater! Looks just like you (but I see you in a shorter sleeve)
I’ll definitely have to consider that sleeve length alteration!
I'm intrigued by the Japanese patterns you use. I find lots of cool patterns only in Japanese and I'm afraid to try. Do you just go with charts and schematics? I really want to get over this hurdle.
I grew up in Korea. "Household Management" was one of the mandatory classes for girls, starting 7th grade. I was taught crochet, not knitting. And I must say I never liked it. My mom did all the home work crochet for me. On my own, I learned to knit in my early 30s. I still don't have much desire to learn how to crochet. Crochet is a lot more popular in Korea. Koreans tend to not crochet and knit at the same level. I certainly don't.
Ho alcuni dei libri in giapponese che hai mostrato, Sono davvero belli e diversi. Capisco bene, gli schemi, Ma per la taglia, bisogna lavorare molto. Questo smorza l' entusiasmo prima ancora di cominciare.😱
Agreed, having to do the calculations isn’t so fun when you just want to jump in and get started!
Soooo beautiful!! I swear i saw a pink version mass produced & advertised by ON, and all I could think was: “I have this pattern in my stash” 🥲
Oh wow, it somehow hasn’t been advertised to me yet so I’ll have to keep an eye out!