Lessons Learned from MY MOST WORN MAKES (and what I'd do differently next time!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 ก.พ. 2023
- Today I'm revisiting SEVEN of my most worn makes from the last nine years! I was surprised how much I could learn about my knitting from the projects that have brought me the most joy and comfort.
| THE MAKES |
Boxy: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Weekender Light: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Musselburgh (shorter): www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Musselburgh (longer): www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Like a Cloud: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Something Cozy: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Honey Cowl: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Long Summer Cardigan: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Slipstravaganza: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
| OTHER LINKS |
My Sweatshirt: tlyarncrafts.com/collections/...
My Project Pages: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
The Podcast: bit.ly/LoveinStitchesPodcast
| SUPPORT LOVE IN STITCHES |
Love in Stitches Merch: love-in-stitches.myspreadshop...
Ravelry Store: www.ravelry.com/designers/kni...
Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/shop/loveinstitc...
Amazon Storefront: www.amazon.com/shop/knittynatty
Yarnable Sign Up (affiliate link): lddy.no/tqe5
| SOCIAL + LINKS |
Instagram: / knittynatty
Ravelry Projects: www.ravelry.com/projects/knat...
Website: knittynatty.com/
Membership: loveinstitches.mykajabi.com/l...
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In Rav when looking at a pattern there is a spot right after the tags that will 'search patterns with these attributes'. Not always a perfect match but a good place to start. And of coarse there is always the advance search for the features you want to include.
good for your upstairs neighbor for having such a consistent workout routine!😂
Cowls are my go to "I wanna make something", and I have figured out that I don't like what I am calling "orphan scarves"- scarves that have no matching hat. When buying yarn that is not for a specific project I am now required to buy at least enough for a hat and scarf. No more single skeins unless it's huge with yardage.
Thanks very much! I always appreciate hearing your thoughtful insights to your knitting. Just wanted to mention that while Churchmouse closed its brick and mortar store, it still has an online store.
A new shop just opened out there too!
When I first started making sweaters I always made jumpers, but now I make cardigans. I live in the DFW area and with the up and down weather in the Winter cardigans layered over a T shirt make more sense.
Oh one thing I'd add is if you find a pattern that really works for you, it's OK to knit it over and over again, especially if it's for something like an accessory. I've knitted lots of scarves and shawls but the one I gravitate towards and wear over and over again is the Coquille shawl from Knitty. It's a free pattern and I'm now working on my seventh one. I thought it was boring knitting the same thing over and over but whenever I've knit another scarf or shawl I always end up disappointed because I can't figure out how to wear it! Coquille is perfect for me because it only uses one skein of yarn, it's interesting to knit, and I can tuck the ends in when I wrap it around my neck and it stays there and doesn't get in the way. I think I might be Coquille's biggest fan!
I knitted the Honey cowl too and I was surprised by how much I loved that one, so if you're the sort of person who likes things wrapped around their neck that won't dangle or fall off, both of those patterns are great
My son and his family live on Bainbridge Island…Churchmouse was my favorite! They are still there, just online only - but still great yarns and classic patterns and customer service. Fortunately after they closed their brick and mortar store, two more yarn stores opened on Bainbridge. The Lamb and Kid and La Mercerie - both super lovely shops!!
Lol this whole time I’ve thought you were saying “muscle bro” hat. And I was thinking hmmm manly 😂😂😂
Well I had an epiphany while watching this. All of the store-bought cardigans in my closet that I adore are very similar to the like a cloud and long summer cardigan you showed. And yet, I always pass up these patterns. I just purchased like a cloud and am giving it a go! Thanks! P.S. musselburgh is the best hat ever. You inspired me to knit my first one, and now I have 3.
Like a Cloud was my first cardigan based on Natalie reco. I highly recommend it.
Love your cardigan! I could see myself wearing that one. Pink is my go to colour. Pink and grey, pink and navy are my favourite combos. The twisted stitch sounds difficult though. ❤
I didn't go through my makes, but I did a recent stash purge and that was also revealing! I totally have a preference to cool colours because that was most of what was left! I also realized through wearing my own knit sweaters that cardigans are not my thing, I rarely reach for them.
Thanks Natalie! This was so helpful. One idea I’ve had that was confirmed is that I need to pull out the two or three store bought sweaters I wear over an over and 1. measure them, and 2. find patterns that I can use to duplicate them. I need more basics in my wardrobe!
Ah the infamous "apartment upstairs"... My upstairs neighbors sounded like they turned their apartment into a bowling alley at 3 AM.
I love the Honey cowl! I made mine in 2015 but it HAS NOT held up as well as yours!
2 of my favorite sweaters are also the Weekender & the Boxy, but in DK weight for both of them. They are so wearable & can be dressed up or down.
I cannot wait to start slipstravanganza! Ordered the yarn, ready to cake up. And I would never consider to make a boxy. I even add waist shaping to a lot of the straight body sweaters and cardigans I knit. So fun how different we all are, with our own preferences :-) Let's celebrate diversity and customizing to our own size and the fit we feel good in :-)
Well no - no hand knit wearables in this house - yet!! But still glad to learn from you for when I get ready to brave a sweater. 🧶💕🧶.
I'd never seen Musselburgh before but I've just moved to Finland and I think it'd be perfect! Especially because I seem to have a very sensitive scalp and a lot of knitted hats make me itchy or make my head sore (the scales of the wool seem to pull on my hair.) So if I can find a nice smooth sock yarn or something I'll make Musselburgh right away!
This is so interesting as someone who is about to finish my first garment (cardigan). Can't wait to be able to do this a couple of years from now!
The reason I like to make my own clothes is to get things to fit. In the past few years I've discovered I'm relatively petite in my shoulders and bust so raglan suits me best. I am really cautious with lacey round necks. However my hips are several sizes bigger than my bust. I am also long in the torso with shorter than average limbs. top down is great because trying on is the best way to get a good fit.
Ohhhh and I meant to tell you that your mention of Bainbridge Island made me homesick!!! That’s near my neck of the woods!!
If you did a video of when you were in that shop picking out your yarn, I’d love a link to watch it. I may have already seen it, but can’t remember. Thank you.
This is such a great topic and something that definitely doesn't get discussed enough! I think it's important for all knitters but especially true for those who don't have recipe measurements... meaning those who don't fit the perfect mold. Also, I think with your complexion and lovely eye color, you'd also look amazeballs in several shades of bright blue-teal-green as well as a marine blue if you ever wanted to explore fun colors other than pink. You'd also look great in a deep, saturated peachy-pinky-coral. Also, please check out Life in the Long Grass yarns. You won't be disappointed when it comes to how good they feel, how well they knit, or the amazing spectrum of color offered.
Something really important I've learned about positive ease and being plus-sized is that you have to also be really careful where that positive ease is. Too often, designs for plus size bodies are just scaled up straight sizes without much else taken into account. So, while you find yourself going down in a body size and up in an arm size to get the perfect fit, many plus size persons may find themselves going down in the body and down even further in the arms. (Not all plus size persons, but I would say many). I've also noticed that positive ease can look really cute on my plus sized body if the garment is shorter (not necessarily cropped) with a loose hem. I've found the desired amount of negative ease goes out the window the second there's a snugging hem on a sweater. That just turns most plus size bodies and most mid size bodies into balloon shapes.
Really enjoyed this. I saw garments that I have already made, items that I want to make and patterns that are in my library waiting to be made. I think my favorite designer is Joji. Easily own the most of her patterns. That long cardigan you knit is fabulous (Now on my list to make).Thanks!
Thanks for this episode. I also love my weekender even more since I have knitted myself the "simple bralette". Now I am happy that everyone can see the nice knitted straps of it appearing in the open neckline.
Thank you for all the info today. It will be extremely helpful for a sweater I’m thinking of knitting!!!
I've not got enough makes yet to have a style yet but I'll be keeping an eye on my makes!
Love your thought about knitting multiple patterns from designers that you love. I've knit several knitatude patterns and have plans for several more- largely because I know her 2xl fits me perfect every time. I don't have to worry about schematics, I know if I get gauge I'm good to go
I just finished my first Weekender Light by Andrea Mowry, and I love it! I think it's such a great easy to wear sweater. I wish the neckline was more scooped, too, but I'm still learning a lot about knitting construction. So if I ever make another one, hopefully I'll be even more knowledgeable and be able to adjust it.
Quite a though provoking episode! Definitely will do some measuring and review. 🧶
I will definately knit one or two of the muzleborough (?) Hat. Have a lot of singe skeins of fingering weigt yarn
There are some things I've known for awhile (like the best length) but this past weekend I sat down and actually made a list of which sweaters I like the best, which are ok, and which ones I really don't love and made some notes of comparison. I like yokes best, raglans are ok, drop shoulder isn't for me and set-in sleeve construction is hit and miss. I have rarely had a bottom-up sweater I'm completely happy with, all my favorites have been top-down, and I figured out what size/how much ease I need to knit to be happiest. I've also realized I need to pay attention to the neck line more- the wide boat neck thing looks ok on me but ends up annoying me because I don't like having straps peeking out.
I can’t believe I remember when you were making that slip________. I can’t remember how to spell it. If I remember correctly, you seemed to be a really good sport about how long it was taking to complete.
I absolutely loved this intro. I’m currently working on my 😂 tendency (HA!!) to lean into perfectionism and I really appreciate you being able to suck it up (per se) and film the video with a scratch and makeup on your sweatshirt. These are similar things I’m pushing through and reminding myself about on a daily basis. Who knew we could go through a make-believe fantasy life with so many imperfections!! I’ve finally discovered that I’m PERFECTLY living life imperfectly!! 🎉🎉 it’s so freeing!!
Thanks for this video. Who ever thought I’d be watching knitting and crocheting videos. I think I need to give myself a deadline to decide… should I jump in and try to learn how to K or C or finish my life never learning. 🤔
By the way, I meant to tell you in one of the Vlogmas videos how much I appreciated Kent being included in each video… it was fun to watch both of you each day in the guessing game. Have a great day.
Beautiful designs ❤️🌹❤️
Gorgeous knits. Thanks for the advice. I spend a lot of time knitting sweaters or cardigans to end up with something that I don't like nor want to wear. They don't flatter or fit properly. I will be going through all my fo's and see what I really like and why. I will also look at why I like them. Is it the fit, the color, the yarn, or the pattern. Thanks
Love all your fabrics especially the florals. Makes us all look forward to the summer😊 Looking forward to seeing your makes for February too😊
Love your FOS. I LOVE YOUR boxy sweater. My colors are geared more to teals, blue green, purple 💜. My colors seemed to have changedas i aged. It used to pe pastels in high school...ions ago. Lol
This episode of your podcast has given me some great food for thought. Thank you. I don't have any hand-knitted garments for myself - but that is changing this year. However, I have noticed the patterns that I've collected and the similarities of design elements I seem to be going for. I'm also noting what yarns I am especially drawn to - the colour, weight and texture. I know where I like the hem to sit on tops, jumpers and cardigans so I will measure and record that. It's a great idea to know what your measurements are when choosing a pattern to knit.
Churchmouse is online-only now, but still around! Wish I could have visited when I was on Bainbridge Island a year ago 😢
I agree about the Musselburgh, I made one but it’s too short to fold up so it looks weird now round my head as the fold looks like a little lip. My next one will be longer so I can fold it up
Great podcast but I have to say - your slipstravaganza is by far the most gorgeous make of the podcast. Love the Joji boxy also!
This was honestly such a good push for me to measure my FOs for yoke depth and bust measurement, I've wondered in the past when looking at pattern how people know which yoke depth the need/prefer, now I know, thank you!
This was so helpful. I haven’t knit a sweater yet but this gives me a lot of ideas.
Great projects. Thanks for sharing both projects and insight with us. ❤
2 things I have to remind myself of when starting garment...I have a large bust and broad shoulders BUT I also have a tighter gauge! 🫣 The amount of sweaters I have had to restart because I DIDN'T bear these in mind...ugh! Thank you for the insights Natalie 😁❤️
Natalie! I was suprised that the Butterswatch cardie wasn't included. But really love the ones you showed. Thanks for another lovely video!
Hi. I’ve learned to measure from the front neck to bottom. Because short rows in back.
Great video! I love hearing how others analyze their hand makes. I never even think to look at mine like that lol but I probably should.
Thanks for sharing. This has been helpful as I am new to knitting and planning to knit my first sweater. Fingers crossed!!
Ha! I fell in love with your colors for Slipstravaganza!! I’ve been searching for a similar color combination to knit my own!! It’s so gorgeous!
I was so inspired by your Something Cozy! I’m currently making a modified one. (I added more length, ribbing at the bottom, and I’m doing more of a balloon sleeve)
All the sweaters you’ve made look soooo beautiful but I especially love the Something Cozy sweater!!
Such a helpful video. I especially like the idea of looking in our closet to find out what fits we are drawn to vs not. I need to do that soon to figure out my preferred ease, length, etc.
Really enjoyed this video! It’s given me a few ideas for up coming projects! It’s interesting to listen to your sizing tips as it’s something I do struggle with for garments.
I loved this video, it was so interesting! I'd love to see your while knitwear collection, maybe broken down into categories over a series of videos. ❤
This was such a helpful video. I love the way you analyzed your projects. I think garments are especially tricky and when we know better, we do better.
I’ve discovered I like cardigans!
Hmmmm?.... I just realized.....looking at my FO and stash....I LOVE GREY ! I wear mostly black and my idea of color is "grey".... I need to venture into the color world... Your presentation was very informative and made me reflect. Thank you much!!
Omfg I love tlyarncrafts!!!! I'm so glad you love her too!!!!!!
Great video! So interesting! I was surprised you didnt show us a Ranunculus - the design that looks and feels great on every boddy shape, and quick to knit in any guage!. I have made 2 of those and planning a third. Alternately, sometimes I make something because I want to learn the technique, or because of a particular design element, or interesting construction method. I bet you have a drawer full of those too? I loved seeing the honey cowl! That is one of the first free patterns I ever downloaded! But I still havent made one. 🤣 I think Im still waiting (10 years?!?!)for the right yarn to come along for it. 🤣 I will also never make Slipstravaganza again - but for different reasons 🤣 I do recommend Penguono though, for pure knitting design genius, and stash diving fun.
This was so interesting! I really liked seeing it. I'm actually a old-new knitter (knitted since I was like ten years old but learned how to go beyond garter stitch (aka learning how to purl in October 2022) so I don't have many pieces to compare yet, but I have a similar experience in collecting geek items. I was at a convention and thought it would be cool to only have geeky cups. I come home with two new ones, open up the cupboard and stare. Apparently all cups I had were already geeky, haha. I never had a conscious thought about it until then!
I bet that I will have a similar relevation with my knitted/crocheted items down the line 😂
Definitely excellent advice and viewpoints on thoughtfully curating one’s knitting wardrobe. Without pulling out my items from my personal finished objects drawers I know I love the Musselburgh hat pattern and have three in there. I’ve made about 14 of them and gifted the rest, in all sizes, from baby to large adult and in fingering to DK weight (DK is too heavy for where I live in California). All have a fold up brim. I know I’m not hip enough to wear what I call the “skateboarder hat” style. I’ll be making that pattern on repeat the rest of my life.
Socks, socks, and always need/want to knit more socks. Fingerless mitts, also a favorite, several bulky weight headbands, 3-4 of the single loop Honey Cowls (again not much of a need for super warm so wouldn’t do a double looping one). I’ve only knit like three sweaters but they were gifts. I have a shawl in there I am going to probably gift because I have only worn it once, have knit and gifted several more over the years but probably won’t make any more. So I know I like my projects small, portable and easily worked on with a kitty companion or two in my lap.
Thank you. I’ll be casting on Long Summer Cardi. My makes tend to be in greens (I have green eyes), but I also do bright knits too.
Washingtonian here, I'll have to see if those yarn shops are still open! I don't live too close to Bainbridge, I'm not on the islands, but I can take a ferry out there!
Having only done it twice I know I will reject a pattern of it is knit in pieces and needs sewing up. Knitting in the round, when you’re done knitting you’re done. On my last cardigan it took me almost a week to sew it up after the knitting was done - I hated it and I’m terrible at it.
On the other hand I will always have socks on the go 😊
Such a fun video!! I'd love to knit boxy sweaters but I only wear ones that have very little positive ease. I'm quite curvy so finding nice shapely garment patterns is hard. I also like very slouchy and big hats so no Musselborough for me, I would like like to knit it though so maybe I could make it and gift it.
This was great! I loved watching it. Thank you so much. I have been so afraid to make a Musselburgh hat because of the cast on. Any suggestions so I can overcome my fears? Thank you Natalie!!💜💕
For me when looking for patterns. I avoid boatnecks like the plague. They make me look like I broke out from a convent (I have narrow shoulders).
Like yourself I'm larger in the hips then up top, but I've got freakishly narrow shoulders.
I hate boatnecks. I always make roundnecks or turtlenecks
33:03 that’s super funny that you said you’d never knit that again because I just bought the pattern wanting to make this next 😳😅
I’m going to pull all my knits out!
I also like Joji patterns however I find her armholes a bit small as well as Andrea Mowry’s.
I also will look at the patterns you like the fit of because it seems like we have very similar dimensions. Well I don’t know if height is the same, I’m 5’-4 1/2”.
Church Mouse yarn and tea's just doesn't have a store front anymore. They are completely online only.
I'm cracking up because I'm pretty sure you were wearing your slipstravaganza on the podcast when you said you were going to make this video and I was like "heh heh...you're wearing that piece that you would never make again right now!" I LOVE the slipstravaganza blanket pattern too but now I'm like man if Natalie hates it that much I will probably be miserable too.
Hola! Me encanta tus videos, sos muy interesante y práctica contando tu experiencia. Espero que algún día puedas conocer a Joji, a mi me enamora sus diseños también. Saludos desde Argentina🇦🇷🤗
I don't know where you get your BFL, but mine is so much softer than Merino!
I don't have the weekender pattern, but I'm considering it. But I noticed that short rows are in the pattern, listed in the techniques... If they aren't for the back, where are the short rows called for? The bust? In honestly not sure. Thanks in advance... Anyone. 😊 Your mentions about fit and ease really made me think about that in a comprehensive way, so thank you! I think I actually understand it better. ❤️
The shoulders :)
Do you go up when knitting Andrea mowry sweater sleeves? She always mentions going up a size for sleeves… just wondering!
This was actually super interesting, I've found myself falling into the colour trap as well where I've bought yarn in different colours because I felt I should and I ended up getting rid of it too 🤣 For me I know that anything with lots of colours and therefore lots of ends is a no go. I also find myself actively avoiding seaming unless it's something I really really want to make.
I have the yarn and pattern for your long cardigan, not sure I have enough knitting experience. Hopefully soon. Love your videos❤️