I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 184
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 17 ก.ย. 2024
- Welcome to I’ll Knit (& Spin!) If I want To! I asked y’all to send in some of your questions (from everything from fiber arts, to designing and on!) so I could put together a little video for y’all every Friday doing my best to answer your questions!
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In this week’s episode we cover:
1. Sometimes the recommended meterage for a project is very close to a round number of skeins. Does the recommended meterage usually include the required yarn to make a 10x10 cm swatch or do I need to consider extra yarn for this?
2. I am knitting a garter stitch moebius cowl with worsted weight yarn a la Elizabeth Zimmermann. I want to do a contrasting i-cord border but the hand-painted yarn that looks best color-wise is fingering weight. Is this possible by using more than one strand of the fingering or something heavier with it? But what needle size if the body of the cowl is knit on size 10 needle (garter stitch)? I don't want to inhibit the stretch of the cowl by knitting the i-cord too tight. I have learned so much from your podcasts-were you ever in the theater? Love your spontaneity!
3. Hi Andrea! I just saw a sneak peek of your new sweater design today on instagram. I can tell it is going to be beautiful, and can’t wait to see the full reveal. Like many other crafters, I have hobbies outside of knitting… like quilting, for example. Sometimes my favorite fabric and quilt designers write books. Anna Maria Horner is releasing a new book this fall and I can’t wait to get it! Have you ever considered writing a book? I would definitely buy your book should you ever decide to write one! Take care.
4. Now, to my question: I just started the traveler hoodie (yay!), and I've been experimenting with different cast on techniques. I've used your 2x2 tubular technique in the past, but always wished the bottom edge didn't have the "lean" from swapping stitches. I found a technique called the "Alternating Cast On for Double Rib" ( • Alternating Cast On fo... , where you hold two yarns and then do a tubular set up row. It's beautiful but may be a bit less stretchy (seemed to stretch 1/2 inch less in my test swatches). So my question is: Have you used this technique before, any thoughts on it? And/or, do you think I'll regret having slightly less stretch in the bottom of the hoodie? It's a classic form versus function dilemma! Thank you!
5 .Hello Andrea! 🧶 I haven’t heard anyone discuss this so I am hoping you have some advice. I swatched for the Weekender Crew several months ago. When I was finally ready to cast on, I referenced my 2 gauge swatches and I noticed that they SHRUNK. I decided to go up one needle size. However, if I had cast on soon after swatching, I would’ve used the smaller needle based on my swatch. I always wash my swatches and lay them flat to dry, I never pin them. I tend to have to go up one needle size when knitting your patterns. I have also noticed that my finished knits (hats, sweaters, shawls, etc) shrink over time and they don’t fit how they did when I finished them. Is this an issue with my personal gauge? I wonder if I should pick needles based off of an unwashed gauge swatch to account for the shrinkage. I’m so curious to hear your thoughts!
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YES to a book!!! In your podcasts, you often refer to "finding your joy" - that would be an awesome theme/title for the book. I don't think you even need to have patterns in your book. You could take a meta-view of the work you've already done and draw out themes, using examples from your existing patterns and samples. For example, one chapter could be finding your joy in colour, describing and explaining colour choices and colour play drawing examples from your existing patterns and samples. Another chapter could be on finding your joy in techniques, you often talk about how certain techniques are just magical (e.g. tubular cast on, brioche, etc.). Another chapter could be finding your joy in details, you often talk about how the little details really make the pattern (e.g. placing short rows, a faux seam, how blips sort of pushed out the colour, etc.). I honestly think this sort of meta-view of your work would be fascinating (even more so than more patterns), because it would draw on your thinking about knitting (which would help us dive deeper into thinking about our knitting). I think it might also be less time consuming than coming up with oodles of new patterns and would draw people's interest into your existing patterns. This sort of approach might also make creating a book more joyful, as you reflect on and find new layers of joy in your existing work. Just some ideas. :-)
A book, yes! Does is HAVE to have all new patterns? I would buy a lovely book with your "greatest hits". My favs: Find Your Fade, LYS, Wool & Honey, Evenfall, DRK Everyday Sweater, Hoarfrost, Sprite, Nightshift, Metamorphic, Rudbeckia Hat, The Golden Hour. Let's see, that's 11 and then you could throw one new one in. ❤
Love the idea of a book. I think it would be fun to have a Year of Andrea book. Perhaps 12 patterns, one for each month that is mindfully thought out for the seasons. Not only the weather seasons but the seasons of life that may be common in a year. for instance, in the summer we may want smaller projects due to the heat and also it would be more portable for the soccer moms. On the other hand in the fall/winter give all the cozy oversized throws and sweaters so we can stay warm by the fire while watching a show!
I also have to mention that as a fellow Michigander, I appreciate your colloquialisms! Every time I hear your “Michigan” lingo I give a little smile 😏
Book idea: How about a compilation of the Q&A's you've done on your podcast?? I appreciate your thumbnail now outlining what you're going to cover but it would be really helpful if you had "catalogue" of tips and recommendations!
YES I think the world needs some Mowry books (plural!). I have so many ideas, but the one that I selfishly want the most is a bunch of "walk and knit" or ultra-portable projects in book form. I love your DRK everyday socks (I've knit over 70 pairs now), and would love more non-colorwork socks or small projects to work on when I'm in autopilot mode on a walk or hike. You could also pepper it with recipes from your baking days, because who doesn't love a little bit of that too?! 🧶
A book would be fantastic! "I'll Knit If I Want To"... What I'd love to see in a book is exactly what you often do-- one stitch pattern used in multiple pieces. A cowl, shawl, hat, and sweater with the same stitch pattern, for instance. It would also be great if you did one pattern set in fingering, one in dk, etc., for whatever total number of patterns made sense for you. A variety of yarn weights would be wonderful, along with some fiber variation and/or some in woolen spun and some in worsted spun. We are ready for it! All the best to you in all of your endeavors. Thanks for continuing to inspire us with your amazing and beautiful work! 💗
Hello, I noticed your table behind you with the computer monitor is same color as your sweater and swatch you showed ☺️😁 its definately a theme of who you are inside ! So neat, you have to follow your heart. I love yellow /greens and acidy greens which tend to be not the "norm" but I always stay true to the inner me ! Nice to
See you're not influenced bu the "norm" 😉
A book would be great! I don’t think it needs to be all new patterns though. A compilation of your favourites, a specific theme or a whole mixture with maybe 1 or two new, never before published patterns.
On the book idea, what about a collaboration book?! Maybe a New England designer collection? Or a collection with your designer friends! Then we would get a taste of multiple styles and no one designer would need to dedicate a year or two of work to the one project!
I’ve recently learned and used the alternating cast on for 2x2 rib and really like it. I did like the “wrong side” bottom edge better than the right side so I planned for that. It’s definitely less stretchy than tubular which I find can flare for me.
My Mom used to always say the "dust can wait your mental health can't so make time for the things that bring you joy". Take the 15 min for spinning and fill yourself up with joy. 🙂
A book would be amazing! I love the idea of patterns that are friendly for using handspun yarn - so we spinners have more patterns that work well for uneven gauge, but that can still be made with regular yarn like the traveler cowl!
Yes to book!!! I’ve been waiting! A big color book
Your cardigan is gorgeous! Can’t wait for your exciting news. Always watch your videos for helpful tips, thank you! ❤
I would adore a book written by you! I think it should include your favorites. It would be fun if it included some beginner friendly patterns as well as complex so we can rope in those new knitters! 😊 By the way, I love your podcast. It’s fun to “hang out” with someone who is so passionate about the fiber arts while I’m knitting in the morning. Thank you for what you do!
A book? Wow, pressure! Your family and your health come first. Don't overdo it! I am working on my Rheinbeck sweater...the Throw while recovering from the crud. It is still going around! Really enjoying the challenge and learning how to colorwork flat and keep in pattern after lengthening it. It's only my 2nd colorwork sweater and it's very doable!
Book……most of your favorite patterns with only a few new ones. That would make it easier for you but have a surprise or two. Favorite yarn is DK . Won’t use finger weight or bulky . Love your podcasts. Thanks
I would love a book written by you! A variety of patterns with a look into your process and your history with knitting. An all around book about Andrea and knitting and yarn ❤
Yes, to a book 📖 An exclusive collection of patterns. A sweater, matching cowl, hat & socks. Share your story, inspiration and a few favorite recipes 🥰
I personally love crafting books, but I find books that focus on a technique or concept to be the most useful (i.e., Fleece & Fiber, Yarnitecture, Knitting Fresh Brioche). Pattern books are nice, but rarely do I find I will knit enough of the patterns to make it worth the cost. That being said, I will buy a pattern book if it has a nice coffee table look to it with LOTS of pictures. I pretty much only knit in fingering to sport weight yarn, but this year I've expanded into DK.
Oh, the book idea sounds so fun! Totally understand how life is so busy to make that possible! If you decide to write a book, I would love a family oriented one! One with sweaters and garments for the whole family! And maybe even a few sprinkled in that match or coordinate for each family member! Little kid knits are faster than adults, so maybe that would help with time too? Just a thought! I'd probably buy and Andrea mowey pattern book just to say I have one on my shelf to be honest 😂 love your designs!
Your book would be a hit it’s a definite for your business go for it 💛
I’m not a big fan of bulky yarn. Love do and will do fingering yarn. Love the idea of a book and would love to see a mix of old and new patterns.
it would be lovely to hear your story, your journey, in life and knitting...as well as some patterns.
Hi Andrea! I’m reknitting the Navelli tee on the train to NY. I’ll be driving up the coast of Maine soon and we are even staying in Portland! My first time in this area of the country. I’m so excited to visit your city and state because it looks so beautiful in your photos.
GORGEOUS sweater and I LOVE that color on you, Andrea. Simply Beautiful. 💙💙💙 Must add ... I love books and I love you, therefore, I would definitely be interested in a book from you!!!🥰
Oh my gosh Andrea! Write a knitting/cook/life book!! I absolutely love your recipe recommendations in your newsletters and I love your patterns (duh) and your background in baking and beauty school (you were an aesthetician at one point or am I making that up? 😂) I don't know. I just felt like you'd have so many interesting things to write about :) I personally love to knit but I am not into fashion AT ALL so I would find it helpful to learn how to style my knits, from full on wardrobe to how to wear my hair. It would all be so awesome especially coming from you :)
Book?!? Yes please! I see you doing a compilation of your work. And also …… recipes! I love your talk of food and of your previous baking life. All with the brilliant photos by your husband. Thank you for sharing your life with us. 💕🎉🧶🧁🥧
I love the idea for a book somehow connecting your love of cooking and knitting? Maybe also looking at stitch pattern choices and color. 😊 Choices ?!😅
My thoughts. I do not like heavier yarns or larger needles. Having arthritis in my hands, I find fingering weight on wooden needles up to dk on wooden or metal needles to be more comfortable. These fabrics are also more "wearable" for me.
Re: books. I love books but as an old lady pushing 80, the digital patterns are much more convenient and useful.
I remember Nicky Epstein telling me that for all the work she did on her books, the publishers were the ones who made most of the money, not her, so something to keep in mind before you decide to go down that rabbit hole. Of course, a book from you would be wonderful, but make sure the time and effort is worth the compensation. You seem to have a very good business model right now. Love listening to your podcast every week, and have learned a lot from you. Your smile makes my day every Friday. :)
A book by you would be fantastic! But I certainly understand why you publish your patterns the way you do. We would not want to wait two years to see your lovely patterns. The color of your sweater is beautiful on you!!💙🩷
A book would be excellent! If you could rerelease patterns, I would buy a book of all your rhinebeck sweaters in a heartbeat. Would love to have that on my shelves.
That cardigan is absolutely glorious! Regarding yarn weight- I kinda like the opportunity to play with them all. Sport is probably what I knit sweaters in most but occasionally a fingering or bulky weight is lovely too. Working on my Framed & hope to see you at Rhinebeck! 🎉❤
A book by you would be phenomenal I have no doubt, but I get that at this time in your life there is no space for it. I love listening to the Q&A here as I always learn something new.
I am working on a pile of long term WIPs, mostly they are projects I still love but had squirrelled away from to do gift knits and then went on to a new and shiny other project. The joys of adhd. That said, I am working on the Taitos sock pattern (2nd sock) and a mostly finished Love Note (only sleeves and hem left to go). Once these are done I am moving on to the Framed cowl (bought most of the yarn for it at KW Knitters Fair yesterday + the rest is from stash).
I think a book would be a fabulous idea for you. I had a thought though. What if you did a book but do different versions of your patterns. For example "Frame you fingers" mittens or pillow cover. "Teselated" hat or "traveler" hat etc etc the possibilities are endless with all your patterns. that way they are different patterns but you have already done some of the work. That way you can continue to release your tradional patterns as well. I love your work and you are a joy to watch. I would probably buy anything you put out anyway.
I think a book of all your advice you as you do on this TH-cam. You have a wealth of information
A book would be wonderful if it also included your podcast style of little bits of ramblings of family, knitalongs, weather, etc along with a smattering of patterns. Or stories of how you came up with the pattern and name. I tend to favor DK weight yarns because they work best in the Pacific Northwest climate. I am currently going between the fingering weight of Vellichor and the DK weight of Brume. It definitely helps my hands and arms to keep switching.
Eager to hear your life updates. I'm really enjoying your husband's music on spotify
A book yes please. As well as your garment shape I love your use of colour and pattern. What about a jumper cardigan and shawl but with different patterns and colour options? Then we could pick and choice the patterns and colours? X
I would love a book from you! not necessarily a pattern book though, I think a book about design would be so interesting!!
Yes to the book!!! Please 😅❤ I would snatch that up in a second! Watching your podcast has taught me so much and really reignited my love for knitting. I've lost count how many of your patterns I have purchased in the last few months 😅 I just want to say you are great and your work is great thank you so much for what you do! ❤
Re measuring swatches ( and knitting in general)
I agree that measuring with a tape can sometimes be misleading, that’s why I LOVE my steel ruler and always go by that. It has a bit of weight so lays flat on the knitted fabric and mine has centimetres and inches that don’t rub off. It’s one of my favourite knitting tools.
Write a book if it gives you joy. And from my perspective, I don't buy knitting books for the patterns. I don't like reading a pattern from a book. I'm a PDF and KnitCompanion girl all the way. I'd tend to buy a book that you'd written to see what fun and funny things you had to say; on topics more helpful, philosophical or personal.
And on a different topic, I appreciated so much what you had to say about gauge. Gauge drives me crazy. And so many people say so many differing things about how to get gauge. What you said about waiting to measure and being careful not to squish the swatch makes so much sense! I definitely try to hold down those pesky stitches so they don't wiggle around. What I've come to in this journey is to measure frequently especially in project. I have to keep an eye on it because my gauge changes from the morning to the night and depending on how well I feel, ect. And I write it down! I even made an Excel spreadsheet to track it and I go back to it frequently if I'm making a garment.
I've had problems with shrinking knits too. The knit can get stretched in the water as well as when drying it, even if you haven't stretched it on purpose. The advice I've heard on craftsy is to leave the dried swatch and measure it 1-2 weeks later. You could even toss it in your bag or pocket if you wanted to see how it fared with some wear.
I'd love a book from you, but it doesn't have to be about patterns. You could explain alterations, substitutions, colors, nifty details and finishing techniques... maybe some spinning too? Just like you do on this podcast. For that purpose you could have some patterns as examples, but those wouldn't have to be new. I would prefer such a book over one filled with mostly patterns
I am making a Throwback/Meadow Moon mashup. I'm using your design for the cardigan and Jennifer Steingas' design for the colour work on Meadow Moon to make a cardigan. It was somewhat challenging since they have two different yarn weights and gauges but I love it!! Also doing my first balloon (type) sleeve on it. Can't wait to see what you have coming down the pipe!
I have a DIY DRK book. I used dics rings and put my printed patterns in it with a cover. I felt my love for your patterns deserved its one place on my book shelf. The disc's allow me to add my own notes. I have added some tips from this channel to the book. I think what is missing is stories from you.
It might even be cool to do a cowl book. Maybe a complication of some already published patterns and maybe 3 exclusive patterns only printed in the book. This might be a more manageable and lucrative to your business.
I am making you Frame Your Face Cowl with some of my handspun and some commercial yarn. It is really turning out wonderful. Our new local yarn shop in doing a Frame Your Face KAL too!
I think a book that is about making sweaters but customized to yourself. A basic pattern for top-down and bottom-up with different options for construction and how to modify for yourself. Also, you didn’t ask, but I prefer an actual book vs ebook.
Yes a book. You don't have to make it just knitting. I just bought the Valient Tailoress, knitting, sewing, all sorts. Include some of all your crafts.
Id buy any and every book you write ❤. I am an aromatherpaist and want to partner with a knit designer on a book that wraps in aromatherapy to go with each pattern. Someday!
I've been meaning to thank you for introducing the 15 minute drop spinning challenge a while back - it really helped my handspinning and now I try to do it most days. In fact, just like with knitting "just one more row", it's sometimes hard to stop at just 15 minutes.
Just got my yarn from spin cycle for my Framed Cowl.
Yes please write a book!
I would love a book from you. It wouldn’t need to be all new patterns.
While I was watching, I was weaving in ends of my Stripes! Sweater. The color is Ranch Romance…..similar to your beautiful sweater color and I had yarn next to me for swatching in a similar color only a little darker! I definitely feel the theme! Perhaps it comes from watching you every week:)
Would love a book…perhaps eclectic…not just shawls or sweaters…maybe socks, shawls, sweaters, hats, mittens!!!! A panacea of Andrea delight! ❤
I like the individual patterns as I can knit the ones that make sense to me. Worsted weight is too hot for my climate which is why I didn’t look to knit the framed. With today’s prices of books, it’s difficult to justify for me buying a book, as beautiful as they are, for one pattern. Why not think about putting together some online classes that after purchase, they can be reviewed again and again. Technique classes. As someone else mentioned, have you thought about designing a pattern with plant based fibers for us knitters who live in warmer climates?
I’m usually a DK weight girlie but I’m using knitting for olive pure silk fingering right now and loving it, but I’m holding it double so it’s more like sport or dk used that way. But I like that I am getting a subtle marl effect by using 2 different but similar colors (plum rose and copper- gorgeous!) and it has a rustic kinda spongey look & feel that a single yarn of a heavier weight wouldn’t have.
While it is slower to achieve a result, I love Fingering - occasionally Sport weight - because it is too hot here to wear anything else. I get very frustrated when I see “Summer” designs on Ravelry which is just the design I want but they are knitted in DK, Worsted, Aran or even paired with a mohair! Please please think of the knitters who need real Summer wear.
You could write a Best of Andrea Mowry book…or maybe just an accessory book? Just some thoughts ❤
Thanks for another great episode, Andrea. I’m currently working on the Geiger cardigan by Norah Gaughan, the Maja cardigan by Helene Magnusson (a free pattern), and trying to figure out a felted mitten for my daughter’s birthday. I’ve not felted anything before, well not on purpose anyway 😂, and it is not an exact science. If anyone has any tips, please share. Cheers!
I would love a book. Things for mom and 9 year old daughters 😂 Mine covets my knits. She is getting her own Shift
I did not know you taught a class with AMH! I met her at Craft South last year when I took a class with the amazing & powerful, Jen Kingwell (who also has a book coming out soon!). Lovely people ❤
Oooh! I want to try a spindle like that!! Never have spun!
I would love a book that had maybe six knitting patterns and your recipes include bread please!,,,,,,
I love your patterns, but I personally will not buy a pattern book. I can't resist a technique book though!!!
I would totally buy a book of your patterns
I would love you to write a book that walks the advanced beginner and more experienced knitter through your preference for bottom up sweaters. What is good about that design? How do you work with that design in such a way that the sweater fits well when it is done? What are the joys of working with that kind of pattern? I feel a little sense of hesitation when looking at bottom up cardigan patterns, but since I am very petite and look better in tailored designs, I bet a bottom up pattern is going to get me a better look. Not so much extra fabric in the arms and shoulders. But a sweater that is too long is a disaster for me. So, bottom up verses top down is a real question.
Patterns and recipes!!! Maybe a chance to do a housewares kinda thing. Pillows, blankets, wall hanging. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
I think a book would be lovely, but maybe to save your sanity you could focus more on your vibe and aesthetic? Choosing colors and clothes aesthetic with a few knitting patterns but not the overwhelming amount you mention? Just a thought? I love the aesthetic as much as the knitting patterns!
I prefer to buy single patterns, I am sure to knit rather than a book of pattern. I also would buy a book only if there is a PDF vervion,, because I live in a small place already loaded with yarn. ;-) I love to knit all weights of yarn except cobweb ...
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Hey. As you talked about that new cast on method I was wondering what you think about the chinese waitress cast on and bind off? I was told it's a good simpler (quicker) alternative for i cord cast on and bind off. Was wondering if you have a opinion on this? Have a great day
Why would a book by you need to be patterns? What about a book of answered questions that might help many of us. ❤
What was the name of the support spindle? Where can I purchase one?
My question is if a pattern calls for 1200 yards why do I care if it is 50 or 100 grams balls as long as it’s 1200 yards
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