Knit Together with Kim & Jonna - Your 1st Sweater?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- Tips for First Time Sweater Knitters:
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1. Consider making a baby or child-sized sweater.
2. Choose a top-down pattern with circular yoke increases that is knit in one piece. Next best choice is top-down, one-piece with raglan increases.
3. Choose a pattern that does not have short row increases unless you're comfortable with short rows and with doing more than one thing at a time.
4. Choose a pattern that has lots of project pages so you're not forging into unknown territory.
5. Choose something you love and the best yarn you can afford.
7. Use the same weight as the yarn suggested in the pattern. Choose your size and use the garment itself as a gauge swatch.
8. First Sweater patterns listed below! Also, check viewer comments for more!!
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Join Kim & Jonna on their favorite knitting, crocheting, crafting, and hand-making adventures!
We will publish a new episode every month as well as additional shorter videos during the off weeks.
Support this channel by becoming a MEMBER here...
/ @knittogetherwithkimjonna
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/ itismeknittykimmy
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On Ravelry:
www.ravelry.co...
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Email: ktogwkimandjonna@gmail.com
Music: “No.9 Esther’s Waltz” by Esther Abrami
From the No Copyright Audio Library
Download MP3 - support.google....
We hope you enjoy our channel!
Show Notes:
Jonna is wearing the Sunday Sweater by Petite Knit in Illimani Amelie.
www.ravelry.co...
Kim is wearing Kaleidoscope by Mary Anne Benedetto in Walcot Yarns Opus.
www.ravelry.co...
First Sweater Suggestions
V for Vivi: www.ravelry.co...
Novice Sweater Chunky Edition: www.ravelry.co...
Flax: www.ravelry.co...
Until recently I had never knit a sweater. I knitted a cardigan years ago our of red heart yarn that I loved and wore for years. During the divorce it got left behind. I miss it still and would make it again but I no longer have the pattern. I'm working myself up to a real sweater. I've been knitting off and on for over 50 years. I also crochet and have made many afghans. And I sew. But knitting has once again become my favorite hobby! I used to have a friend who knitted with me. I miss that. Would love to find someone to talk knitting with in person, but for now you guys fill that role wonderfully. Thank you for starting your channel!
Thank you for sharing your crafting with us! I was thinking this morning, that sewing is my "first language" and I think of all my other crafting in terms of sewing. I love that knitting is so forgiving, right? As long as you don't cut your yarn! See you soon. K&J
I knit my first sweater in 1981, at age 25, made mostly while I was in the hospital. I used a pretty pink acrylic worsted yarn and the front has lace. The night nurse helped me with mistakes over and over again, I will never forget her kindness! She’d just fix the error and I would move on. The sweater was pieced with sewn in sleeves. I loved the finished product. HOWEVER, in my ignorance, I put the sweater in the washer and dryer, and if you know anything about 80s acrylic, it turned into this crunchy, rough, slightly shrunken thing. Needless to say, I never wore the sweater again. But it now hangs in my art studio on a pretty pink hanger and I see it every day.
What a great story!! I honestly wish I could remember and recount all of the wonderful stories we've heard here on this channel. It's so heartwarming. Thank you for sharing it with us!
I was 13 yrs old a and a down hill skier and taught myself to knit and made a cowl neck sweater for skiing. After that I did not pick up needles till I was pregnant with my first child and made baby cloths and accessories.....this was at the time when there was only British sized straight needles and double points.....the first interchangeable/circular needles available in Canada in the mid 80's... I have not stopped knitting for 4.5 decades.
Such a sweet story. Thank you.
The owner of my LYS is a wealth of info. I took her class and knit little coffee bean. When I wanted to knit my first adult sweater (Navelli for me) she didn’t steer my pattern choice but she did guide my yard choice and was available to help me through stumbles. Navelli was knit with fingering! OMG! Took forever.
Wow!! I bet it's beautiful! I love Caitlin Hunter's patterns. Now you can knit anything! Jonna
My first sweater did not have a pattern. I took a class at a yarn shop that taught a sweater class that had the teacher invented. The sweater consisted of cable, knit & purl, and lace patterns that we each could choose for our individual sweaters. It was challenging but also helped me understand cables, and other knit patterns that I wouldn't have done on my own. Your podcast on first sweaters has alot of great info. I think it can be tremendously helpful to take a class at a local yarn shop. Even if one knows the mechanics of knit and purl stitches - making a sweater with others and having a teacher who can help/teach problem solving keeps the motivation and project from stalling out. Knitting lingo in patterns was very challenging for me. I am glad that my beginnings were helped with a knitting class and teachers who understood how to translate. Thanks so much!
That class sounds amazing!!! Which yarn shop taught it? Do you still have the sweater? Sounds like such a great experience. ~K&J
Found you ladies about a fortnight ago I love watching you both from England. I love your energy and friendship it's so real and lovely to see. I am shortly to hold my first meeting in my knitting group that I have set up and will be introducing my ladies to you both. Keep doing what you are doing it's really enjoyable to watch
Sorry for the delayed reply, but it's been a rough month and a half around here. We're so happy you're enjoying our channel and can't wait to hear about your knitting group!!! Please keep us updated. ~K&J
I'm saving up for both those patterns. Love the sweaters you're wearing. I have not made my first adult sweater, just about 3 child ones and I'm 71!!! Great video.. thanks so much. love,hugs,prayers.
I have not knit my first sweater yet! 😳 I have crocheted a sweater but not knit, yet. I am truly a scaredy-cat about knitting. I have to rely on TH-cam for support and am just finding the content providers that my brain meshes with. I have made a couple of socks from patterns by Christie Archer Designs. She is one who I really understand. Jonna and Kim thank you for your inspiring podcasts, I gain confidence with everyone I watch. ❤️
You're welcome!! You can totally do it!
My first garment was a vest. It was my first cable, too. I couldn’t believe how easy the cable was. I didn’t have a cable needle, though….. I was a poor young person living on my own, so I didn’t go and buy one….I used a pencil instead! I learned to knit when I was 10, but put it aside after knitting enough beginner scarves. I was 20 when I made the vest. It was the beginning of my love of knitting garments. You both have inspired me to finally try socks. I’ve knit 2 pair already!
Wow! Your first garment had cables? That's amazing! And yay for your 2 pair of socks. So exciting! And thanks for watching. ~K&J
I found one of the most significant comments Jonna made was around min. 38:45 where she spoke about increases. I literally re-played the video until I found that comment. My first sweater was a kit from Mary Maxim probably acrylic yarn. I remember that it was pink and had a kitty cat on the back. It was a cardigan with a zipper. I also had a collar. How in the world I knitted that going from knitting a simple scarf I have no idea, but it was for my first child and that was my motivation. I am pretty much self-taught having never taken a class in sweater or garment construction and would like to now take a class. Even more than learning about techniques and tips it's the social interaction that I want, the doing something with others who share the same interest. The zooms and podcasts have been wonderful throughout the pandemic.I'm so looking forward to fiber festivals opening up again. Thanks for what you do! (And, Kim open up the world of social media.)
Thank you so much!! We're so glad you found the episode helpful. We're learning so much about this knitting community.
So happy Felicia told me about your channel ! So fun watching you two! Hope to see you soon at the store !
Hi, Paola! Thank you for watching! See you soon!
I've had a bad head injury. Knitting is one of the things im keeping up on to keep my neuroplasticity up. And muscle memory 💜 So awesome that your grandkids like it!
I'm so sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, I am well-acquainted with this type of injury. How wonderful that knitting helps! Do you know of the designer Kate Davies? She has a wonderful Ted Talk about her brain injury and how she found herself through knitting. Thank you for sharing your story.
@@KnitTogetherwithKimJonna I didn't know about her not I will look her up! Thank you! I'm trying brain glasses with the mind eye institute, they seem to be helping, too. I'm glad I found you ladies!
My first sweater was a fair isle yolk, top down sweater. I asked my Aunt how to do floats and showed her the pattern. She said that it might be a little ambitious but she showed me and it came out beautiful!!! I was 12 or 13. I’m now a hand spinner and fiber artist some 40 years later.
Wait. WHAT!?!?! Your first sweater was a fair isle yoke and you knit it when you were 12 or 13? That's crazy and amazing! No wonder you're a fiber artist. So inspiring! ~K&J
Hi Kim and Jonna, I watched this delightful minisode last night while I finished my most recent sweater (my 2nd Love Note), and it was such a fun trip down memory lane!
I've been knitting for 40 years, and I think the first sweater I made was a vest using peach, acrylic yarn, and size 15 needles! I don't think I wore it but once - probably outgrowing it as I was knitting it! My next sweater taught me so much: ssk, k2 tog, yo, to pay attention to gauge (I didn't make a swatch), pay attention to the recommended yarn (pattern called for a chenille yarn, I used something else), and how read a pattern. It was a raglan pullover that had two beautiful lace repeats at the bottom, and one at the waist. I remember the instructions saying to knit until you had X many inches, and I thought it meant from the waistline lace pattern...and I knit and knit, and finally held it up to me...it was down to my knees! It took me 3 years to finish, and when I finally tried it on, it was ENORMOUS! I was in tears over it, and I gave it to a "queen sized" woman and it fit her perfectly! In the last 10 years or so, my knitting has really taken off, and my sweater knitting has improved to the extent that I have been confident enough to rip back and adjust necklines and remove too much length, even when re-knitting a colorwork yoke!
Thank you for sharing your friendship with the world! Your videos truly feel like I'm sitting down with friends who speak my language!
Love this!! Thank you for sharing.
My first sweater I knit was the Soldotna Crop by Caitlin Hunter of Boyland Knitworks. It is a top-down circular yoke sweater with stranded colorwork. Yes, it was also my first stranded colorwork project and the majority of it was knit on a road trip in the car!! I think it’s a great first sweater because it’s a quick knit cropped length and you wouldn’t have to do the colorwork if you didn’t want to. I highly recommend it. Caitlin Hunter’s patterns are well written and easy to understand.
I completely agree!! This was my first colorwork sweater too! I think mine is a little on the small side but it's ok over a dress in the summer. Love CH's patterns. I just finished the Nordiska. Jonna
I so needed to watch this. Sweaters are intimidating.
Hi Kim and Jonna! I just watched this episode for the first time. So much fun and informative. It reminded me of my first sweater which was in Redbook magazine (yes, I’m ‘older’). It was called the Julia Roberts sweater, Aran weight, pieced with set in sleeves, in purple. It was a success! In the outtake you were talking about your personal styles. You both have great style! Kim, you seemed to be struggling with defining your style…but you definitely have a style. When I first watched your episodes I knew right away what it is…fun and joyful, unpretentious and fearless. I love seeing what each of you are wearing and making. Your knitting choices are your style and inspiration to so many different people. Thank you for being here and sharing😊
Hi Patricia!
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! And I remember Redbook and those knitting patterns, but I wasn't a knitter back then. Do you still have the Julia Roberts sweater?
As for my personal style, I (Kim) am starting to realize exactly what you described, fun, joyful, eclectic, fearless, and I love "unpretentious!" And the fact that Jonna and I are so different is definitely a plus!
❤️Kim
The information you share is very helpful. I have knitted a couple of failed sweater,but you have encouraged me to try again. Thanks
Great advice on 1st sweater! My first was EZ’s ‘Surprise Baby Sweater’.🙂 I learned how to spin first, then took classes in Ann Arbor, MI. Not too long after, I decided to make a Kaffe Fasset coat - 🤪 Took me 10 years, but I wore it for 10 more!
Also, for beginners:
The ‘Vanilla Sweater’ and ‘Victory Cardigan’, both by Corrine of The Wooly Thistle, (she has a class for each one), and the ‘My First Sweater’ class, by Lisa of This Is Knit.🙂
That is awesome! Love Corinne and her sweaters!!
My first sweater was made about 40 years ago for my 10-year-old daughter. I don’t have it any more. I don’t remember my first sweater for me. I live in Tennessee now and don’t wear many sweaters, more shawls. I will wear cardigans more than pullovers. Enjoy your minicasts. Hang in there with the TAAT socks.
Thank you! I wonder if Kim brought the socks with her this weekend?? I'll have to ask! Mine need heels.
Tip on cast on for anything in the round - cast on one more stitch and knit the first round but the last stitch, check to make sure nothing is twisted, and then knit the first and the last stitch together. It also helps fill the gap
Love this! Thank you so much for this tip! ~K&J
My first sweater was the Bettina 2 designed by Adrian Vittadini. I made it in 2008 out of Arcaunia cotton. I didn’t make a gauge swatch and I am a very loose knitter so it’s an extremely boxy T-shirt. Let’s just say I didn’t wear it much. But I loved the experience and the color.
Hello and thanks for sharing!
I wanted to mention I've been knitting almost 29 years, a male knitter from originally Upper Peninsula of Michigan aka Yooper !
I been living in Sacramento, CA almost 20 years now. Ironically I knit more now than when younger and I was forced to learn. Lol
I'm 45 currently so different times and cultures. Onward, I wanted to mention "Japanese short rows " like Johnna mentioned German, was my go to due to hating wrap and turn, until few years ago I heard of the Japanese short rows and they are amazing! Since learning the Japanese short row technique, I have made 9 hats by woolley wormhead and her hats use short rows and are awesome ! Side note, I've only ever made 1 pair of socks in all years knitting, maybe my larger hands or just don't care to, but I don't use any needles under size 4 anymore! I am project knitter and typically make 6-9 sweaters a year and am told I'm a fast knitter, also a thrower !
For 25 years I gave everything away and never made myself anything except once pair slippers. Last few years more men patterns and the knitting world expanded so vastly now I currently have 5 sweaters in needles, two hats and one shall, one scarf and only two for myself. I have extensive yarn collection ($10,000 +) of great yarns bought last 4-5 years and I buy always sweaters quantity for myself (1200 yards) just as rule of thumb even if I don't make for myself and give away, can use Leftover on another project. I also dislike blue and pink so if I see cheap sale yarn, in those colors I'll buy and over dye with vinegar and yellow bingo dauber ink!!! Works amazingly, pink turns shades of orange my second favorite color and the ugly blue shades turn green, my favorite color !!! Just a fun tip 😉
Thanks again for sharing and being great !
Sorry for the delayed response, but thank you so much for commenting! It’s so interesting to hear about other people’s knitting journeys. We’ll definitely look into Japanese short rows. And that’s amazing how you over dye pink and blue yarn! Happy Knitting! ❤️ 🧶 K&J
Another great episode! Great tips for first sweaters. I would strongly suggest doing a gauge swatch. Swatching isn’t an exact science and I often knit my swatch using 3 different sized needles on the same swatch because, as Kim so wisely pointed out the gauge is the designer’s gauge. The swatch tells me what fabric look I want and whether the yarn will work for the pattern. It literally takes part of an evening to do a swatch, so well worth the time before investing so much time and $$ in a hand knitted sweater that may not fit the way you want it to. I have changed needle sizes while knitting a sweater if I think a section is too tight and it works!
Thanks for watching! And commenting! And yes, swatching will always make a project turn out better and help avoid sizing issues. Sometimes I just don't want to take the time. Haha! But I've gotten lucky and everything has seemed to fit. ~Kim
My first sweater was the Harvest Cardigan by Tin Can Knits. I chose that over the Flax because I knew I'd wear a Cardigan more often. I learned alot from that project: 1) I learned that I need more raglan increases for a more comfortable fit and 2) I was successfully able to add hip increases towards the bottom; that helped with the fit too.
Wow! You definitely learned a lot. And I honestly prefer cardigans to pullovers, but there are so many beautiful patterns that I can't resist knitting them. Haha! ~Kim
You style is Kim style one of a kind 😍
I agree!! (Jonna)
My first sweater was the PTO-031_02 Cloud by Lang's Yarn. Honestly, it was because I saw a sample in our local yarn shop and loved it. And it was a big, oversized sweater so worrying too much about gauge wasn't a huge deal. I love how it turned out!
Awesome!! Sounds like the perfect first project. Knitting should be FUN!
I love you girls and you remind me so much of my sister and I so I've suggested that she needs to watch these episodes. And this one was exactly what I needed. I have knit my first sweater but I hated it so much that it went directly to Good Will. I finished it but hated it! So this episode was wonderful. And my favorite thing to knit are socks. I have a sock bin that I love as much as my grandchildren. I'll be back often. Thank you so much! I'm a process knitter and a rule follower. I could be your best friend Jonna! :-)
Haha! Yay! We hope you and your sister are still enjoying our channel. And if you're ever in NY, let's Knit Together in person! ~K&J
I know this video is a couple months old now so you guys may not see this! I just found you about a week ago and have been going through all of your videos since then. I’m a new knitter (just a few months) and my first sweater was a flax sweater in a toddler size. It was a perfect first sweater (and size). It was also my first finished object!
Such a popular pattern! Yes, we try to keep up with all of our comments. We're so glad you found us. J
Absolutely love your channel. You two are amazing and I hope to continue watching!
Thank you so much!
My first sweaterwas a pullover out of a Woman's Day magazine in 1985. It was garter and stockinette stripes. It was pieced and my seams were terrible!
And, you did it!!
My first sweater was a cardigan that was cabled for my Mom when I was 16 or 17. I got the pattern out of the back of a 17 magazine. It didn’t fit her, the yarn was not the best but she acted like she loved it!
What a sweet story!
I’m sure she did 🥰
You two are my new favorite podcasters. ❤️ I really enjoy when friends podcast together and their great relationship flows into the podcast. You two make me want a knitting bestie so badly. So Kim I happened to be with two of my granddaughters last weekend. They are newer knitters and we don’t live close to knit together very often but they wanted to learn so badly. Anyway I showed them your last podcast and they loved it and we had to watch it over and over again. They want another one with kids knitting on it! And according to them you are a much cooler grandma since you have colored hair. Anyways we loved it and thank your sweet granddaughter for joining in. She now has fans. 😀
Haha, I will let Kim know!! My grandchildren like the podcast too!
All four of my boys know how to knit!
That's amazing!! The boys across the street from me make their own socks...they learned in school. My grandson is making his first hat. I am so proud!!
I just knit the Petite Knit Stockholm Slipover V-Neck and would definitely knit it again. Beautifully written and although they are in Danish there are great youtube tutorials on her website that were so helpful to a visual learner. This was only the 2nd sweater I've knit for myself and it came out amazing! I've done a lot of knitting for grandchildren and others, but never challenged myself to knit for myself. My first was the Felix Slipover and I really didn't like knitting it at all; it was a huge learning curve for me.
I just bought several more Petite Knit patterns! I love her aesthetic. I'm so glad it worked out for you.
The Felix Pullover? I knit that one too. I think I am missing one of the YOs somewhere but it doesn't show!
Jonna your organized math brain is on fire!! Good ideas!! 💜👍
Thank you! I just love talking about knitting and process! Glad you enjoyed...we are still a little nervous on Fridays. 😁
I am not usually write comments on the videos that I watch but oh man!!! Your podcast is very inspirational and encourage to the new beginners I wish you should started sooner podcasting… love your podcast!!!😍
Wow, thank you! We really do appreciate the encouragement. We're doing our best!
Hello from Beausejour, Manitoba Canada. My 1st sweater was 2 months ago. A caidree pattern off Etsy. Super chunky cuz it’s cold here. It required a lifted increases and I couldn’t figure them out, she has great videos but I was new. So I just sewed the gaping raglan holes after. I wear the sweater proudly.
I absolutely love that you figured out a way to fix those raglan holes and wear your sweater proudly! Have you knitted anymore sweaters since then? ~Kim
My first sweater was a baby sweater for my niece …. Raglan cardigan … patina back to basics
So nice when it's a tiny sweater. Instant gratification!
I have made the flax twice now, once for hubby and one for my granddaugthter. It is a great first pattern.
I’m going to give the Flax a shot! Thank you!
The Sunday Sweater was my third knit sweater. I tried two raglans from a youtuber and did not love nor hated the sweaters. But then I tried the Sunday Sweater after reading it and confirming my understanding with the designer! It was amazing to knit. So much so, I make the Sunday Cardigan and plan to make the Novice followed by the Copenhagen.
That's great! I'm glad you enjoyed the pattern. I am currently making the April Cardigan and recently finished the No Frills, both by Petite Knit. Happy Knitting!
@@KnitTogetherwithKimJonna I just purchased the April Cardigan! Will you share any tidbits? It looms amazing but the difficulty rating was five so I just purchased the yarn and decided to wait
What a great list for new sweater knitters. I would also recommend trying to find a sweater KAL on TH-cam. my first sweater was a TinCan knits sweater - the Harvest. I followed a very detailed KAL hosted by Purl Together my hand was held every step of the pattern. I live a good distance from a yarn store so TH-cam is my teacher.
That's a great suggestion. I am trying to get my Mom into a TH-cam KAL now!
There is a like button, but you guys need a love button we could push.😁
This was a great show, I have agonized over making a sweater for ages...I am going to buy the Petit Knits Sunday Sweater today and buy the yarn before the weekend is over and cast on Monday...Thank you.
Would you consider doing a show about using Ravelry, I know the basics, but I also know there is so much more I could learn.
I also am frightened of heights, when you were talking about your climb my heart started beating fast and I was holding my breath...I know it's an awful feeling.
Take care, both of you
Goodness, I am SO glad I made it off that mountain. No thank you!!
Yay for the Sunday Sweater! I think you'll love it. Keep us posted and thank you for the love button! Jonna PS: we are working on some Ravelry tutorials. This said, I did see that Very Pink Knits already has some good ones, so check those out! Just search YT for Ravelry.
Love, love, love seeing your podcasts and mini-sodes each week! It would be fun to meet sometime at Pick Up Every Stitch for some group knitting!
My first sweater was the Tecumseh by Caitlyn Hunter. A nice DK weight, simple colorwork pattern with easy to remember repeats.
I’ve knit 5 additional sweaters since then, however it remains one of my favorites.
Both of your sweater this week rock!
Thank you!
I have that pattern in my library (of course!). I always admire it when I see one. I've made her Soldotna and the Nordiska.
You must live close-ish to Mount Kisco? I need to make a trip up there soon!
@@KnitTogetherwithKimJonna I’m about 45 minutes away but that’s a ‘blink of an eye’ to travel to visit a new (to me) yarn shop.
My favorite all-time sweater is the Zweig, also by Caitlyn. It’s fingering and has lace on top, colorwork in the yoke, a neat little detail throughout the body and is such a pleasure to knit. If you’d like, you can check out my projects on Ravelry where I am Bytegirl513.
Since seeing your beautiful Nordiska, I have added it to my Favorites (which serves as my queue). You picked the Perfect colors for it!
Hello ladies, love listening to you go over the process of your sweater making, I always learn something, like the swatching and adjusting as you go. My 1st sweater was the Flex by Tincan knit, didn't know anything about swatching, but somehow it came out well. I now mostly knit sweaters and I can truly give them credit for building up my confidence in sweater knitting. Congrats on your milestone 👏
Thank you for watching! And commenting! ~K&J
My first sweater was a baby sweater called the HoneyBear hoodie. I did it all from tutorials by Very Pink Knits. My first adult sweater was the Anker tee by PetiteKnit. I don’t love it because it doesn’t have short rows. My first long sleeved sweater was the basic raglan by Joji Locatelli.
Oh, and the Anker tee is in my queue. Good to know!! Thank you for the info.
My first sweater was a big fail!! Upon recommendation from my local yarn shop owner, I started a sweater that was awful! Fingering, alpaca yarn on very small needles…all knit in pieces. Awful! I ended up burning that sweater!! I didn’t want it around. My second sweater was bulky yarn which was awesome! I’m still making sweaters so I guess the failure from the first sweater didn’t scar me too much!! I’ve been knitting a little over 2 years and I’ve knitted about 10 adult sweaters and about 10 baby sweaters. I LOVE knitting sweaters!!
I'm so glad you stuck with it!
I was very ambitious with my FIRST sweater EVER and I knit the Zweig sweater by Caitlin Hunter. I love how it came out. I have yarn caked up to make a second one.
Wowza!!! I started that one as a beginner and didn't make it very far. Congratulations!
Kim, your style leans toward Bohemian, eclectic and fun! My first sweater I picked a pattern suited for fingering, chose aran, knit up quickly this huge, non-drapy misshapen thing. Its still in the back of a closet.... I choose now to FROG!!
Too funny!!
Kim, you should post your Kaleidoscope sweater on Ravelry. Right now there are no projects for this pattern. I love yours!
I know, right? I finally posted 3 recent projects on my Ravelry, and I will definitely post my Kaleidoscope when I find the notes. ~Kim
I knit the Bulky V. A basic tunic with a V neck. It was a 4 wk class offered by my LYS. Highly recommend taking a class if possible. Sadly the yarn has grown so I need to rip back a few inches so it doesn't hang to my knees.
I grew up knitting sweaters always flat bottom up and sewing the pieces together. I find the top down in the round idea really scary but I will try it soon :-)
Curious to hear about your experience with top down! Keep us posted. Jonna
My first sweater was one by Norah Gaughan called Criss-Cross Cables Pullover. It was a bottom up cabled yoke design with a turtle neck finish. I was so confident by the time I reached the neck portion that I decided to eliminate the long ribbing for an alternative design of a scoop neck that then required me to include short rows for the back to fit comfortably. With that said, I agree with Jonna, short rows should be left for sweater number 2 or 3. 🙂 Great minisode on 1st Sweater Tips.
What!?!?! Your first sweater had cables? Wow! You're amazing, and yes, I'm sure that gave you a lot of confidence.
Thanks for watching! ~K&J
I had been a knitter for about 15 years before I tried knitting my first sweater. I just always thought, oh I can’t do that, but I did it! My first, second and third sweaters were the Weekender by Andrea Mowry. She has great tutorials and I just think it’s a great first sweater, and it’s worsted weight yarn. Great video ladies!
This is on our list to knit!! Hopefully, in 2022.
My first sweater was almost 40 years ago … I knit the majority of it … all flat in pieces … mum helped me finish the front because it had lace panels … mum also taught me to mattress stitch it together so the seams disappear. It was very cute and I still have it. Literally hundreds of garments later I’m still loving making more all the time. 💚
Wow! That's an heirloom! Thank you for sharing.
My first sweater would have been over 40 years ago an Aran knit for myself from memory in a cream coloured pure wool 8ply was my first time doing cables too. Joined seams. My second was for my then boyfriend now hubby also a cabled jumper/sweater in 8 ply and the sleeves were different lengths 😳😂 he’s never let me live that one down and it’s the first and last time I knit anything for him.
I’ve recently come back to knitting after about 30 years of the family not liking knitted garments anymore but I’m now part way down through a raglan top down jumper/sweater for myself. And have frogged it a couple of times as I wasn’t happy with my stitch count or my cast ons 🙃 My first top down was a child’s size 3 colour work yolk Andrea Mowry pattern the bean & olive. As you suggested Jonna do a child’s size first to kind of get the hang of top down. It’s great not sewing all those seams and not having that bulk under the arms and down the sides.
Love your podcast 💖
Too funny! I made the Bean and Olive sweater too. Super cute! Jonna
If I get stitch gauge, I won't get row gauge so where possible, I follow the instructions for a larger size on anything that affects the length of the sweater, sleeves etc.
I wanted to add that if you upload your stash to Ravelry, when you click on a pattern, if you have a stashed yarn that was used to knit that pattern, it will come up as an "idea" yarn. Another thing I do is, when I select a pattern, I click on the projects and there is a "search in projects" bar that I type in what I want to know (mods, size, ease, problems...) and anyone who has added notes to their project page will come up.
My first top was a baby cardigan using silky sport weight yarn. I got the pattern from an older pamphlet style book. I modified the pattern to knit the sleeves in the round instead of flat. I had been knitting for a little over a year. My second top was an XL men's cardigan, later that same year. My next knit sweater was a raglan for me a couple years later. If you can knit and purl you can knit anything :) Knitting without fear!
Absolutely!!
I have entered some of my stash but not everything. I do love this function too! There are so many handy tools to use on Ravelry. We're planning on doing some tutorials soon!
@@KnitTogetherwithKimJonna That would be lovely. I utilize many functions on Ravelry and I don't know anyone in my circle of knitterly friends that do. There are so many handy functions!
The flax is awesomely easy!!! Great suggestions. I also put markers when I do German short rows....
My first sweater was a child size sweater from Yarnspirations. I knit three of them for my grandchildren. My first adult sweater that I knit for myself was the Easy Bulky One by Joji Locatelli.
I've had several people suggest Joji's patterns. Especially, the boxy.
@@KnitTogetherwithKimJonna She writes great patterns. I also like Andrea Mowry’s patterns. Both of these designers are very detailed in their pattern writing.
My first sweater was a pullover for my boyfriend (we were 17) and then a hoodie for me in bulky yarn. It was so long ago (53 years ago) that I remember nothing about the patterns, but definitely knit flat as I don’t remember circular needles in my life till the eighties. I made my third adult sweater last year- lol- The LoveNote by Tin Can Knits. I agree that the Flax is a great beginner sweater- I have made several for my little grandchildren, but not the adult size. I just sewed a little colored bit of yarn in the back of my LoveNote last week so I could tell where the back is- game changer! I look forward to lots more adult sweater knitting, if the requests for my baby hoodies would slow down. Thanks for the great tips. I am currently trenching a young friend to knit, which is so much fun, as I don’t have any knitting buddies nearby, so my u-tube knitting friends are such a joy! 🧶💕💙💜🤗
This is such a fantastic video, I'm planning my first sweater and want to cast on in January. So glad I ran across this video today. Thank you so much, this is super helpful. Love the pattern recommendations!
You are so welcome!
Such good information. The first sweater I made was a knit collage sweater in 2019 for her kal. My second on was Sunday cardigan by Petite Knits. That’s been it. I really struggle understanding the patterns. Started a few ripped many times now I’m a little gun shy. So I’m going to check out the sweaters you recommended so thank you! I love watching you ladies. I wish I had a friend to knit with like you two.
Don't give up! Learning the lingo is often harder than the knitting. I always have to remember to trust the pattern and just do what it says.
And you have 2 friends to knit with... US!!! Yay! ~K&J
My name is Johna as well, but spelled with an h and 1 n. I love hearing and seeing others with the same name! Rock climbing….wow. That is scary and I also have a fear of heights!
Hi Johna! Great name! And yes, the rock climbing was definitely scary. But we did it and never have to do it again if we don't want to. Haha! ~K&J
wow! thank you for this video...I have been contemplating knitting my first sweater and can not decide which one to cast on. I spent the time during the pandemic knitting socks for everyone. I'll try casting on a baby sweater from a Debbie Bliss pattern book that I have; and I just order a cotton/linen yarn for a summer tee shirt pattern! My alpaca fingering will have to wait til early fall for a turtle neck sweater (or, the Sunday sweater.....too cute!)
Hi Sue!
Knitting a baby sweater is a great idea! We can't wait to hear how it goes. ~K&J
Kim, I would say that sweater falls under 'eclectic' - its gorgeous. My first sweater was a turtleneck with set in sleeves and all over cables, including wishbone, and a matching skirt, in a dusty rose brushed acrylic. Before that, I had knit a stockinette toque (beanie/hat...whatever lol). That's it. So, yeah, challenging. I just did what the directions said and it turned out well; I wore it for years. The only problem was adding the turtleneck: you were supposed to pick up stitches around the neck for the turtleneck - but there were about 30 more stitches in the neckline than required and I didn't know how it was supposed to work. So, I just picked up all the stitches and knitted the ribbed turtleneck...and had a cowl neck instead. It was actually very stylish for the mid '80s. lol. Thank you for another great program. I agree - people who want to knit a sweater should just dive in and do it. It's so rewarding and there is so much help out there on the world wide web.
Thank you for sharing. I think it's so important for others to know that we're all just figuring it out and no one has to be perfect!!
As I am listening to your podcast I am spinning up blue face Lancaster wool for my next sweater. I have knit two sweaters so far and the first was with Lion Brand Homespun yarn. Its bulky and my camping sweater. My second was a Reglan sweater again with commercial yarn. But this one is going to be my own spun wool, I am excited and nervous 😂
Wow, that's amazing! I've been watching Andrea Mowry's channel and she's spinning up some gorgeous yarn! I think she is running a KAL for knitting with your handspun. I tried a friend's wheel once and couldn't get the hang of it! Thank you for your kind comment. Jonna
@@KnitTogetherwithKimJonna I am joining her knit along actually! I bought her Mackworth pattern and I just finished dying my skeins. I will be casting on today or tomorrow. I am excited 😁
Knit my first (and only) sweater 20 years ago for a friend’s baby. I don’t remember what the pattern was. I just remember it was a layette set and I was happy with how it turned out. I usually do baby blankets because I’ve been a rather lazy knitter. I purchased yarn last month to knit a jumper for my niece’s baby. It’s like a sweater with legs. I’m becoming more adventurous in my knitting. I joined a color work KAL, I learned to knit socks last year, I’m trying to expand my knitting knowledge. Your videos keep me motivated to try new things. Thanks for another fun episode. 😊
Wow! You sound really adventurous. Isn't it fun? Jonna has definitely inspired me to be learn new things and not be quite so lazy.
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! ~Kim
OMG, Kim! You are my new rock climbing partner... I will ALWAYS need the L-shaped cage to crawl through! 😂😂😂 Solidarity with Jonna! You girls are the best!
Haha, right??! I couldn't (wouldn't) have done it without her!
My second sweater was a baby sweater with some cables. I learned to knit left-handed even though I am right handed. I was proud that I realized when knitting the right front mine would be the left side, and I adjusted for buttons and button holes. It turned out great. And my first sweater was a cardigan for myself, and forgot about it until cleaning my closet lol
Haha! You found it in your closet? That's awesome! What a great keepsake.
Thank you so much for watching and commenting! ~K&J
My first two sweaters were knitted flat. Seaming was awful but I learned the correct method (thank you Very Pink Knits). Sweaters in pieces are very tailored and can be altered easily. Every sweater since has been top down. It's worth finding resources to alter to fit one piece sweaters. I check books out of the library and if they're helpful then I buy for my library. Good luck everyone! ❤
Kim I think your style is bubbly and fun: you're always so joyful!
She is!!
my first sweater was a We Are Knitters kit. It was nice to have everything put together for me!
I knit my first sweater for me in the early 70’s. A friend’s mom taught me to knit and purl and, not knowing any better, bought a pattern and beautiful woolly wool.and off I went - no Ravelry, no TH-cam, no help from a yarn store. It was a big challenge - a beautiful cardigan knitted flat with baubles around the yoke and a little pouf right at the top of the sleeve (very fashionable for the time). I took it step by step. When complete, it fit very well which was a miracle because I didn’t know to swatch. I recently got rid of it. I only wore it a few times in all these years because the yarn was so unbelievably scratchy even through a blouse!!
Oh goodness!! Well, you learned a lot!
Oh, and my 2.5 yr old granddaughter’s name is Eleanor, too!
Lovely that it's making a comeback! They considered calling her, Nora, but she called herself Noonah! Now that she's 4, she is Eleanor.
My first sweater I started in college using a Vogue magazine pattern from which was double stranded with mohair and chenille. It was a pieced cardigan and everything was knit flat and seamed together including the sleeves. It was beginner friendly because I didn’t know what was considered hard.
The flax light is a perfect baby knit. Quick even using fingering yarn and people love them.
Wow! Your first sweater sounds like it was very challenging. Do you still have it and wear it? ~Kim
Oh my . . . You ladies scared me just with your stories about the climbing. I can’t even imagine. Just the thought scares me. My first sweater was for a boyfriend when I was 19. Tan with forest green stripes on the ribbing on the neck, sleeves, and bottom of the body. It was pieced and I spent hours trying to get the seamis to look nice. My boyfriend was “normal” size but despite all my careful measuring the sweater would have fit a giant gorilla with absolutely enormously long arms. He bravely kept it for about 6 months and then it ended up back with me so I could try to “fix” it. That was 55 years ago and I still think of that sweater. (Obviously I didn’t know anything about the boyfriend/sweater curse!) Salam wa sa’aadah
Oh no!! That is so frustrating!
Honestly, I was a little traumatized after we did the climb and after the rugged maniac race. Note to self.....????
my 1st sweater was a bottom up EPS system sweater by Elizabeth Zimmermann....was addicted to her videos!
Frogging is a huge part of knitting successfully! I think everything I have ever knit has at least one small error somewhere....that is what makes it unique! Love your pod ladies....thanks for sharing all the things and adventures!
So true! I still make mistakes on every project even after knitting for 30+ years. Thank you for commenting and watching! ~Kim
My first sweater was a baby cardigan which was top down. Because it was a cardigan, there was a lot of knitting and purling...( What was I thinking???)
My first adult sweater was the Vanilla Bean sweater...sooooo easy; I have made 3. It is a turtleneck and a top down raglan...highly recommend!!!
Thank you for the recommendation!
My first sweater was a bottom up, circular knit with attached knitted in sleeves. I followed the pattern as far as # of cast ons, # of increases and decreases. I came up with my own design on it.
You two are awesome!! I watch Arne and Carlos all of the time and now I am so happy to have added you to my top 3 channels. You are in my stage of life, just a bit younger but who’s counting lol:) I just want to tell you that you are a great team, extremely engaging, funny and quickly endearing to watch. Thank you!!! Get ready, I think you’re going on a wild ride! I look forward to your videos, and wanted to let you know you have inspired me:) thank you again! ~ Lisa from Wisconsin
Hi Lisa!
Thank you so much for your kind feedback. We're still surprised that anyone watches us ramble about knitting. Haha! ~K&J
Thank you for this video and ideas for my first sweater. I just started mine this week. It is the sea glass tee because I only have fingering weight yarn so far. But I am anxious to make the sweater next. I have made a sweater for my grandchildren so I guess that would be my first and was raglan with a zipper. Happy knitting ladies 💜
Good info on knitting a sweater i will try Flax light on tin can knits and its a free one with help! Thank u
My first pattern was a baby sweater for one of my foster babies. I still remember when I made the first arm pit!! Exciting
Awe, so sweet!! (and funny)
I think knitting a vest should come before a sweater project. Feeling satisfaction with a project is essential to further tackling a more difficult one.
Absolutely!
My first sweater was a cabled vest that I knitted in a class. It was my very first knit of ANYTHING! It was the tightest, smallest vest. I pretty much had to hold my breath to wear it…
Haha! But WOW! A cabled anything as a first garment is absolutely amazing! ~Kim
One year we picked names in the family for Christmas and the gift had to be something handmade, so I got my Mom and I knit my first sweater for her, actually made two. They were sweater coats, a heavy cardigan style and I must say they turned out very well! Of course they were in acrylic yarn because that is all I knew of to knit with at that time. I still have the pamphlet that has the patterns in! That was probably about 40 years ago! Oh no am I that old🙄
Haha, it's better than the alternative (this is what I tell myself!).
Kim your style is whimsical!
I'll pass this along!! Honestly, I was flummoxed when she asked me. I don't even know my own style!!
My first sweater was an Olive Knits KAL a few years ago. The LYS helped me pick a size that was too small so gave it to a friend who loves it and it looks great on her. I'd done baby sweaters up until then but now things are better and my local knit group has encouraged me to try new skills and improve my skills. Yay for great knitting friends!
Such a great community!!
I'm just about to knit my first adult sweater so this video was perfect for me. I have knit most of my life off and on but never an adult sweater. I have knit a baby sweater though and socks, hats scarves, cowls. You have made me realize that I can do this!! I'll keep you posted!!!!!
Absolutely!!! Please keep us updated!
I love Petite Knits! My first sweater was the Anker Summer Shirt and was surprised at how easy it was. The Sunday one is next! Thanks.
Yes!! I'm working on a No Frills right now and loving every minute!
Congrats on 5K but not surprised! You all are fun and helpful! My first sweater was the Einstein Coat. Have made 3 since. They are easy, all knitting and picking up stitches.
My first sweater was newleaf by Jenn Steingass. Wish I had not started with fingering yarn. Took so long but loved the finished sweater. Knit with rauma finnulgarn.
Wow! What an accomplishment. Did you love the Finullgarn? I absolutely loved it and love wearing it. Jonna
@@KnitTogetherwithKimJonna Yes I do love the finnulgarn. When blocked it made such a nice fabric.
I always put a marker by my short row stitches too. Sometimes it’s hard to tell that it’s a double stitch. My first sweater was a Craftsy knit along with the Grocery Girls.
The best part of the Flax sweater is the garter sleeve! I love it - and I've made 3 of them, and will make more.
Congrats on reaching the 5k milestone! Love your podcast! I learned how to knit by taking a class at my LYS. My instructor (shop owner) had me pick out a pattern for a sweater with all sorts of different types of stitches. I didn't know any better and just tackled it section by section. Fast forward 28 years later, the shop owner, long since retired, and I are "family" and I knit daily. I don't know where I would be without the craft and this wonderful community!
This is lovely! You are so blessed to have had such wonderful knitting support. So many don't have that.
Thank you for watching and being part of our little knitting community! ~K&J
My first sweater was an children v-neck. My frend wanted to teach me to follow a wriiten pattern at the same Time.
Perfect! No short rows!
I started with a no sleeve top knitted flat from a yarn company and then I moved to the Flax sweater thanks to the tutorial on line. Loved it but indeed the garter stitch was an added difficulty. I recommend the sweaters from Along avec Anna. The way she writes her pattern is for me so clear! And she has very easy one for beginners such as the Suzie sweater and the Trescao
Oh, the Little Rosa sweater is adorable!! Thanks for the recommendation.