I love that you're documenting this stuff. I've been knitting for only two years, and love thrifting and love cashmere. Like you, I started by felting the cashmere sweaters and sewing things (throws and blankets) from the pieces. then I learned to knit and learned to frog sweaters for my yarn. I have no problem holding several strands together to make a thicker yarn, and find that if I frog two or even three sweaters in similar colors I can make a pleasing marled yarn to use that gives me enough for a whole sweater. If I;m feeling really adventurous I also use acid dyes to unify the color more. To get rid of the kinks I started out by winding the yarn on a swift, soaking the hank and hanging it to dry. This got old really fast. Now I take the hank from the swift and steam iron it on a wool setting while stretching it around my ironing board. This not only makes it much straighter, but it kills any pesky moth eggs and larvae too. Good luck in your thrifty recycling creative adventures! Oh and yes - unzipping a seam is sooooo satisfying.
Fabulous inspiration for an amazing approach to yarn ‘purchase’. Love the idea and youhave done some amazing research. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to see your final red sweater, it looks great so far. X
Yes! I would love to see you frog it. I’m doing one right now that has the folded over collar and it’s really got me stumped for getting that collar off intact.
Ah! If you remove the tag and look for a little end to snip, you may find it easier. You could also spread apart the seam between the collar and main body to see if there are connecting “bars” of stitches. You can snip a few of those without hurting the neckband.
I have a favorite thrift store I go to and planned on looking for sweaters today. This video is very helpful thank you so much I hope I’m able to get some great finds!
❤ I can't wait to see you frog a sweater. I have done this with 2 sweaters from Value Village, one was mess that I could not find the sweet spot to start and ended up cut up too much to keep. The other one was better and the yarn felt lovely but I had no idea what the Fibre content was. Looking forward to your next video on your process. Thanks.
Brava to you for thrifting however you can in person! I used to shop at Goodwill, too, until a couple of years ago when I discovered the Big Cheeses at GW make somewhere between $200 thousand and 1 million dollars per year (depending on what internet search you do). I also found out that employees with disabilities are often paid less than minimum wage (as low as 22 cents per hour), whistleblowers have been fired, and safety issues have led to tragedy. Now my fave thrift store is The Humane Society Thrift Store, also the fave of all our town which voted it the Best Thrift Store - even against GW! We also have thrift stores for hospice, Teen Challenge, and other local charities. I try to be even more ethical about where my little money goes. (BTW, I was reclaiming yarn about 30 years ago, when the thrift store prices were actually thrifty.)
I’m finally working on a miter square throw with all the leftover sock yarn I have stashed away. I have considered frogging a few projects I made years ago and no longer reach for them. I rarely buy yarn or fabric anymore because I have both and need to use it. Even if it’s re-used to enjoy in a new form😊
That’s great that you’ve started a scrappy blanket! I have a garter blanket that is 3/4 done that used up so many scraps. So satisfying! Agreed- re-using materials is one of the joys of crafting!
I do this a lot and it's awesome! I recently discovered that if I wind the yarn on my swift and steam it on the swift, it gets much straighter which I like because it feels softer and nicer to knit with, even though it's not necessary to do that!
I’m currently working on a scarf I “unknitted” several years ago. It was an infinity scarf and didn’t work for me but I loved the colors in the yarn. It’s good practice,I’m haven’t knitted for 20+ years!
I like your idea to reuse the ribbing. Until now I always unraveled it, separateing the elastic from the yarn. Normally y combine the yarn of two sweaters, since I am a big person. And I tend to thrift very thin sweaters, using the yarn to produce a marbled look. Thanks for your clear explanation.
@@Lisamakes I look for silkier thin yarn, almost like thread for cross stitch but thinner. It's easy to unravel. Thin wool or cashmere is horrible to unravel.
I watched both of them again. I have so many sweaters that I saved over the years, and I was going to cut them into squares and make a knit cover with them. Now I will probably unwind them and make new sweaters! I have been watching you since before you moved the show to the kitchen in Canada. I'm bad a knitting, but that doesn't stop me! @@Lisamakes
@Heyreneesews so glad you found it helpful! I bet you’ll be a great knitter when you’re done reknitting all that yarn! 😊Thanks for continuing to watch after all this time. ❤️
I had an unexpected reaction to this: these sweaters (particularly the one you are about to frog!) look too nice to take apart 😮. I think this is because when you first mentioned the idea last video, I had in mind some thrift store buys with perhaps a moth hole or two, a stain, a rip on the hem…. But I think thrift stores have changed a lot the last few decades. While I was thrilled as a student to find a cashmere cardigan with a thin elbow for a dollar and be able to cheaply fix it, now I think second hand shops have gotten pretty posh and sell things only a few seasons old and in mint condition. So yes, I’ll be curious to see how you do it!!
I understand! The thing is 2/3 of cast off clothing ends up in the landfill. There were hundreds of wool sweaters just in the categories that I searched! Although we appreciate the beauty of a sweater like this, few do, I’m afraid. If we can reuse the yarn, it is a far better use, I think! Some good info here: www.greenamerica.org/unraveling-fashion-industry/what-really-happens-unwanted-clothes
Lisa I love your channel. I saw a “Woolovers” longline cable cardigan in thrift shop yesterday, cables, unworn, size 8. I'm heading back to buy it now, having been inspired by your videos. Please can I ask if you had a pattern for the beautiful shoulder shrug you are wearing? It looks beautiful on you.
Thanks for the video on what to look for in reclaim wool, great idea to keeping the hems, and button bands separate. I'm interested in seeing what you make and seeing the unraveling. I have used a serged felted, cabled 100% wool sweater to make a hot water bottle cover and a slip cover for a pillow. Which sites do use to source wool? ❤
Love the fact you can save us time and frustration in trying this! Thanks for sharing. One question, do you have the sweater cleaned before starting? Do you wash by hand?
I’m glad it’s helpful! In terms of cleaning, it depends. As these came from someone’s home, not a shop, I judge if they are clean when they arrive. If the look and smell clean, I will steam them well and let them dry. If they seem at all dusty or not fresh, I had wash, or use the wool setting on my machine.
Here is an example on a sweatshirt. It’s in a contrasting colour, so it’s easy to see: www.reddit.com/r/sewing/comments/y396z4/bought_a_sweatshirt_with_rough_seamsedges_what/
Is it okay to wind the salvage yarn with all the little kinks in it? My concern is that the gauge might be off if I don’t get the kinks out before starting the project. Thank you! 😊💕
@@RubyCrockettsolitude I’ve had no problem with that at all. Sometimes I will will steam the project as I go to smooth it, but just tensioning the yarn is generally enough for me.
I have used this technique for years! Now, I am finding it difficult to find sweaters that are 100% natural fibers. I haven’t tried any online thrift stores though. I have also used the ribbing bands in sewn garments; great for a jacket.
I sent you another message on another episode, but I love your wrap/snood you’re wearing. I normally don’t assume but what is the name of this wrap? It’s exactly what I’m looking for to knit. Thank you in advance.
I don’t, because I’m taking something that has already lived a life and is now being sold second hand. So much clothing ends up in the garbage because it doesn’t sell- I am giving it a second life. ❤️
This is a shame to unravel these old fashioned/ beautiful garments.. Who can knit the old fashioned way, this is the original work when nearly every woman knew how to knit. I would keep these garments, nobody will see them again OR even knit one; OR to get one made it will cost a lot of money: Thinnk before you unravel them.... history is being destroyed.
Well, sure, but where’s the fun in that? ;) I actually have kept a few of the sweaters I’ve thrifted as is- but I enjoy knitting so much, it’s a great way for me to get special yarn. Win win.
This was so helpful. I just inherited a large tote full of cashmere sweaters that don't fit me. Now I know which ones I can unravel.
Looking forward to watching. Good way to save yarn from a landfill and save money on good quality yarn.
That’s exactly how I feel!
Yes! Please show us how to frog a sweater.
Will do!
Omgoodness! This is amazing information! Please show us how to frog! Would love to learn this !! 🫶🏻🤗🥰
Will do! Coming up later this week, I hope!
Oh my Gosh I wanna see how the unravelling is done! Thanks for the fun watching you!
My latest video gives you a step by step guide!
This is such an interesting technique! Thank you for sharing your experience and I can't wait for part 2! ❤
Thanks for watching, Sarah! Part 2 coming soon!
Very cool! Love recycling such a great idea.
It’s quite addictive.
I love that you're documenting this stuff. I've been knitting for only two years, and love thrifting and love cashmere. Like you, I started by felting the cashmere sweaters and sewing things (throws and blankets) from the pieces. then I learned to knit and learned to frog sweaters for my yarn. I have no problem holding several strands together to make a thicker yarn, and find that if I frog two or even three sweaters in similar colors I can make a pleasing marled yarn to use that gives me enough for a whole sweater. If I;m feeling really adventurous I also use acid dyes to unify the color more. To get rid of the kinks I started out by winding the yarn on a swift, soaking the hank and hanging it to dry. This got old really fast. Now I take the hank from the swift and steam iron it on a wool setting while stretching it around my ironing board. This not only makes it much straighter, but it kills any pesky moth eggs and larvae too. Good luck in your thrifty recycling creative adventures! Oh and yes - unzipping a seam is sooooo satisfying.
Those are some great tips- I will try your steaming technique!
Thanks Lisa for the inspiration and yes to the next installment, very inspiring
So glad it was inspiring!
Very interesting and I learned some things, too. Yes, I want to see the whole unraveling process. Thanks!
Glad you learned something knew!
Fabulous inspiration for an amazing approach to yarn ‘purchase’. Love the idea and youhave done some amazing research. Thank you for sharing. Can’t wait to see your final red sweater, it looks great so far. X
Glad it was helpful! I have a few more gorgeous ones to frog coming up.
Yes! I would love to see you frog it. I’m doing one right now that has the folded over collar and it’s really got me stumped for getting that collar off intact.
Ah! If you remove the tag and look for a little end to snip, you may find it easier. You could also spread apart the seam between the collar and main body to see if there are connecting “bars” of stitches. You can snip a few of those without hurting the neckband.
@@Lisamakes thanks so much!
surged would be good for nailbinding.
Thank you, this was very helpful
Glad to hear it!
Soooo interesting. Will be fascinated to see more.
I’m currently editing the next one. :)
I have a favorite thrift store I go to and planned on looking for sweaters today. This video is very helpful thank you so much I hope I’m able to get some great finds!
Hope you found some good ones!
❤ I can't wait to see you frog a sweater. I have done this with 2 sweaters from Value Village, one was mess that I could not find the sweet spot to start and ended up cut up too much to keep. The other one was better and the yarn felt lovely but I had no idea what the Fibre content was. Looking forward to your next video on your process. Thanks.
It definitely takes some trial and error, doesn’t it? Hopefully some of my tips will be helpful!
Incredibly interesting and useful crafting knowledge thanks Lisa. Will be diving into the thrifting arena too now thanks to you. 🥰
Brava to you for thrifting however you can in person! I used to shop at Goodwill, too, until a couple of years ago when I discovered the Big Cheeses at GW make somewhere between $200 thousand and 1 million dollars per year (depending on what internet search you do). I also found out that employees with disabilities are often paid less than minimum wage (as low as 22 cents per hour), whistleblowers have been fired, and safety issues have led to tragedy. Now my fave thrift store is The Humane Society Thrift Store, also the fave of all our town which voted it the Best Thrift Store - even against GW! We also have thrift stores for hospice, Teen Challenge, and other local charities. I try to be even more ethical about where my little money goes. (BTW, I was reclaiming yarn about 30 years ago, when the thrift store prices were actually thrifty.)
I’m finally working on a miter square throw with all the leftover sock yarn I have stashed away. I have considered frogging a few projects I made years ago and no longer reach for them. I rarely buy yarn or fabric anymore because I have both and need to use it. Even if it’s re-used to enjoy in a new form😊
That’s great that you’ve started a scrappy blanket! I have a garter blanket that is 3/4 done that used up so many scraps. So satisfying! Agreed- re-using materials is one of the joys of crafting!
I do this a lot and it's awesome! I recently discovered that if I wind the yarn on my swift and steam it on the swift, it gets much straighter which I like because it feels softer and nicer to knit with, even though it's not necessary to do that!
I agree, it’s all about the feel! For me, it doesn’t matter, if it makes knitting nicer for you that’s a quicker fix. ;)
I’m currently working on a scarf I “unknitted” several years ago. It was an infinity scarf and didn’t work for me but I loved the colors in the yarn. It’s good practice,I’m haven’t knitted for 20+ years!
That’s amazing! Isn’t it satisfying to recreate yarn into something completely new?❤️
Wonderful information; thank you from the US via NL and Indonesia
Look forward to learning how to renew used projects!!!
I’ve since added a few more videos on the topic!
I like your idea to reuse the ribbing. Until now I always unraveled it, separateing the elastic from the yarn.
Normally y combine the yarn of two sweaters, since I am a big person. And I tend to thrift very thin sweaters, using the yarn to produce a marbled look.
Thanks for your clear explanation.
That sounds gorgeous! I’ve always been nervous to unwind thinner yarn because I thought it might tangle. You don’t find that, though?
@@Lisamakes I look for silkier thin yarn, almost like thread for cross stitch but thinner. It's easy to unravel. Thin wool or cashmere is horrible to unravel.
I have been thinking of frogging, and now I came across your video! ❤❤
Amazing! I hope the info was helpful.
I watched both of them again. I have so many sweaters that I saved over the years, and I was going to cut them into squares and make a knit cover with them. Now I will probably unwind them and make new sweaters! I have been watching you since before you moved the show to the kitchen in Canada. I'm bad a knitting, but that doesn't stop me! @@Lisamakes
@Heyreneesews so glad you found it helpful! I bet you’ll be a great knitter when you’re done reknitting all that yarn! 😊Thanks for continuing to watch after all this time. ❤️
This is brilliant and keeping the ribbing is 🤯
Keeping the ribbing is key!
Ooh Yes please. Would like to see some frogging 🙋🏼🏴
Will do!
so cool - loving this process!
Thanks, babe! More on the way.
Hi may I ask which sweater you are wearing here? It’s 🥰 adorable!
The sweater is the Winterfell!
Looking forward to the next instalment!
Coming soon!
Thank you, great information.
I had an unexpected reaction to this: these sweaters (particularly the one you are about to frog!) look too nice to take apart 😮. I think this is because when you first mentioned the idea last video, I had in mind some thrift store buys with perhaps a moth hole or two, a stain, a rip on the hem…. But I think thrift stores have changed a lot the last few decades. While I was thrilled as a student to find a cashmere cardigan with a thin elbow for a dollar and be able to cheaply fix it, now I think second hand shops have gotten pretty posh and sell things only a few seasons old and in mint condition.
So yes, I’ll be curious to see how you do it!!
I understand! The thing is 2/3 of cast off clothing ends up in the landfill. There were hundreds of wool sweaters just in the categories that I searched! Although we appreciate the beauty of a sweater like this, few do, I’m afraid. If we can reuse the yarn, it is a far better use, I think!
Some good info here: www.greenamerica.org/unraveling-fashion-industry/what-really-happens-unwanted-clothes
Oh yes, I would love to see how you frog thrifted sweaters 😊
Yes frog with us
Lisa I love your channel. I saw a “Woolovers” longline cable cardigan in thrift shop yesterday, cables, unworn, size 8. I'm heading back to buy it now, having been inspired by your videos. Please can I ask if you had a pattern for the beautiful shoulder shrug you are wearing? It looks beautiful on you.
Amazing! Sounds like a great find. My latest video gives more in depth instructions! I’m wearing the Getting Warmer cowl. ❤️
@ thank you for sharing. I found it on ravelry, and also bought the woolover “coatigan” which seems to beautiful to uravel!
Yes, please!
I've started this with a dark blue wool DK weight jumper. Would probably recommend starting with a pale colour for your first attempt 😂
Good tip! 😅
Thanks for the video on what to look for in reclaim wool, great idea to keeping the hems, and button bands separate. I'm interested in seeing what you make and seeing the unraveling. I have used a serged felted, cabled 100% wool sweater to make a hot water bottle cover and a slip cover for a pillow. Which sites do use to source wool? ❤
Such a great use for serged sweaters, for sure! Here is Spain, Vinted is the most popular second hand clothing website. It’s really good!
Yes! Exciting!❤❤❤❤
Amazing! Coming up soon!
Love the fact you can save us time and frustration in trying this! Thanks for sharing. One question, do you have the sweater cleaned before starting? Do you wash by hand?
I’m glad it’s helpful! In terms of cleaning, it depends. As these came from someone’s home, not a shop, I judge if they are clean when they arrive. If the look and smell clean, I will steam them well and let them dry. If they seem at all dusty or not fresh, I had wash, or use the wool setting on my machine.
I tried thrifting and frogging once but had a hard time finding anything really worth doing. Some acrylics and some serged. Might try again
Yes, it can be a bit of hunt- but online is easier. Something like Poshmark in the States.
I'd love to see examples of serged edges!
Here is an example on a sweatshirt. It’s in a contrasting colour, so it’s easy to see: www.reddit.com/r/sewing/comments/y396z4/bought_a_sweatshirt_with_rough_seamsedges_what/
Is it okay to wind the salvage yarn with all the little kinks in it? My concern is that the gauge might be off if I don’t get the kinks out before starting the project. Thank you! 😊💕
@@RubyCrockettsolitude I’ve had no problem with that at all. Sometimes I will will steam the project as I go to smooth it, but just tensioning the yarn is generally enough for me.
I love this. I've thought of doing this myself, but there are hardily any suitable jumpers 8n 9ur op shoos. Great vl9g. ❤❤
Maybe check online second hand shops?
You’re in Spain?! 😳 How awesome is that! 🥳 Thanks for the tips, & take care!..🤟🏼🥂…🇨🇦
Yes! Over four years now. ❤️
I have used this technique for years! Now, I am finding it difficult to find sweaters that are 100% natural fibers. I haven’t tried any online thrift stores though. I have also used the ribbing bands in sewn garments; great for a jacket.
That’s a great idea to use it on sewn garments- I’ll have to try that!
May I ask please why should it be 100% wool ?
It doesn’t need to be. I just prefer it, and only have experience unraveling natural fibres. I’m sure you can with others, too.
@@Lisamakes oh thank you so much for your reply i thought it was a rule 🩵
I sent you another message on another episode, but I love your wrap/snood you’re wearing. I normally don’t assume but what is the name of this wrap? It’s exactly what I’m looking for to knit. Thank you in advance.
Where do u buy them from?
I use a website called Vinted.
Do you ever regret unraveling a beautiful sweater?
I don’t, because I’m taking something that has already lived a life and is now being sold second hand. So much clothing ends up in the garbage because it doesn’t sell- I am giving it a second life. ❤️
❤
This is a shame to unravel these old fashioned/ beautiful garments.. Who can knit the old fashioned way, this is the original work when nearly every woman knew how to knit.
I would keep these garments, nobody will see them again OR even knit one;
OR to get one made it will cost a lot of money:
Thinnk before you unravel them.... history is being destroyed.
I understand what you’re saying but they are not hand knit sweaters.
or you could just thrift a sweater in your size and wear it...
Well, sure, but where’s the fun in that? ;) I actually have kept a few of the sweaters I’ve thrifted as is- but I enjoy knitting so much, it’s a great way for me to get special yarn. Win win.