I don’t mind if a yarn’s discontinued if the weight and fiber are described. Ravelry usually has info for discontinued yarns anyway. It’s helpful when the designer describes what kind of characteristics the fabric should have, like the drape. I’m so glad you design, because classics with perfected expensive-looking details are exactly my taste!
Your Calm Down Cardigan looks fantastic on you. I love how thoughtful you were about all the little details that makes it look so neat, polished and expensive 😄 It really speaks to me ! I do love this kind of casual and timeless piece in a wardrobe. Definitively a must have ! And the saddle shoulders... I think I prefer this construction to dropped shoulders because as you explained it well, it gives you this extra bulk that I don't find flattering. I'm looking forward to the pattern release date ! It doesn't bother me if a designer use a discontinued yarn becaus as you mentioned it, most of the time, I will choose another yarn, unless I really want my sweater to look exactly like the designer's version. And this might happen with the Calm Down Cardigan. I love the color you chose 😍
I really appreciate your discussion of Calm Down’s shaping. Love the details. Also, I’ll be “gathering wool” as I await the arrival of the “sweatshirt” pattern… bag is just adorable extra. 2023 is going to be your best year ever!
I love that you used a stash yarn even though it's discontinued! a major theme in my business is sustainability, so using up what you have definitely aligns with that. I've used discontinued yarns in a few of my patterns, and most people don't mind as long as I provide a couple of suggestions. my testers usually use a different yarn anyway, so there's a good variety of yarns in the samples before the pattern is published so folks can get a good idea of what will work. as long as it's not a super unique yarn, I think it's fine!
Buying new yarn for the sake of it does seem to go against the whole ethos of slow, sustainable handmade fashion doesn't it? I imagine most people won't mind at all, so long as it isn't some weird unicorn fibre that's impossible to substitute 😂
I just came across your podcast & very happy i did. Your very pretty & so is your sweater! I think your knitting is beautiful it almost looks machine knit. Although i am 79 & live in Florida I wont be able to use many of your knits & am enjoying listing & watching what you knit. The cardigan is lovely!! Bright red would be beautiful & fun!! I look forward to watching from the beginning. Your very gifted🧶Diane
Hi Lily, for all of the knitting podcasts I have watched over the past few years I am astonished that I have not come across yours previously. Your bag design is very clever. I look forward to becoming familiar with more of your designs.
I agree. That is definitely the perfect sweater. I can hardly wait until it is for sale so I can buy one. I wish I had been on the testing team. It's gorgeous!
Love the cardi, love the bag, love the jumper!!! You're so talented! I also love that you take your knitting to the pub! Why, bloody not!! Looking forward to footage from the yarn shopping in Amsterdam!
What beautiful designs and with such impeccable finishing. I have been in the knitting doldrums for a while and this makes me itching to pick up my needles. I don’t mind about yarn used in patterns as long as there is information about fibres and fabric at your gauge. The bag is ingenious ❤
I love your new designs. They are perfectly modern and everyday beautiful wearable garments and an accessory. I appreciate your attention to details and I have always enjoyed listening to your podcast and style tips you had sprinkled here and there. I enjoy diving with you into the design process. For example you had mentioned in the past that small V necks usually are not very flattering. And you are so right, I always wondered why I typically was passing the V neck pullovers, and now I know what detail to look for. As for the discontinued yarn being used in one of your designs, I don’t mind at all, since I often make my own choice of yarn available to me or in my stash. Between a Ravelry and Yarn Sub website, substitutions are available. You can also make a couple other yarn recommendations on the pattern page, as I find it helpful too. I am excited for your new designs, and all are on my list to knit. I am also wondering in regards to your „perfectly modern everyday collection”, if perhaps designing a bomber style cardi to wear with the graphic tees and jeans would of interest to other knitters as well.
Thank you Kasia! I'll try to share more of the design process (or at least my thoughts on it) here on RUclips. Glad my tips have been useful! I would definitely like to do a bomber style cardigan of some sorts - my Hopelessly Devoted Cardigan kind of has that look but I certainly wouldn't rule out doing it again.
I'm so excited about the Boulevard Bag!!! Super unique design :) xx (and also: I don't mind discontinued yarn as I rarely use the recommended yarn for patterns)
Your talent is incredible! I love all of your designs - I want this cardi as soon as its out, and I even want to knit the bag - and I'm not a bag person. Love your contribution to the art of knitted fashion!
Lily, your Blvd boucle bag is OUTSTANDING! Makes my heart flutter ❤. Can’t wait for you to release it! So creative, stylish, modern yet classic. Beautiful!
Happy to hear designers using stash yarns and not just using $$$ gifted or sponsored yarn. As long as the pattern gives the fiber content and gauge so that the knitter can achieve a similar fabric to the sample. I also appreciate when the designer's sample knitters use different yarns, colors, sizes and include notes on their personal mods.
Exactly! I've worked with many yarn brands over the years but actually prefer using stash / yarn I've purchased myself and having no obligations these days. I would hate for a knitter to feel like they had to spend £££ on yarn in order to make a pattern!
Can hardly wait to make the Boulevard Bag, how adorable! 😍 I do think I will use webbing for the strap and then just knit your strap design over it, so it will be more sturdy. I think I will try to make it in lots of different colors/textures as well. Funny, as I typed this, you started showing another color bag you were working on. What a clever design, loving it so much. And yes, looks like I must also make both sweaters you showed, they are amazing. Hugs from Texas.🥰😍😍😍
it's a fun knit! I actually considered doing something like that - either webbing or thick grosgrain ribbon between the layers of double knitting. But once I'd finished the strap, I realised it was pretty sturdy already and didn't need it. I suppose it'll depend on your yarn / needle choice - densely knit cotton produces a firm fabric, but other yarns might have more 'give'. & thank you so much! Hugs back from Lancashire!
Soooo excited for the Boulevard Bag! 🤩 I know for a fact that I will want to knit this one! 💖💖💖 Concerning the sweater in a discontinued yarn, I would appreciate 1-2 actual recommended yarns as alternatives (maybe the ones that your testers have use) mentioned explicitely in the pattern. It would be a bit disheartening to have just the discontinued yarn mentioned and none other, I have to admit. "standard aran" is too general, there are so many out there and they are still different. But no issues if you can name 1-2 alternatives! :)
thanks Lota! I'm hoping to write up the pattern this week before I go away - might be ambitious but I'll try my best haha! I will include yarns used by testers in the pattern too, or at least on the Ravelry / Etsy pages. And the pattern will also include more info than just 'standard aran' of course! 😊
Hi Lily, Love, love, love your new patterns! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. 😊 I don’t mind when designers knit new samples in discontinued yarn. If they know what yarn it is, it’s relatively easily comparable. Often, we’re in different countries and the same yarns aren’t easily accessible for an affordable price. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work. 💕Heidi from Chicago
thank you so very much! At times I was slightly concerned this cardigan and sweater weren't creative enough, but I figured others probably want those kind of simple knits in their wardrobe too!
The bag looks great, in both the black/white and pink versions! I would love to see a matching bucket hat - the channel would be such a good way to give the brim some shape.
Lily Kate!!! I can not wait to make the calm down cardi! And the boulevard bag and the movement pullover! OH DEAR! Well done beautiful girl, well done! xx (Hi to mum!)
That cardigan is everything! Can't wait for pattern release. I really like the cross body bag too, I just love all the thoughtful details and things took into account.
I think it’s nice that you knit with what you have in your stash when you can even if it’s discontinued. It’s more sustainable than buying new when you don’t need to and might encourage others to look in their stash when knitting the pattern, versus feeling like they can’t make it if they can’t/don’t want to purchase a specific yarn
My thoughts exactly! Obviously I do buy new yarn for some projects when I don't have anything suitable (like this cardigan) but it just feels wasteful to buy yarn for the sake of it when I have the right thing for the job already.
As I rarely use the exact yarn in a pattern, it doesnt matter if a yarn is discontinued. I would suspect we all have stashes with gorgeous discontinued yarn we would love to use that is just waiting for a pattern match.
I’m excited to knit your comfy sweatshirt sweater! I don’t mind if a yarn is discontinued unless it’s something special that is hard to replace or integral to the look of the garment.
I am not too worried about the yarn used in designs, primarily bc it may not be available in my country, cost or personal preference of the type of yarn. I love your cardigan and raglan sweaters- beautiful aesthetics ❤
excited to knit this dk cardigan, one of the "new to me skills" that I wanted to learn this year is double knitting so the button band will punch that ticket!! I love how simply elegant the details are
I hope that you have a wonderful break in Copenhagen and manage to get lots of time to knit, visit yarn shops and drink wine - although not necessarily in that order. The Calm Down Cardigan is so stylish and you’ve definitely achieved the high end look you were after. Worth all the bad words and ripping back that’s for sure.
Love the Calm Down cardi, you’ve got some lovely detail and shaping in there 👌 - and I have the exact yarn in stash - can’t wait! As for using stash yarn for designs - no problem with that at all, just as long as the characteristics of the yarn are available to compare to make substitutions easy. The movement sweater is smashing too👍👍👍
I have the silver and a dark grey in stash - but I also have a discontinued Rowan yarn, Rowanspun dk, which is lovely, a more brown grey but with tweedy flecks of colour - will have to swatch. The Rowan Rowanspun is lovely yarn, wish they hadn’t discontinued it…a long time ago now though!
I can’t wait to knit the Calm Down cardi!!! Was so sad I couldn’t apply to test cuz I have way too much on my plate at the minute to have met the deadline but believe you me, I will be casting on right at release!! Hopefully I can test for you again at some point this year anyway 💗
Also as for discontinued yarn, I don’t mind a bit! as long as it’s not like a completely unreplicateable fabric without the original yarn (which seems like it would be unlikely lol) 😂
& I know exactly what you mean! Even if a yarn is still available, I try to avoid using anything too unusual precisely because it's more difficult to substitute.
Hello from North Carolina... Lily you are so creative, and you really think things through. I love the cardigan, and your color choices. I can't wait till that pattern comes out. Some advice on how to bring the shoulder back up to my shoulder would be very appreciated. I'm a size 2X and drop shoulders aren't flattering on me at all. Thanks for any help with that. The bags are so cute!
It doesn’t bother me about using yarn that is discontinued. As I live in Australia I can never get the recommended yarns anyway (delivery is breathtaking at times) so I’m always making my own substitutions. Your cardi names made me giggle “the bastard cardigan”’🤣🤣 Thanks for sharing 🥰
I can't wait for the new cardigan release and I love the boulevard bag! I don't mind if a yarn has been discontinued as long as it's a type of yarn where its easy to find comparable alternatives :)
I rarely use the same yarn as that which is recommended or used in the pattern, as I'm from Australia and sometimes getting a hold of yarn from the UK or US is tricky - so I almost always substitute based on weight and meterage - all good from my perspective to use what you already have! Love the cardigan by the way - it's perfect!
Hi, I only just found your podcast and thoroughly enjoyed it, I too was a monogamous knitter for many years but now have 3 sweaters on the go all at different stages so at least one is portable and I usually have socks on the needles in case I need a small project. I don't think it matters if you use stash yarn for a pattern if you describe in a way that we can replicate or suggest what yarn you would use if buying it. I now want to knit both the sweater and the cardigan. It will be my first cardigan in over 30 years and my first knitting continentalstyle. How exciting!
I don't mind if a pattern is designed/made in a discontinued yarn as long as it's a fairly standard type of yarn that I can reproduce. I rarely use the yarn called for in a pattern. And I think it's great that you can use your stash when designing. I mean, there are so many patterns designed in yarn that's now discontinued.
I am chomping at the bit to knit that cardigan, I have been waiting for one with this vibe for so long! I don't mind if the yarn is discontinued for a pattern, I usually choose my own anyway.
Congratulations on your newest patterns. They are all stunning!!! I love your aesthetic and loving your athele-leisure vibe! Feedback on yarn designers use for their samples- I think it’s irrelevant, things change all the time, plus hoping your testers demonstrate some other viable options to make ur patterns.
On using discontinued yarn: I don't find it a problem but i find very useful if the designer provides suggestions for appropriate yarn substitutions. Enjoying understanding the details and the process of your designs!
I usually never use the same yarn that is used in pattern so IMO it doesn't matter at all if the pattern is in discontinued yarn. Though I do think there is a big group of knitters who use the exact same yarn and even colour as in the pattern, so perhaps you want to give some yarn suggestions and have a sample in another yarn (or just get the suggestions from the test knitters who used different yarn).
A discontinued yarn wouldn't bother me, but I know some people who love to use the sample yarn. For people like them, maybe you could have some suggestions of similar yarns (fiber, yardage, etc)?
Personally I would be put off knitting a pattern made with discontinued yarn. An example would be your poisoned apple top which I have been looking at recently. I saw that it was made with shibui yarn which is now discontinued and I'm not quite confident enough yet to choose a yarn with the characteristics required, such as the level of structure and body in the finished fabric. I'm also drawn to not just the design elements of a pattern but how the finished fabric looks in the photos, which will be difficult to achieve with a different yarn
Thanks for your comment! When I designed the Poisoned Apple Top, the yarn was available (I worked with Shibui at the time). Unless I constantly re-knit samples, which doesn't seem like a good use of time, there's nothing I can do if a yarn company shuts down or discontinues a particular yarn after I've used it - many brands are constantly changing their ranges, so this would be a never ending cycle! I'd always recommend looking for yarns with similar fibre content, or reaching out to the designer for advice - I'm always happy to help with substitution suggestions 😊
Hi, LK. I love your cardigan design. I'm sure it's too late in your design process to include it in the pattern, but I wonder how you would suggest adding pockets. Or, to put it another way, what style pocket do you think would best complement your design if some rogue knitter were to insist on going that route. Asking for a friend.
Hi Jo! You could add patch pockets to this design, and I did kind of consider it in the beginning. However since this cardigan isn't super long, putting your hands in the pockets could pull it down at the front and cause the fronts to stretch out, which I wanted to avoid!
I love that cardigan, where will the pattern be available? And will you put stitch gauge so those of us abroad can find a suitable yarn? So how many stitches per 10 cm for example ( with Brexit it is a nightmare buying anything from the UK to Europe!)
Thank you! All my patterns are available on Ravelry, Payhip and Etsy, so the new patterns will be there too. All gauge, yarn type, sizing info etc is always included!
To answer your question about designers using discontinued yarns: I don't mind at all if the fiber/characteristics are easily replicatable. Like if a designer used a discontinued 100% non-superwash merino, or something like a BFL or highland wool then I would be able to replicate the yarn's characteristics easily and wouldn't mind at all. It's when the yarn has a strange spinning style, strange combo of fibers that affect the drape etc that I do get a little frustrated because that's when finding something to emulate the sample becomes difficult. But it's really not the end of the world either way, I'm knitting for fun :D
Love that explanation! I try to avoid using more unusual yarns anyway tbh, even if they are currently available, because it can be quite offputting for many knitters. I know this bag uses boucle yarn which isn't exactly standard, but my idea was that it'll work in all sorts of random yarn combinations!
how about if the yarn was current, but not available in your country though? It's a tricky one! The pattern will obviously include far more information than 'standard aran' 😊
It is indeed - the cardigan is shown in detail in this video, so do you mean additional photos? The pattern is now available on Ravelry :) www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/calm-down-cardigan
Love the new designs, your attention to detail is wonderful. The designers yarn choice is nice to know but I often sub anyway so like the idea that you would be practical and use stash also when you can. Be great if you make some recommendations in the pattern detail available before purchase though to help guide knitters who might need a suggestion. 🧶
Thank you! Gotta use that stash somehow - I have loads of single skeins but not very many sweater quantities, so when I do have the right yarn for a design, it seems a shame to not use it!
I don’t mind if a yarn’s discontinued if the weight and fiber are described. Ravelry usually has info for discontinued yarns anyway. It’s helpful when the designer describes what kind of characteristics the fabric should have, like the drape.
I’m so glad you design, because classics with perfected expensive-looking details are exactly my taste!
Thank you so much! I often include the suggested yarn / fabric characteristics in the Notes section of the pattern for this reason 😁
Your Calm Cardigan is magnificent ! bravo , j'adooore ! 💞💞👍👍
Your Calm Down Cardigan looks fantastic on you. I love how thoughtful you were about all the little details that makes it look so neat, polished and expensive 😄 It really speaks to me ! I do love this kind of casual and timeless piece in a wardrobe. Definitively a must have ! And the saddle shoulders... I think I prefer this construction to dropped shoulders because as you explained it well, it gives you this extra bulk that I don't find flattering. I'm looking forward to the pattern release date !
It doesn't bother me if a designer use a discontinued yarn becaus as you mentioned it, most of the time, I will choose another yarn, unless I really want my sweater to look exactly like the designer's version. And this might happen with the Calm Down Cardigan. I love the color you chose 😍
I really appreciate your discussion of Calm Down’s shaping. Love the details. Also, I’ll be “gathering wool” as I await the arrival of the “sweatshirt” pattern… bag is just adorable extra. 2023 is going to be your best year ever!
I’m very impressed with your designs.
I love that you used a stash yarn even though it's discontinued! a major theme in my business is sustainability, so using up what you have definitely aligns with that. I've used discontinued yarns in a few of my patterns, and most people don't mind as long as I provide a couple of suggestions. my testers usually use a different yarn anyway, so there's a good variety of yarns in the samples before the pattern is published so folks can get a good idea of what will work. as long as it's not a super unique yarn, I think it's fine!
Buying new yarn for the sake of it does seem to go against the whole ethos of slow, sustainable handmade fashion doesn't it? I imagine most people won't mind at all, so long as it isn't some weird unicorn fibre that's impossible to substitute 😂
I just came across your podcast & very happy i did. Your very pretty & so is your sweater! I think your knitting is beautiful it almost looks machine knit. Although i am 79 & live in Florida I wont be able to use many of your knits & am enjoying listing & watching what you knit. The cardigan is lovely!! Bright red would be beautiful & fun!! I look forward to watching from the beginning. Your very gifted🧶Diane
Hi Lily, for all of the knitting podcasts I have watched over the past few years I am astonished that I have not come across yours previously. Your bag design is very clever. I look forward to becoming familiar with more of your designs.
Lovely to have you Wanda! So glad you enjoyed my video 😊 Thank you very much!
Nice cardigan - minimal and clean!
thank you! Exactly the goal 😊
I agree. That is definitely the perfect sweater. I can hardly wait until it is for sale so I can buy one. I wish I had been on the testing team. It's gorgeous!
Thanks Linda! Hopefully the 8th April will come around quickly!
Love the cardi, love the bag, love the jumper!!! You're so talented! I also love that you take your knitting to the pub! Why, bloody not!! Looking forward to footage from the yarn shopping in Amsterdam!
Thank you so much! Why not indeed, I can still participate in conversation and eat / drink!
Love your Sweaters. Very nice buttons also.
Thank you! The buttons are lovely aren't they - they're from Textile Garden 😊
Gorgeous cardigan, can’t wait to make it!
thank you! do you have a yarn in mind? 😊
What beautiful designs and with such impeccable finishing. I have been in the knitting doldrums for a while and this makes me itching to pick up my needles.
I don’t mind about yarn used in patterns as long as there is information about fibres and fabric at your gauge. The bag is ingenious ❤
Thanks Nicola! I know the feeling, sometimes it just takes a new project to make you excited about knitting again!
I love your new designs. They are perfectly modern and everyday beautiful wearable garments and an accessory. I appreciate your attention to details and I have always enjoyed listening to your podcast and style tips you had sprinkled here and there. I enjoy diving with you into the design process. For example you had mentioned in the past that small V necks usually are not very flattering. And you are so right, I always wondered why I typically was passing the V neck pullovers, and now I know what detail to look for. As for the discontinued yarn being used in one of your designs, I don’t mind at all, since I often make my own choice of yarn available to me or in my stash. Between a Ravelry and Yarn Sub website, substitutions are available. You can also make a couple other yarn recommendations on the pattern page, as I find it helpful too. I am excited for your new designs, and all are on my list to knit. I am also wondering in regards to your „perfectly modern everyday collection”, if perhaps designing a bomber style cardi to wear with the graphic tees and jeans would of interest to other knitters as well.
Thank you Kasia! I'll try to share more of the design process (or at least my thoughts on it) here on RUclips. Glad my tips have been useful! I would definitely like to do a bomber style cardigan of some sorts - my Hopelessly Devoted Cardigan kind of has that look but I certainly wouldn't rule out doing it again.
I'm so excited about the Boulevard Bag!!! Super unique design :) xx (and also: I don't mind discontinued yarn as I rarely use the recommended yarn for patterns)
thank you! I'm excited about the bag too!
Love that cardigan ❤
thank you!
Your talent is incredible! I love all of your designs - I want this cardi as soon as its out, and I even want to knit the bag - and I'm not a bag person. Love your contribution to the art of knitted fashion!
thank you so much! If it appeals to someone who isn't a bag person then I must be doing something right 😉
Can't wait for the bag pattern! I am absolutely loving the Chanel vibes and also keen to see how I can use up some scraps!!
Glad you like it! You can use up all manner of scraps with this one!
Lily, your Blvd boucle bag is OUTSTANDING! Makes my heart flutter ❤. Can’t wait for you to release it! So creative, stylish, modern yet classic. Beautiful!
I will be in line for the Calm Down Cardigan as well!
Thank you ever so much!
Happy to hear designers using stash yarns and not just using $$$ gifted or sponsored yarn. As long as the pattern gives the fiber content and gauge so that the knitter can achieve a similar fabric to the sample. I also appreciate when the designer's sample knitters use different yarns, colors, sizes and include notes on their personal mods.
Exactly! I've worked with many yarn brands over the years but actually prefer using stash / yarn I've purchased myself and having no obligations these days. I would hate for a knitter to feel like they had to spend £££ on yarn in order to make a pattern!
Can hardly wait to make the Boulevard Bag, how adorable! 😍 I do think I will use webbing for the strap and then just knit your strap design over it, so it will be more sturdy. I think I will try to make it in lots of different colors/textures as well. Funny, as I typed this, you started showing another color bag you were working on. What a clever design, loving it so much. And yes, looks like I must also make both sweaters you showed, they are amazing. Hugs from Texas.🥰😍😍😍
it's a fun knit! I actually considered doing something like that - either webbing or thick grosgrain ribbon between the layers of double knitting. But once I'd finished the strap, I realised it was pretty sturdy already and didn't need it. I suppose it'll depend on your yarn / needle choice - densely knit cotton produces a firm fabric, but other yarns might have more 'give'. & thank you so much! Hugs back from Lancashire!
Soooo excited for the Boulevard Bag! 🤩 I know for a fact that I will want to knit this one! 💖💖💖
Concerning the sweater in a discontinued yarn, I would appreciate 1-2 actual recommended yarns as alternatives (maybe the ones that your testers have use) mentioned explicitely in the pattern. It would be a bit disheartening to have just the discontinued yarn mentioned and none other, I have to admit. "standard aran" is too general, there are so many out there and they are still different.
But no issues if you can name 1-2 alternatives! :)
thanks Lota! I'm hoping to write up the pattern this week before I go away - might be ambitious but I'll try my best haha!
I will include yarns used by testers in the pattern too, or at least on the Ravelry / Etsy pages. And the pattern will also include more info than just 'standard aran' of course! 😊
Hi Lily, Love, love, love your new patterns! Your creativity never ceases to amaze me. 😊
I don’t mind when designers knit new samples in discontinued yarn. If they know what yarn it is, it’s relatively easily comparable. Often, we’re in different countries and the same yarns aren’t easily accessible for an affordable price. Thank you for sharing your beautiful work. 💕Heidi from Chicago
thank you so very much! At times I was slightly concerned this cardigan and sweater weren't creative enough, but I figured others probably want those kind of simple knits in their wardrobe too!
The bag looks great, in both the black/white and pink versions! I would love to see a matching bucket hat - the channel would be such a good way to give the brim some shape.
thank you! Ohhh I like that idea...!
Lily Kate!!! I can not wait to make the calm down cardi! And the boulevard bag and the movement pullover! OH DEAR! Well done beautiful girl, well done! xx (Hi to mum!)
Yayyy it will be so perfect for you! Glad you like them! Thank you so much 😊 Mum says hi back!
I use my Ravelry queue exactly the same way. I‘m going to check out some of your suggestions and make some adjustments to my queque.
Both of your new sweater designs are so comfy but also elegant at the same time. They’re just what I’m looking for! 👌
Thank you! Comfy elegance (or elegant comfort, depending which way you look at it 😅) is the goal!
That cardigan is everything! Can't wait for pattern release. I really like the cross body bag too, I just love all the thoughtful details and things took into account.
thank you so much! I do try to leave no stone unturned 😊
I think it’s nice that you knit with what you have in your stash when you can even if it’s discontinued. It’s more sustainable than buying new when you don’t need to and might encourage others to look in their stash when knitting the pattern, versus feeling like they can’t make it if they can’t/don’t want to purchase a specific yarn
My thoughts exactly! Obviously I do buy new yarn for some projects when I don't have anything suitable (like this cardigan) but it just feels wasteful to buy yarn for the sake of it when I have the right thing for the job already.
That cardigan is seriously gorgeous...I can't wait for the pattern to be available xx
thank you! Only a couple more weeks of test knitting now 😊
Your Calm Down Cardigan does look really high-end - and I love the buttons you chose for it!
Thank you! I'm really happy with the buttons - it's always tricky choosing buttons online but luckily they worked out perfectly!
I'm so excited for all these patterns! So pretty! love it! Have a fun trip! All the best, kimberly
Thank you very much! I'm sure we're gonna have loads of fun!
As I rarely use the exact yarn in a pattern, it doesnt matter if a yarn is discontinued. I would suspect we all have stashes with gorgeous discontinued yarn we would love to use that is just waiting for a pattern match.
don't we all! I have loads of yarn waiting its turn to be used - lots of impractical single skeins, but the occasional useful sweater quantity 😂
I’m excited to knit your comfy sweatshirt sweater! I don’t mind if a yarn is discontinued unless it’s something special that is hard to replace or integral to the look of the garment.
Thanks Wendy! I figured a discontinued but fairly standard yarn is actually more useful than a current but super unique yarn anyway :)
I am not too worried about the yarn used in designs, primarily bc it may not be available in my country, cost or personal preference of the type of yarn. I love your cardigan and raglan sweaters- beautiful aesthetics ❤
exactly, most people probably won't use it anyway! Thank you 😊
I’m swatching for the Calm Down Cardi and came across this new podcast … so fitting! ❤️
Perfect timing! Hope you like it!
excited to knit this dk cardigan, one of the "new to me skills" that I wanted to learn this year is double knitting so the button band will punch that ticket!! I love how simply elegant the details are
thank you! Double knitting is addictive for sure. It's just so neat and gives a really polished feel.
It doesn't bother me if the design is in a discontinued yarn as long as the pattern states what weight and preferably fibre the sample was made with
Of course! Included in every pattern 😊
The cardigan is absolutely gorgeous. I will buy the pattern as soon it’s released!
Thank you! Glad you like it 😊
I hope that you have a wonderful break in Copenhagen and manage to get lots of time to knit, visit yarn shops and drink wine - although not necessarily in that order. The Calm Down Cardigan is so stylish and you’ve definitely achieved the high end look you were after. Worth all the bad words and ripping back that’s for sure.
I had the BEST time thank you! Did lots of the above 😂
& thank you! Glad the bad words were worth it haha!
Love the Calm Down cardi, you’ve got some lovely detail and shaping in there 👌 - and I have the exact yarn in stash - can’t wait! As for using stash yarn for designs - no problem with that at all, just as long as the characteristics of the yarn are available to compare to make substitutions easy. The movement sweater is smashing too👍👍👍
thank you! It's a lovely yarn to work with isn't it? Which colour do you have?
I have the silver and a dark grey in stash - but I also have a discontinued Rowan yarn, Rowanspun dk, which is lovely, a more brown grey but with tweedy flecks of colour - will have to swatch. The Rowan Rowanspun is lovely yarn, wish they hadn’t discontinued it…a long time ago now though!
I can’t wait to knit the Calm Down cardi!!! Was so sad I couldn’t apply to test cuz I have way too much on my plate at the minute to have met the deadline but believe you me, I will be casting on right at release!! Hopefully I can test for you again at some point this year anyway 💗
Also as for discontinued yarn, I don’t mind a bit! as long as it’s not like a completely unreplicateable fabric without the original yarn (which seems like it would be unlikely lol) 😂
Ah you're the best, thank you! Sometimes life is far too busy to throw unnecessary knitting deadlines into the mix 😂
& I know exactly what you mean! Even if a yarn is still available, I try to avoid using anything too unusual precisely because it's more difficult to substitute.
Hello from North Carolina... Lily you are so creative, and you really think things through. I love the cardigan, and your color choices. I can't wait till that pattern comes out. Some advice on how to bring the shoulder back up to my shoulder would be very appreciated. I'm a size 2X and drop shoulders aren't flattering on me at all. Thanks for any help with that. The bags are so cute!
It doesn’t bother me about using yarn that is discontinued. As I live in Australia I can never get the recommended yarns anyway (delivery is breathtaking at times) so I’m always making my own substitutions. Your cardi names made me giggle “the bastard cardigan”’🤣🤣 Thanks for sharing 🥰
It really was the bastard cardigan for a while, I was sick of it 😂
Doesn't bother me, mostly because I never use the same yarn as in the pattern, since I would have to buy it on the internet most of the time
good to know! I prefer IRL yarn shopping where possible too.
I can't wait for the new cardigan release and I love the boulevard bag! I don't mind if a yarn has been discontinued as long as it's a type of yarn where its easy to find comparable alternatives :)
thanks Laura! Glad you like them!
Love the bag, I want one!
thank you! they're addictive to make!
I rarely use the same yarn as that which is recommended or used in the pattern, as I'm from Australia and sometimes getting a hold of yarn from the UK or US is tricky - so I almost always substitute based on weight and meterage - all good from my perspective to use what you already have! Love the cardigan by the way - it's perfect!
I can imagine that does make things tricky! Thank you!
Hi, I only just found your podcast and thoroughly enjoyed it, I too was a monogamous knitter for many years but now have 3 sweaters on the go all at different stages so at least one is portable and I usually have socks on the needles in case I need a small project. I don't think it matters if you use stash yarn for a pattern if you describe in a way that we can replicate or suggest what yarn you would use if buying it. I now want to knit both the sweater and the cardigan. It will be my first cardigan in over 30 years and my first knitting continentalstyle. How exciting!
Why thank you Tracy! I think 2 or 3 projects is pretty sensible tbh 😊 Exciting times indeed! Cardigans are just so useful!
I don't mind if a pattern is designed/made in a discontinued yarn as long as it's a fairly standard type of yarn that I can reproduce. I rarely use the yarn called for in a pattern. And I think it's great that you can use your stash when designing. I mean, there are so many patterns designed in yarn that's now discontinued.
Precisely, so long as it isn't made from unobtainable unicorn fluff, I think it's OK since most people won't use it anyway!
I am chomping at the bit to knit that cardigan, I have been waiting for one with this vibe for so long! I don't mind if the yarn is discontinued for a pattern, I usually choose my own anyway.
Ahh that makes me very happy! I hope you'll like it 😊
Congratulations on your newest patterns. They are all stunning!!! I love your aesthetic and loving your athele-leisure vibe! Feedback on yarn designers use for their samples- I think it’s irrelevant, things change all the time, plus hoping your testers demonstrate some other viable options to make ur patterns.
Thank you very much! I feel like I'm getting into my groove at the moment and am really enjoying it 😊
Amazing cardigan 🧶💗🧶
thank you very much!
On using discontinued yarn: I don't find it a problem but i find very useful if the designer provides suggestions for appropriate yarn substitutions. Enjoying understanding the details and the process of your designs!
Suggestions shall definitely be included! Thank you 😊
Fanny pack=bumbag ❤
does that apply if you wear it around your shoulder though? 😅
Amazing cardigan❤
thank you!
Well done on the bag, so creative!!! P. S. Not bothered about yarn used in movement sweater, dont think i have ever used original yarn from design 😅
Thank you! Haha I think that's the case for many knitters!
I can't WAIT to knit this cardigan! Very off topic question, but what is your lipstick/gloss color? It's so pretty!
thank you so much! It's a Rimmel lipliner in shade 90s Nude and Bare Minerals Mineralist Gloss-Balm in shade Sincerity 😊
I usually never use the same yarn that is used in pattern so IMO it doesn't matter at all if the pattern is in discontinued yarn. Though I do think there is a big group of knitters who use the exact same yarn and even colour as in the pattern, so perhaps you want to give some yarn suggestions and have a sample in another yarn (or just get the suggestions from the test knitters who used different yarn).
Another reason I am very grateful for test knitters! I may knit a version of this sweater in my yarn tbh 😊
This new sweater is the He Ho Sweater I should think?
I called it the Movement Sweater 😊
A discontinued yarn wouldn't bother me, but I know some people who love to use the sample yarn. For people like them, maybe you could have some suggestions of similar yarns (fiber, yardage, etc)?
I think this is the best solution!
Personally I would be put off knitting a pattern made with discontinued yarn. An example would be your poisoned apple top which I have been looking at recently. I saw that it was made with shibui yarn which is now discontinued and I'm not quite confident enough yet to choose a yarn with the characteristics required, such as the level of structure and body in the finished fabric. I'm also drawn to not just the design elements of a pattern but how the finished fabric looks in the photos, which will be difficult to achieve with a different yarn
Thanks for your comment!
When I designed the Poisoned Apple Top, the yarn was available (I worked with Shibui at the time). Unless I constantly re-knit samples, which doesn't seem like a good use of time, there's nothing I can do if a yarn company shuts down or discontinues a particular yarn after I've used it - many brands are constantly changing their ranges, so this would be a never ending cycle! I'd always recommend looking for yarns with similar fibre content, or reaching out to the designer for advice - I'm always happy to help with substitution suggestions 😊
Hi, LK. I love your cardigan design. I'm sure it's too late in your design process to include it in the pattern, but I wonder how you would suggest adding pockets. Or, to put it another way, what style pocket do you think would best complement your design if some rogue knitter were to insist on going that route. Asking for a friend.
Hi Jo! You could add patch pockets to this design, and I did kind of consider it in the beginning. However since this cardigan isn't super long, putting your hands in the pockets could pull it down at the front and cause the fronts to stretch out, which I wanted to avoid!
I love that cardigan, where will the pattern be available? And will you put stitch gauge so those of us abroad can find a suitable yarn? So how many stitches per 10 cm for example ( with Brexit it is a nightmare buying anything from the UK to Europe!)
Thank you! All my patterns are available on Ravelry, Payhip and Etsy, so the new patterns will be there too. All gauge, yarn type, sizing info etc is always included!
To answer your question about designers using discontinued yarns: I don't mind at all if the fiber/characteristics are easily replicatable. Like if a designer used a discontinued 100% non-superwash merino, or something like a BFL or highland wool then I would be able to replicate the yarn's characteristics easily and wouldn't mind at all. It's when the yarn has a strange spinning style, strange combo of fibers that affect the drape etc that I do get a little frustrated because that's when finding something to emulate the sample becomes difficult. But it's really not the end of the world either way, I'm knitting for fun :D
Love that explanation! I try to avoid using more unusual yarns anyway tbh, even if they are currently available, because it can be quite offputting for many knitters. I know this bag uses boucle yarn which isn't exactly standard, but my idea was that it'll work in all sorts of random yarn combinations!
@@lilykatemakes8358 You're right! Though honestly boucle is everywhere right now, your bag design is a great for of it!
Doesn’t matter to me, yarns are recommendations nothing more… I use it to guide my stash shopping or buying :)
Exactly 😁
I probably wouldn't knit a pattern if the yarn was discontinued. "Standard aran yarns" can vary widely depending upon the fibre combination and twist.
how about if the yarn was current, but not available in your country though? It's a tricky one! The pattern will obviously include far more information than 'standard aran' 😊
@Lily Kate Makes if it's possible to find a close match replacement yarn on yarnsub and I can source it in Australia, then yes!
Absolutely does not bother me if a designer uses a discounted yarn.
Thought so! Better than buying new yarn for the sake of it!
The thumbnail appears to be a saddle sleeve, which is what I am looking for. May I see it please?
It is indeed - the cardigan is shown in detail in this video, so do you mean additional photos? The pattern is now available on Ravelry :) www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/calm-down-cardigan
Love the new designs, your attention to detail is wonderful. The designers yarn choice is nice to know but I often sub anyway so like the idea that you would be practical and use stash also when you can. Be great if you make some recommendations in the pattern detail available before purchase though to help guide knitters who might need a suggestion. 🧶
Thank you! Gotta use that stash somehow - I have loads of single skeins but not very many sweater quantities, so when I do have the right yarn for a design, it seems a shame to not use it!