As someone who learned to knit in the 1960’s and spent years knitting garments bottom up in pieces from pattern booklets consisting of a cover photos and maximum three pages of instructions (no charts) I also get put off by pages and pages of instructions. Armhole shaping always said increase/decrease every x row maintaining pattern so you just got on with it. Very interesting discussion, thanks.
When I fall in love with a Rowan pattern and then realize that it is knit in pieces..........I'm out. I learned to knit back in the day, and I sure appreciate today's top down patterns. Perhaps that's why there are no projects on Ravelry for that sweater. I am binge watching all your older episodes : )
Hi Mel - great podcast - and I couldn't agree more regarding some contemporary patterns. It is probably to do with my gen - I am 70 and learned to knit some time as a child 'English style' in NZ. Wasn't consistent until I had kids in the 70s when I did the baby and child knitting thing and also recall knitting an Aran cable jersey for my partner at the time. I also remember designing one or two of my own garments - a 'clown' collared fine knit jersey with bobbles which someone wanted to buy from me _ I was SO surprised anyone would want something so 'imperfect' (I thought). But I also remember my childhood school cardi - all the Mums knitted one and every one was SO unique - and THAT says it all in a way - knitting is 'personal' and always original and no 50 page ultra precise instruction sheet can alter that in the end. Yes experience counts when we seem to know what to do to adjust or modify something - and we need that help at the beginning but I find many patterns far too detailed - and sometimes this can over-complicate rather than help. Anyway 'personal not perfect' is my mantra - knitting is for me yes implicitly a 'science' but primarily always an 'art'.
ThAnk you for your detail..often I change patterns also. The last was multi page in a knit magazine missed critical detail as front different than back.. it is now going to become a lap blanket. I missed that one sentence knew it was odd one should sometimes go with gut feelings. I agree new knitters or crafters in any new venture need those exact instructions
Really enjoyed your in-depth knitting podcasts and found we have so much in common, too! I just also make the Marie Wallin Kilim Cardigan ( I steeked and knit in the rounds all sections actually because I hate weaving in the ends). I love Alice Starmore designs. And I also prefer old style succinct pattern instructions ( maybe because I also started knitting prior to the ravelry and indie designer era).
Just found your podcast. Very enjoyable and instructive. I have a good bit of knitting knowledge and appreciate your describing altering techniques, yarn construction, drape, etc. this is just what I like in a good podcast. And I also love Alice Starmore and have made several of her designs. She is incredible!
Thank you so much! I’m hoping to cast on at least one of her patterns in the new year, but there are SO many that appeal to me, I’m going to have a hard time choosing.
This is so relatable. The majority of my knitting occurred pre-internet. I remember being thrilled to find a little shop with a lady who would sell you yarn with a pattern. My favorite were the classic styles from Penny Stracker. I still have those folded cards with an entire Aran sweater including charts. And hats off to the Yankee Knitter who would provide sizes from infant to adult in multiple yarn weights on a folded card! Knitting has evolved and that’s great too. So nice to hear you talking about this! Great episode as always!
Very interesting content as always. I also learned to knit when I was a child in the 1960´s and practiced until around 1985. At that time patterns were much less detailed than today. They were made for woman who already knew how to do. I stopped knitting for years then resumed a few months before Ravelry was launched. Now I am used to instructions with charts and English abbreviations and can hardly understand written instructions in French! The most detailed pattern I ever knit was by Midori Hirose: 60 pages including all the sizes. When you knit that kind of pattern you must follow the pattern to the letter and trust the designer. It can be frustrating!
I’m watching your videos backwards and found this one. I’m totally on the same page with the patterns, three pages is the optimal length for me. I can’t deal with 20 pages of words
Hello Mel, firstly I just want to say your Vair sweater is so lovely... chefs kiss 😘. Having grown up in the UK in the 80's my main pattern source was Rowan, but I was always too impatient to complete garments because it was always knit in pieces and then sewntogether, so I used to stick to baby clothes or accessories for years. I had so many unfinished projects that I ended up ripping back. I think that's why I don't like long patterns either as I get impatient. Anyway I really appreciate the indepth way you talk about your projects and how you carry through the whole project from 1 podcast to the next and so on until it's done. It's so encouraging for me as knitting can feel so slow at times and watching your podcasts gives me the impetus to keep going when it looks like there's a sea of stockinette ahead. Loving the variety of projects you have on the needles too. Take care😊
Mel, as someone who has knit for years I totally get the over wordiness of patterns- much like many written recipes. When instructed to preheat an oven, then all of the prep involved, you’ve wasted much electricity or gas! Great knitting my friend!😂🧶
I so appreciate your show. It's chucked full of useful information and not just fluff. I learned to knit as a child, too many years ago to mention. I was dependent on purchased patterns and books and learned from knitting instruction books. You needed to experiment and be willing to make mistakes. I embrace all forms of learning and the broad range of supplies is staggering now. However, the cost has sky rocketed and living in Canada does not allow me to shop due to exchange rates and pay extra to have things shipped. I do manage however to find lots of lovely yarn more locally and thank goodness there have been some in person fairs starting again. Again thanks for a lovely time together.
You are a very knowledgeable knitter. I learn a lot from your videos. I have never knit a cable sweater and will definitely give it a go in the future. Thank you for all the helpful hints. 😊
Beautiful work. Really enjoy hearing about your thought process for mods and yarn choice. I agree that well written patterns are a joy. I need the challenge of lace or cables - plain stockinette bores me. Really enjoy your podcast
OMG-what a trip down memory lane. I am pretty sure I still have a pair of those mercerized cotton mittens you made and a PILE of that cotton I’m working into other little projects right now. So much learning. ❤️ Amazing podcast as always!
This is not really relevant for the Kilim project but when I knit colorwork flat on a yoke cardigan for example, with all the ends hanging at the front, I pick up stitched for the button band and do a thin i-cord first. Then I stick all ends into the i-cord instead of weaving them in into the fabric. Then, I will pick up sts from the i-cord for the actual button band :)
i so much understand your views on patterns. I would compare it to the difference between looking at a map or using the GPS - i am so much of a map person, e.g. understanding the overall 'where we are going' rather than hands on instructions which i agree maybe more difficult to modify. i also prefer top down and charts rather than full written instructions. thank you for your video. cheers from switzerland
Hi Mel, great breakdown of your projects as usual 🤔. Having completed a few summer tops in plant fibres during the Southern hemisphere summer (thanks for sizing tips /drape in early video podcast on summer knits), I am keen to get back to wool and wool blend yarn projects, but had not picked up my Two Sisters shawl yarn to cast on as yet as the weather cooled. Your insights on decrease in pattern will be invaluable, and will save my sanity, I am sure a few DCDs and hidden three needle bind off decreases at the sloping edge will please my eye so much more than uneven number of stitches of stockinette. I wish I had Mel in my local knit group. I am the only member that analyses techniques, and heavily modifies written patterns, as I love to learn, rather follow blindly and believe any technique is set in stone. Kind wishes from the west coast of Australia, Kerry
Love you channel, watching from the beginning :) For purling in 2-color-colowork, I find it very comfortable and quick to do eastern purling with both yarns in your left hand. Would recommend to try, maybe you'll like it 😊
I love Japanese knitting patterns (in structure- I still don’t understand them) because they’re so concise. I have a Brooklyn Tweed pattern and still haven’t knitted it because I can’t cope with a 20 page pattern. They said, I find vintage patterns a little too sparse for my skill level.
Yes, I totally agree with you re: Japanese patterns! I really got into Japanese pattern books over the summer, just trying to get through a backlog of video editing now and then I’m planning to talk about them 🥰
I know what you mean about patterns that are tooooo long (lookin at you, BT). Btw, I just finished IK's Yume in a nice summer yarn called Hempathy (thumbs up). Used the braided technique for joining that you demonstrated in a vid a while back - perfection! Always happy to see a new Mel pop up on tbe tube - I know I'll learn something and be awed. 😎🐑
Oh yay, I’m so glad that join worked out for you! I’ve thought about buying some of that Hempathy a few times recently, maybe this is a sign I need to go for it 😉
Thanks Barbara! It’s the Gingkophyte pattern by Emily Greene. I talked a little bit about it in my last video about summer yarns, if you want to know more about my version 😊
I've been making a 1989 pattern and it does not hold my hand, in fact it slaps it away, Melania-style. The pattern is allover claw cable with knitted tabs, saddle shoulders, knit flat, and is on less than a single page, including a photo, schematic and charts. I tried it last year as a new knitter and was discouraged, much more doable now but still very terse.I will feel a real sense of accomplishment when it is all seamed together, my next step.
I have just discovered you and am watching your older videos. You are a knitting badass! 😍I am so impressed and am so inspired. Thank you!
As someone who learned to knit in the 1960’s and spent years knitting garments bottom up in pieces from pattern booklets consisting of a cover photos and maximum three pages of instructions (no charts) I also get put off by pages and pages of instructions. Armhole shaping always said increase/decrease every x row maintaining pattern so you just got on with it. Very interesting discussion, thanks.
That balloon armed sweater is very sharp! Good job!
When I fall in love with a Rowan pattern and then realize that it is knit in pieces..........I'm out. I learned to knit back in the day, and I sure appreciate today's top down patterns. Perhaps that's why there are no projects on Ravelry for that sweater. I am binge watching all your older episodes : )
Hi Mel - great podcast - and I couldn't agree more regarding some contemporary patterns. It is probably to do with my gen - I am 70 and learned to knit some time as a child 'English style' in NZ. Wasn't consistent until I had kids in the 70s when I did the baby and child knitting thing and also recall knitting an Aran cable jersey for my partner at the time. I also remember designing one or two of my own garments - a 'clown' collared fine knit jersey with bobbles which someone wanted to buy from me _ I was SO surprised anyone would want something so 'imperfect' (I thought). But I also remember my childhood school cardi - all the Mums knitted one and every one was SO unique - and THAT says it all in a way - knitting is 'personal' and always original and no 50 page ultra precise instruction sheet can alter that in the end. Yes experience counts when we seem to know what to do to adjust or modify something - and we need that help at the beginning but I find many patterns far too detailed - and sometimes this can over-complicate rather than help. Anyway 'personal not perfect' is my mantra - knitting is for me yes implicitly a 'science' but primarily always an 'art'.
ThAnk you for your detail..often I change patterns also. The last was multi page in a knit magazine missed critical detail as front different than back.. it is now going to become a lap blanket. I missed that one sentence knew it was odd one should sometimes go with gut feelings. I agree new knitters or crafters in any new venture need those exact instructions
Really enjoyed your in-depth knitting podcasts and found we have so much in common, too! I just also make the Marie Wallin Kilim Cardigan ( I steeked and knit in the rounds all sections actually because I hate weaving in the ends). I love Alice Starmore designs. And I also prefer old style succinct pattern instructions ( maybe because I also started knitting prior to the ravelry and indie designer era).
Just found your podcast. Very enjoyable and instructive. I have a good bit of knitting knowledge and appreciate your describing altering techniques, yarn construction, drape, etc. this is just what I like in a good podcast. And I also love Alice Starmore and have made several of her designs. She is incredible!
Thank you so much! I’m hoping to cast on at least one of her patterns in the new year, but there are SO many that appeal to me, I’m going to have a hard time choosing.
This is so relatable. The majority of my knitting occurred pre-internet. I remember being thrilled to find a little shop with a lady who would sell you yarn with a pattern. My favorite were the classic styles from Penny Stracker. I still have those folded cards with an entire Aran sweater including charts. And hats off to the Yankee Knitter who would provide sizes from infant to adult in multiple yarn weights on a folded card! Knitting has evolved and that’s great too. So nice to hear you talking about this! Great episode as always!
Very interesting content as always. I also learned to knit when I was a child in the 1960´s and practiced until around 1985. At that time patterns were much less detailed than today. They were made for woman who already knew how to do. I stopped knitting for years then resumed a few months before Ravelry was launched. Now I am used to instructions with charts and English abbreviations and can hardly understand written instructions in French! The most detailed pattern I ever knit was by Midori Hirose: 60 pages including all the sizes. When you knit that kind of pattern you must follow the pattern to the letter and trust the designer. It can be frustrating!
I’m watching your videos backwards and found this one. I’m totally on the same page with the patterns, three pages is the optimal length for me. I can’t deal with 20 pages of words
Hello Mel, firstly I just want to say your Vair sweater is so lovely... chefs kiss 😘.
Having grown up in the UK in the 80's my main pattern source was Rowan, but I was always too impatient to complete garments because it was always knit in pieces and then sewntogether, so I used to stick to baby clothes or accessories for years. I had so many unfinished projects that I ended up ripping back. I think that's why I don't like long patterns either as I get impatient.
Anyway I really appreciate the indepth way you talk about your projects and how you carry through the whole project from 1 podcast to the next and so on until it's done. It's so encouraging for me as knitting can feel so slow at times and watching your podcasts gives me the impetus to keep going when it looks like there's a sea of stockinette ahead.
Loving the variety of projects you have on the needles too. Take care😊
I have just found you! Love your work! Thank you so much for sharing! 😍
Your knitting is exquisite!
Mel, as someone who has knit for years I totally get the over wordiness of patterns- much like many written recipes. When instructed to preheat an oven, then all of the prep involved, you’ve wasted much electricity or gas! Great knitting my friend!😂🧶
I so appreciate your show. It's chucked full of useful information and not just fluff. I learned to knit as a child, too many years ago to mention. I was dependent on purchased patterns and books and learned from knitting instruction books. You needed to experiment and be willing to make mistakes. I embrace all forms of learning and the broad range of supplies is staggering now. However, the cost has sky rocketed and living in Canada does not allow me to shop due to exchange rates and pay extra to have things shipped. I do manage however to find lots of lovely yarn more locally and thank goodness there have been some in person fairs starting again. Again thanks for a lovely time together.
You are a very knowledgeable knitter. I learn a lot from your videos. I have never knit a cable sweater and will definitely give it a go in the future. Thank you for all the helpful hints. 😊
Beautiful work. Really enjoy hearing about your thought process for mods and yarn choice. I agree that well written patterns are a joy. I need the challenge of lace or cables - plain stockinette bores me. Really enjoy your podcast
OMG-what a trip down memory lane. I am pretty sure I still have a pair of those mercerized cotton mittens you made and a PILE of that cotton I’m working into other little projects right now. So much learning. ❤️ Amazing podcast as always!
This is not really relevant for the Kilim project but when I knit colorwork flat on a yoke cardigan for example, with all the ends hanging at the front, I pick up stitched for the button band and do a thin i-cord first. Then I stick all ends into the i-cord instead of weaving them in into the fabric. Then, I will pick up sts from the i-cord for the actual button band :)
All of your projects are huge inspiration for me. Again, love seeing you! I hope you have a great weekend! 🤗
I always enjoy your video’s. I learn something from you every episode. Thanks 😉
Oh my oh my your Veir sweater is to die for...beyond fantastic 🙉❣🦋
Fantastic episode as always Mel 🥰 I have been on the lookout for a good wrap-around top so I look forward to hearing about your experience. 🤗
I would much rather knit a sweater bottom up and I love Lopi patterns as they are short and concise - 1 pagers! 8-)
I always love your podcast. Your shawl shape right now reminds me of a map of Massachusetts. 😜
i so much understand your views on patterns. I would compare it to the difference between looking at a map or using the GPS - i am so much of a map person, e.g. understanding the overall 'where we are going' rather than hands on instructions which i agree maybe more difficult to modify. i also prefer top down and charts rather than full written instructions. thank you for your video. cheers from switzerland
I love the map vs GPS analogy!
Hi Mel, great breakdown of your projects as usual 🤔. Having completed a few summer tops in plant fibres during the Southern hemisphere summer (thanks for sizing tips /drape in early video podcast on summer knits), I am keen to get back to wool and wool blend yarn projects, but had not picked up my Two Sisters shawl yarn to cast on as yet as the weather cooled. Your insights on decrease in pattern will be invaluable, and will save my sanity, I am sure a few DCDs and hidden three needle bind off decreases at the sloping edge will please my eye so much more than uneven number of stitches of stockinette. I wish I had Mel in my local knit group. I am the only member that analyses techniques, and heavily modifies written patterns, as I love to learn, rather follow blindly and believe any technique is set in stone.
Kind wishes from the west coast of Australia, Kerry
Wow, stunning sweater! Really worth the months of work that you put into knitting this beauty :)
hey mel we have the same conch piercing and jewelry - how cool! thanks as always for sharing
Love you channel, watching from the beginning :)
For purling in 2-color-colowork, I find it very comfortable and quick to do eastern purling with both yarns in your left hand. Would recommend to try, maybe you'll like it 😊
I love Japanese knitting patterns (in structure- I still don’t understand them) because they’re so concise. I have a Brooklyn Tweed pattern and still haven’t knitted it because I can’t cope with a 20 page pattern. They said, I find vintage patterns a little too sparse for my skill level.
Yes, I totally agree with you re: Japanese patterns! I really got into Japanese pattern books over the summer, just trying to get through a backlog of video editing now and then I’m planning to talk about them 🥰
I know what you mean about patterns that are tooooo long (lookin at you, BT). Btw, I just finished IK's Yume in a nice summer yarn called Hempathy (thumbs up). Used the braided technique for joining that you demonstrated in a vid a while back - perfection! Always happy to see a new Mel pop up on tbe tube - I know I'll learn something and be awed. 😎🐑
Oh yay, I’m so glad that join worked out for you! I’ve thought about buying some of that Hempathy a few times recently, maybe this is a sign I need to go for it 😉
@@melmakesstuff I think I got it at Webs. Not terribly expensive, pleasant to knit, and nice fabric.
Hi Mel. Great video..can you tell me what you’re wearing?? Pretty summer top.
Thanks Barbara! It’s the Gingkophyte pattern by Emily Greene. I talked a little bit about it in my last video about summer yarns, if you want to know more about my version 😊
Wonderful as always 🥰
I've been making a 1989 pattern and it does not hold my hand, in fact it slaps it away, Melania-style. The pattern is allover claw cable with knitted tabs, saddle shoulders, knit flat, and is on less than a single page, including a photo, schematic and charts. I tried it last year as a new knitter and was discouraged, much more doable now but still very terse.I will feel a real sense of accomplishment when it is all seamed together, my next step.
The thumbnail is so victorious lol I'm living
😂🤣😂 it felt like a victory after getting through those sleeves, let me tell ya
Your podcast is one of my favourites! Thank you. At the beginning of this podcast you thank Selma. What is the name of her podcast? Thanks.
Little Big Knits - check her out!
@@melmakesstuff I did and she is awesome! And a fellow Canadian! Thanks for the introduction!
ƤＲＯ𝓂Ｏ𝕤ᗰ
What your deal is? Hahaha you make it sounds like your knitting is a problem