What a FUN news desky intro!! LOVE all of your enthusiasm. We've had a heat pump for 13 years. Best investment ever! I don't know why people would skip any episodes!! I can't wait for each new episode to release :) I'm looking forward to the sock make along! The farmers around here have just started combining their winter wheat! Thanks, again, for another lovely episode!
A note to Betsy and about knitting socks to fit--I find it easiest to knit top down for fit because you can keep trying it on when it's time to decrease for the toe. Starting at the toe, you aren't quite sure how much space you need for the heel, so it is actually more difficult. I suggest a slip-stitch heel and gusset, knit top down, for the very best fit. I'm currently doing Stephen WEst's Surprise Sock Along which is completely turning sock construction on its head. Having a lot of fun with it! Anyhow, good luck on your first pair of socks, Betsy--just be forewarned, they are highly addicting!!!
A really great episode full of beautiful projects. Betsy's completed top is wonderful. I love that you are all open to new ideas and skills in textile fabrication. Socks are one of my favourite items to knit but generally knit top down, with heel flap and gusset with a rounded toe on dpns. As much as I enjoy and love knitting with Rowan yarns I would not recommend Rowan sock yarn for a beginner as it splits easily. Your comments about felted tweed yarn melding together is very accurate as when you look at the entire colour range together not one stands out as clashing. Currently I am completing a baby garment in Rowan cotton wool and have just started a cardigan in brushed fleece. Love the video of the winter wheat. As I look out of my craft room window I can see a field of golden winter wheat gently moving in the breeze. 🇬🇧
I love hand knit socks! I have many pair. However, I haven’t knit any in years. So I will be choosing some stash and a new pattern I recently purchased and getting involved. I knit 2-at-a-time, toe up, magic loop. Yippee!
When I was starting out with socks, I traced my foot on cereal box cardboard. It turned out that it was quite useful for checking width over ball of foot and foot length without trying on all the time. It also gave me place to record toe-shaping beginning (top down sock, dpn knitter). Thank you Cheerios!
Kudos to Betsy for starting two new things. Spinning and socks. I bought my first spinning wheel 12 or 13 years ago. I worked at it sporadically. About a month ago I made my first yarn that I was proud of. It was a 3-ply and I made a hat with it. Sometimes it just takes a while. I have made socks for longer than I can remember. I started making socks because my Dad had heart problems and couldn't find socks that did not cut into his legs, so I made them for him. Now I am making socks for my two-year-old great granddaughter who has to wear orthotics. I prefer heel flap and gusset, probably just because that is what I learned to do and can do it without thinking. You will do great!
Wow, this was packed with good stuff! I'll for sure do a pair of socks during the MAL, but I don't have a Ravelry account, so I won't be showing it off. Kim, from the lower number, it's 33% more, and from the higher number 25% less. And I'm still marveling at the commitment of Wallflowers! It's beautiful. Simone, you are absolutely right. Magic loop is great for some situations, but not all and I prefer doing my socks 2 at a time on 2 circs. Isn't it great that we have choices? And your shawl is to die for! I'll add your friend to my prayer list, too. Betsy, your flowers are wonderful! You'll have an impressive bouquet when you finish. Good for you for trying spinning. I will NOT be doing that. Your sweater came out stunningly. And I, too, love going through my mother's and grandmother's buttons. There's are in old Tetley Tea metal cans. Round, about 5" high and about 8" in diameter. It took me several tries - and several types of heels - to find what works best for me. I have a very narrow heel and I SWIM in a heel flap and gusset, and I've found that the Fish Lips Kiss works best for me. So I just do it on almost all my socks.
My gateway to my first sock was a Christmas stocking - Arne and Carlos toe up pattern knit with Norwegian Wool I bought from F & H. No fit issues! I also bought the Rowan book and sock wool from “ you” but I have the opposite stumbling block to Betsy - smaller than average feet! Lovely episode and all of your projects are great!
I sooo enjoy your episodes! I’m learning so much and I don’t even knit! Thank you! My sons walk by while I’m watching you and say, “Oh, you’re watching your knitting friends.” ❤
It´ s so nice to see the Rioux again. Keep on going, Simone! The birds of a feather will be beautifully. Congratulations to your scrappy sweater, Betsy! I’m a little bit scared of creating a garment without a pattern. But I can imagine that it will be fun. I’m looking forward to see a picture of you wearing it.
A Sock knit along is right up my alley. My sock story, I knit my first pair at age 10, then my second pair for my new husband at age 18. I knit my next pair 40 years later. :-) since then I always have a pair on the needles.
A good sock pattern for beginners is the Churchmouse Basic Sock pattern. I’ve made it a ton of times and you can change out the colors for cuff, heals and toes and also make a ribbed pattern. I like a top down sock because the last part is the toe and you can try it on to make sure the heal fits you. You can measure your toes and knit up the toe really quickly. Susan B Anderson has some great sock patterns too.
I love knitting and wearing knitted socks. I really can't go back to any others. I wear them to work all winter. I knit top down, 2.25mm(US1), with two 16 inch circulars. I like knitting vanilla Socks. Kay Litton, The Crazy Sock Lady, has a great tutorial. The socks I wear to work are knit with fingering weight yarn. I am going to have to try the Point Prim sock yarn you mentioned. I like knitting socks when I don't have much brain space. I will need to join the Ravelry group. Kim
Caught me by surprise, hearing my name, lol! Great to see your Rioux again. I’m excited to get to the colour work. Love, love all your projects this week. The Tour de Fleece group I’m in was just talking about steaming fleece too. I also steamed yarn that I unraveled and it was magic, getting the kinks out. I used a handheld steamer I have.
Fabulous! Simone, your shawl is beautiful! Betsy, your striped sweater is wonderful! Kim, I am immensely impressed with your crochet work, an heirloom in the making. I hope your weather moderates!
As always a great episode. I am a spinner since many years and yet I managed yesterday to chain ply S instead of Z. At least not all. As it was said in the podcast “it happens to everyone “.
Fun episode in the kitchen at the news desk! 😅. Beautiful makes and projects! Congrats on your amazing sweater creation Betsy!! Beautiful crochet flowers! 💐 Gorgeous shawl Simone! Love the sock along idea! I need to go join your Ravelry group. You gals are so inspiring!
Always an enjoyable new podcast. You’re all so fun to watch and inspirational - I want Simone as my neighbor and stop-by teacher. Betsy- socks are addictive - easy patterns with Kay Jones or Crazy Sock Lady - very basic and they do both toe up and cuff down (you can measure your foot to size with either way). 9” circulars are fun to use too. Both of the sock books by Laine are lovely. Your Prim sock - ❤…I’m in!!
Great to see a sock KAL! Betsy, you may want to check out Kate Atherley’s Custom Fit socks - it’s my go to guide for socks - Kate’s pattern for toe up socks with a gusset is my go-to pattern for socks that fit very well.
So nice yet again. Loved the whole show. And thanks for the sock along! I have some of your sock yarn just dying to be knit. Thanks for giving a long time to complete. Best to all.
Loving your cute projects and such a wonderful cozy kitchen 😍! The Yarn Flowers 🌹🌷 U must look up had a time back in the Olympics History to Award to Winners bc of economics.
I enjoyed this episode so much! I am also a newbie spinner and loved the whole discussion on spinning! I was also glad to hear there is a cotton yarn out there that doesn't hurt your hands!
Wonderful episode, as always.You ladies are a joy to watch. Betsy, I highly recommend Kate Atherley’s Custom Socks to you as a novice sock knitter. It is clear and precise. You will learn how to measure your foot, how to figure negative ease, how to translate your measurements with your gauge to obtain a perfectly fitting sock. You will have a custom recipe for a vanilla sock. As you have a larger foot, you may well find that many patterns will not fit without adjustments. If you are spending the precious knitting time to make a pair of socks, why not have them fit? You may be able to find this wonderful book in your local library. Good luck on your sock journey.
Betsy, I love your sweater. And I really like how the stripes come around the back a little - whether you meant to or not! It is a great design element. About socks, I have done both toe up and cuff down and I find it much easier to fit a cuff down because you can keep trying it on and you can know exactly where to start the toe. Every time I've done toe up, the length of the foot is slightly off. So anyway, give both a try and see which you like. Just warning you, if you start making socks, there's a good chance your family will start expecting homemade socks!
I loved your news room intro! Betsy's 'you can do it' is really cute. I'm a crocheter and will make my first pair of socks even though the Sock Along is for knitters. I've been inspired.
Yay! Crochet socks. We were hoping for that. That is why we are calling it a Make Along instead of the Sock Knit Along. Be sure to post your crochet socks in the Ravelry group!
I am another that watches every episode - never miss! You ladies are too fun. I'm in for the sock make-along - probably not until I finish my current pair :) Since I always knit the same pattern (I only wear handmade socks - Betsy - you will become addicted) this is a great chance to try something new. I bought a skein of Point Prim sock yarn when I visited your store - now I know what it will be!
I'm excited about the sock along, did my first pair this winter and I have another sock yarn set already. I used Paton's, good basic for a beginner, but I love the idea of luxury mohair + version a la Betsy. I want to try Bramble, maybe pair #3 once my skills are improved.
Yes - I think we will record there for the rest of the summer more comfortable and the store is pretty busy this time of the year, so it is more efficient to record in the house too.
Thank you for the sock ideas and the challenge. I’ve never knit socks so I put in a small order to you for Rowan pattern book and some of their sock yarn. ♥️ your podcast and your friendship that comes through so strongly. All the best!
Kim, you could refer back to your podcast when you had your list of five for socks for the sock KAL - I made the Hermoine socks out of Point Prim Mermaid’s Tail from that episode - they turned out great - my daughter loves them! I’m definitely making the Hollingbourne socks from the 52 Weeks book, these have been on my list since Simone did hers a bit ago. and Betsy, that sweater is beautiful - I love that the stripes wrap around a bit on the back, it creates a little visual interest that pulls in your sleeve colourwork as well. Jam-packed episode, thanks!
The Oolong Socks by Aimee Sher have been in my library for a couple of months- just waiting for the motivation to start them, they’re so cute! These are definitely a contender for the sock MAL!
Great podcast! thank you. All so inspiring! Simone you have me anxious to start spinning.....loved your fig color yarn - Beautiful! I just bought a spindle so here i go! But thank you for your suggestions with fiber, i think I'm going to try with shetland first
What a great episode ladies! I really enjoyed it while doing my own DIY sweater. Kim, I loved your comment to Betsy about the math...it was right but you didn't pay attention to it (or something to that effect). I've just done it with my current design. For some reason, I cast on double the number of calculated stitches for the back, not once BUT twice for a sweater being knit flat! Anyhow, now on try number 3, it should fit! Spinning adventures...I am going to have to try again and socks, yippee! even though I don't generally join knit alongs. Too much pressure HUgs
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast YUP! He wanted knee socks but now I have another pair on the needles which are taking forever to finish because I kept forgetting how to do it…brain fog due to the treatments, sigh. PLUS they’re black with tiny hints of red and yellow. Since I’m past the “thinking” part, maybe it’s time to finish them for winter. HUgs
Betsy, I love toe up, short row socks! I use the circle toe seen with Roxanne Richardson and a short row heel with ten stitches added top and bottom to make the heel roomier. Doesn't seem to matter how they are added and subtracted.
Good to know about the spinning. I have a drop spindle from your store, that I still can’t quite get the flow. I bought an e- spinner 2nd hand which at least I can spin something but not consistent as yet. Simone is my inspiration - I’m glad as a newbie that Simone has been at it much longer so there is hope😊
Kim, I have to tell you how much I enjoy reading your newsletter. Thanks for sharing such an uplifting view of life. Simone, I'm glad to see your Rioux again. Stunning. Betsy, your sweater is amazing and I'm glad you had some family heirloom buttons to attach.
I used to just hate magic loop for everything. I love double points for socks. But I have discovered I like magic loop much better than small circulars for sleeves. As you say, everyone prefers different techniques. Also, my daughter in law loves magic loop for socks and she knits two at a time. She knits Briggs and Little durasport socks thst she sells at a local store.
Betsy, I am also a member of the big girl feet club (US 10). I prefer cuff down because I like a slightly longer leg. On toe up, by the time I get through my big foot, I am tempted to cut rhe leg short just to be done. I use 2.25mm needles, 64 stitches and can knit a vanilla pair with 60-70 leg rounds and 15-20 cuff rounds from one 100g/437yd ball of sock yarn. Contrast color toes and/or heels are a life saver for yarn with less yardage or yarn hungry patterns.
Loved the intro! Love seeing you in flowery and black summer frocks and am so glad you’re in the cool kitchen. I do subscribe and watch every week! Crows do chase eagles (they do it here in the Adirondacks)! Your projects and spinning are inspirational! Betsy’s button inheritance is wondrous! A sock KAL will be fun - guess I’m going to have to figure out how to use Ravelry. Socks are great summertime projects, of course, because they don’t cover you with woolly goodness in the sticky weather - and are portable vacation knits. Carry on just as you are, which is perfect. Thanks for working so hard for us; I am anxious to try your wool and can’t decide where to begin.
Loved your gathering around the table…you all seemed more relaxed! Maybe because you were in air conditioning? I enjoy all the information you so freely give to all of us.
Such a wondrous podcast! Betsy the brave...spinning, designed a sweater (gorgeous), and now socks!!! Love watching and learning about spinning. It makes me study the yarns I have more closely. I'm in for the sock KAL. Oh, the Winter Wheat! It is so good as a cover crop!!
I made my first pair of socks by following the free tutorial by Kay Litton (Crazy Sock Lady), and I was so grateful for that, but I hate knitting flap and gusset! It's been three years, and only now do I think I might be figuring out my favorite heels. I've tried most of them except for the really wacky ones in Sock Architecture, by Lara Neel (socks from women's XS to men's XL, quite the book!).
Not sure if I have time to add a pair of socks to my projects right now; however, have a look at the sock that Holli Yeoh has just designed. I thought they looked very interesting. Loved your show as always.
Other good books for beginner and up sock knitters is The Sock Project by Summer Lee and Knit a box of socks, bu Julie Ann Lebouthillier. I have just started Steven Wests colour poportunity sovks and hope that I can enter these. Started a few dsys early, but I am still on week 1 of his 4 week knit along. A very different construction. Not cuff down or toe up!!
Re learning to spin. I always tell people they might make a lot of compost before they get a yarn that they would be happy to use. And not to start with the finest, most expensive hand dyed braids or batts.
I watch every episode and enjoy everyone. I even visited your shop a few years ago and Ken introduced me to Page, wow how nice. I bought Point Prim sock and a ball of Kid Silk Haze. I put them together and knit a shawl. What a lovely fabric it made. I would like to join the KAL Sock if I can figure out how to join it. Will you be putting a link on it. Thanks for you hard work and fun you bring.
Wonderful episode! @betsy: Maybe use your Marie wallin flowers as part of a yoke? And regarding your Beautiful crochet flowers: could you turn them into brooches? I learned sock knitting from a blog - Kura socks, simple socks with step by step instructions and toe up
Oh dear... we love barn swallows around here! They eat a ton of flies and mosquitos and we leave our barn doors open on purpose hoping to get a couple of nesting pairs!
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast that is true, but when you have what feels like hundreds nested on your house and dive bombing you and your animals constantly it creates some animosity! 😂 Not to mention the mess.
Love our heat pump! It has been such a blessing for the intense humidity and heat! I really loved this episode, the spinning, crochet and all the knits. I have a question about the winter wheat - this is the first time I have seen so many fields with the wheat, it really confused me. I tried to look it up on the Grey County Agriculture but nothing came up but obviously farmers are letting their fields take a break from regular crops. What is the winter wheat used for when it ripens?
I am glad you are filming in fresh air, I bet it must be quite humid in the mill, especially over the dye bath. Maybe the eagle was attracted to the mouse ??? Kim, how do you keep the red yarn from bleeding on the white in your Rowan sweater ? Betsy, be very careful when you measure your feeet for socks. There is a very good pattern , very detailed pattern with many options August Sock KAL by Roxanne Richardson, the most important measure for your choice of heel is the heel diagonal. If you have a strong arch, I would recommand the heel flap and gusset. I remember the first time I measured my feet carefully to make perfect socks. It was in August, (very warm and humid August), the socks did fit perfecly when I finished them, except I didn't need socks that summer. Surprise, in fall when I tried my socks, they were too large, I was so so puzzled. I remeasured my feet right then and there, to find out the measures were quite different. It turned out my feet , ankels and calves were very swollen that August. Lesson learned, do not meausre your feet in summer when you want to knit fall/winter socks. Or at least make sure your feet aren't swollen when you take the measurements. You could also Check Roxanne Richardson video on "How to Measure Your Foot for a Sock" Betsy you sweater is GORGEOUS !!! I am so looking forward to see it on you.
Ha - I wouldn't have thought of the fact that your feet could change size, but of course that would happen if they were swollen. As for the Cornwallis. I wash it in VERY cold water and don't squish the red yoke around very much. I did get a tiny bit of bleeding into the white, but it isn't very noticeable. When I first saw the little bit of pink in the water, I thought that I might have to crochet a small stripe of navy on the line between the red and white. I didn't have to do it because once the sweater was washed and dried, your really couldn't notice the little bit of pink unless you are really looking for it.
I love your podcast and never miss it. On the topic of Rowan Cotton, have you tried the new Cotton Revive? I ordered a lot of it from Rowan and trying to be ok with it, but it is quite stiff feeling. BTW Simone, I read The Count of Monte Cristo thanks to you 🙂
Ya... so, as you know I love Rowan and that's why I carry it. However, I personally don't love all of their yarns. If you check our online store you will notice I don't carry Cotton Revive. That's all I want to say about that. 🙂😉
I really enjoyed your podcast again. I have a question you might think is silly, but why would you learn to spin, when you can buy your yarn all ready for you to knit.
Rox rocks Roxanne Richardson has a lot of tutorials about making socks on her RUclips channel and tells you how to measure your foot and deal with issues with insteps and ankles ❤etc. 😊🤜🔔🤛💚☘️🍀☘️💚🤜🔔🤛🖖😇👍
I try not to be negative but Rowan’s sock yarn Superwash is not a great yarn and I do t think I am only one to say so, however your point prim is a GREAT yarn for socks! So many nice and fun projects today!
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast I don’t mind my blue pair are so lovely they make such nice winter foot warmers, plus socks are so much easier to wash and dry than sweaters!
No. our sheep just get timothy hay in the winter because we are not breeding them anymore. The farmer growing the winter wheat is leasing the land from us.
LOL….shhhh….I’m using kitchen bamboo skewer sticks for the stems and I had some 26 gauge jewelry wire lying around that I’m using for the leaf shaping.
What a FUN news desky intro!! LOVE all of your enthusiasm. We've had a heat pump for 13 years. Best investment ever! I don't know why people would skip any episodes!! I can't wait for each new episode to release :) I'm looking forward to the sock make along! The farmers around here have just started combining their winter wheat! Thanks, again, for another lovely episode!
I remember when you were catching up with all the back episodes!
I watch every single episode! Love you gals (and guy)! I look forward to the "woolcast" every time. Hugs from Ontario!
Yay! Not an intermittent viewer - thatks for that!
Another lovely packed full episode. Always look forward to all your enthusiasm. Love all your chat & projects. Thank you 🏴
Thank you so much!
A note to Betsy and about knitting socks to fit--I find it easiest to knit top down for fit because you can keep trying it on when it's time to decrease for the toe. Starting at the toe, you aren't quite sure how much space you need for the heel, so it is actually more difficult. I suggest a slip-stitch heel and gusset, knit top down, for the very best fit. I'm currently doing Stephen WEst's Surprise Sock Along which is completely turning sock construction on its head. Having a lot of fun with it! Anyhow, good luck on your first pair of socks, Betsy--just be forewarned, they are highly addicting!!!
Not surprised that Stephen West would be turning sock knitting upside down! Ha!
A really great episode full of beautiful projects. Betsy's completed top is wonderful. I love that you are all open to new ideas and skills in textile fabrication. Socks are one of my favourite items to knit but generally knit top down, with heel flap and gusset with a rounded toe on dpns. As much as I enjoy and love knitting with Rowan yarns I would not recommend Rowan sock yarn for a beginner as it splits easily. Your comments about felted tweed yarn melding together is very accurate as when you look at the entire colour range together not one stands out as clashing. Currently I am completing a baby garment in Rowan cotton wool and have just started a cardigan in brushed fleece. Love the video of the winter wheat. As I look out of my craft room window I can see a field of golden winter wheat gently moving in the breeze. 🇬🇧
They just harvested it three days ago. Now they are taking the straw off.
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast They harvested the field over the weekend and will be bailing the hay today.
Wow Betsy!! Your sweater turned out so beautiful! Congratulations!
I love hand knit socks! I have many pair. However, I haven’t knit any in years. So I will be choosing some stash and a new pattern I recently purchased and getting involved. I knit 2-at-a-time, toe up, magic loop. Yippee!
Yay! Thanks for joining!
When I was starting out with socks, I traced my foot on cereal box cardboard. It turned out that it was quite useful for checking width over ball of foot and foot length without trying on all the time. It also gave me place to record toe-shaping beginning (top down sock, dpn knitter). Thank you Cheerios!
Great idea!
Kudos to Betsy for starting two new things. Spinning and socks. I bought my first spinning wheel 12 or 13 years ago. I worked at it sporadically. About a month ago I made my first yarn that I was proud of. It was a 3-ply and I made a hat with it. Sometimes it just takes a while. I have made socks for longer than I can remember. I started making socks because my Dad had heart problems and couldn't find socks that did not cut into his legs, so I made them for him. Now I am making socks for my two-year-old great granddaughter who has to wear orthotics. I prefer heel flap and gusset, probably just because that is what I learned to do and can do it without thinking. You will do great!
There is nothing better than hand knit socks!
Wow, this was packed with good stuff! I'll for sure do a pair of socks during the MAL, but I don't have a Ravelry account, so I won't be showing it off.
Kim, from the lower number, it's 33% more, and from the higher number 25% less. And I'm still marveling at the commitment of Wallflowers! It's beautiful.
Simone, you are absolutely right. Magic loop is great for some situations, but not all and I prefer doing my socks 2 at a time on 2 circs. Isn't it great that we have choices? And your shawl is to die for! I'll add your friend to my prayer list, too.
Betsy, your flowers are wonderful! You'll have an impressive bouquet when you finish. Good for you for trying spinning. I will NOT be doing that. Your sweater came out stunningly. And I, too, love going through my mother's and grandmother's buttons. There's are in old Tetley Tea metal cans. Round, about 5" high and about 8" in diameter.
It took me several tries - and several types of heels - to find what works best for me. I have a very narrow heel and I SWIM in a heel flap and gusset, and I've found that the Fish Lips Kiss works best for me. So I just do it on almost all my socks.
It seems everyone has their favourite. Before we started the yarn shop, I had no idea that there were so many different ways to make a sock!
Watching you is pure joy 🩵
Awwww - thanks!
My gateway to my first sock was a Christmas stocking - Arne and Carlos toe up pattern knit with Norwegian Wool I bought from F & H. No fit issues! I also bought the Rowan book and sock wool from “ you” but I have the opposite stumbling block to Betsy - smaller than average feet! Lovely episode and all of your projects are great!
Thank you Nancy!
I sooo enjoy your episodes! I’m learning so much and I don’t even knit! Thank you! My sons walk by while I’m watching you and say, “Oh, you’re watching your knitting friends.” ❤
Ha! It's funny you are watching even if you don't knit. Do you do other hand crafts?
It´ s so nice to see the Rioux again. Keep on going, Simone! The birds of a feather will be beautifully. Congratulations to your scrappy sweater, Betsy! I’m a little bit scared of creating a garment without a pattern. But I can imagine that it will be fun. I’m looking forward to see a picture of you wearing it.
Isn't that colour work on the Rioux gorgeous? It even looks more magical in person.
A Sock knit along is right up my alley. My sock story, I knit my first pair at age 10, then my second pair for my new husband at age 18. I knit my next pair 40 years later. :-) since then I always have a pair on the needles.
Funny! A slow start, it is funny how things work sometimes.
A good sock pattern for beginners is the Churchmouse Basic Sock pattern. I’ve made it a ton of times and you can change out the colors for cuff, heals and toes and also make a ribbed pattern. I like a top down sock because the last part is the toe and you can try it on to make sure the heal fits you. You can measure your toes and knit up the toe really quickly. Susan B Anderson has some great sock patterns too.
There are so many great patterns for socks and ingenious methods for knitting them too!
Great episode! Looking forward to seeing you all in October. Bravo Betsy! YOU DID IT! Happy Summer ❤️
See you in October!
TY GBU all. I always have sox on the needles . I love cuff down heel flap .
Thanks Barb!
Wendy Johnson's toe up sock books are the best.
Thanks for the tip!
I love knitting and wearing knitted socks. I really can't go back to any others. I wear them to work all winter. I knit top down, 2.25mm(US1), with two 16 inch circulars. I like knitting vanilla Socks. Kay Litton, The Crazy Sock Lady, has a great tutorial. The socks I wear to work are knit with fingering weight yarn. I am going to have to try the Point Prim sock yarn you mentioned. I like knitting socks when I don't have much brain space. I will need to join the Ravelry group. Kim
Hand knitted socks really are the best!
Love how industrious and creative you all are. Everything is beautiful and interesting, thanks for sharing!,
Our pleasure!
Caught me by surprise, hearing my name, lol! Great to see your Rioux again. I’m excited to get to the colour work.
Love, love all your projects this week.
The Tour de Fleece group I’m in was just talking about steaming fleece too. I also steamed yarn that I unraveled and it was magic, getting the kinks out. I used a handheld steamer I have.
Ha! It must have been weird to hear us talk about you! LOL I have to do the steaming. The changing the direction of the braid actually worked a bit.
Betsy--congrats on learning to spin!! It's very addictive. Just consider your first attempts as "art yarn"😊.
Yes the first attempts are art yarn!
Thank you so much for your podcast, I always look forward to every episode!❤
You are so welcome!
LOVE your newsdesk. Needs must. Brilliant❤
Thanks!
I'm knitting on a sock, and you introduce a sock-along. How fitting.
Perfect timing!
Fabulous! Simone, your shawl is beautiful! Betsy, your striped sweater is wonderful! Kim, I am immensely impressed with your crochet work, an heirloom in the making. I hope your weather moderates!
Beautiful and sunny witha little breeze today - Perfect!
As always a great episode. I am a spinner since many years and yet I managed yesterday to chain ply S instead of Z. At least not all. As it was said in the podcast “it happens to everyone “.
Yes - sometimes we amaze ourselves with silly mistakes!
Twice sheered sheep has a wonderful sock ruler.
Thanks for the suggestion!
Fun episode in the kitchen at the news desk! 😅. Beautiful makes and projects! Congrats on your amazing sweater creation Betsy!! Beautiful crochet flowers! 💐 Gorgeous shawl Simone! Love the sock along idea! I need to go join your Ravelry group. You gals are so inspiring!
Thanks so much! 😊
I love this new spin on your podcast set. Your self drafted sweaters are looking great.
I am in for the sock KAL.
Thanks! And welcome to the Knit Along!
Always an enjoyable new podcast. You’re all so fun to watch and inspirational - I want Simone as my neighbor and stop-by teacher. Betsy- socks are addictive - easy patterns with Kay Jones or Crazy Sock Lady - very basic and they do both toe up and cuff down (you can measure your foot to size with either way). 9” circulars are fun to use too. Both of the sock books by Laine are lovely. Your Prim sock - ❤…I’m in!!
Yay! Welcome aboard Carol!
Thanks again for an enjoyable episode.
You are very welcome!
That is a drop dead gorgeous spindle
It is amazing!
Great to see a sock KAL! Betsy, you may want to check out Kate Atherley’s Custom Fit socks - it’s my go to guide for socks - Kate’s pattern for toe up socks with a gusset is my go-to pattern for socks that fit very well.
If you watched Episode 153, you will see that Betsy is following her own path on her socks... She is such an adventurer!
Hi from hot and humid Orlando. I also watch every podcast, I don’t want to miss an episode of my knitting friends.
Finally the humidity broke here - now it is sunny and breezy - perfect!
So nice yet again. Loved the whole show. And thanks for the sock along! I have some of your sock yarn just dying to be knit. Thanks for giving a long time to complete. Best to all.
Get out the Point Prim! We hope you like knitting with it!
Whenni pick up stitches, particularly on crves and diagonals, i dont worry about extra stitches. They can be decreased away invisibly in first row
That is a very useful tip. I have done that as well.
Loving your cute projects and such a wonderful cozy kitchen 😍! The Yarn Flowers 🌹🌷 U must look up had a time back in the Olympics History to Award to Winners bc of economics.
Oh cool! I will look that up.
I've had some of your sock yarn tucked away for a while now for a sweated project....I think it will be my Fall project 😊
We hope you love knitting with it!
I enjoyed this episode so much! I am also a newbie spinner and loved the whole discussion on spinning! I was also glad to hear there is a cotton yarn out there that doesn't hurt your hands!
Yes! I love knitted cotton garments and am very happy to find the Rowan cotton yarns.
Wonderful episode, as always.You ladies are a joy to watch. Betsy, I highly recommend Kate Atherley’s Custom Socks to you as a novice sock knitter. It is clear and precise. You will learn how to measure your foot, how to figure negative ease, how to translate your measurements with your gauge to obtain a perfectly fitting sock. You will have a custom recipe for a vanilla sock. As you have a larger foot, you may well find that many patterns will not fit without adjustments. If you are spending the precious knitting time to make a pair of socks, why not have them fit? You may be able to find this wonderful book in your local library. Good luck on your sock journey.
Thank you for the suggestion. Kate is coming to the Fibre Festival. We are very excited!
Wowza! Multitalented gals! Looking forward to buying point prim sock yarn and more - in person - at you shop - on the farm - in Belfast PEI - soon❤
Ha! See you when you get here!
Betsy, I love your sweater. And I really like how the stripes come around the back a little - whether you meant to or not! It is a great design element. About socks, I have done both toe up and cuff down and I find it much easier to fit a cuff down because you can keep trying it on and you can know exactly where to start the toe. Every time I've done toe up, the length of the foot is slightly off. So anyway, give both a try and see which you like. Just warning you, if you start making socks, there's a good chance your family will start expecting homemade socks!
Socks for all... but only if they look after them! LOL
I loved your news room intro! Betsy's 'you can do it' is really cute. I'm a crocheter and will make my first pair of socks even though the Sock Along is for knitters. I've been inspired.
Yay! Crochet socks. We were hoping for that. That is why we are calling it a Make Along instead of the Sock Knit Along. Be sure to post your crochet socks in the Ravelry group!
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast I will!
I am another that watches every episode - never miss! You ladies are too fun. I'm in for the sock make-along - probably not until I finish my current pair :) Since I always knit the same pattern (I only wear handmade socks - Betsy - you will become addicted) this is a great chance to try something new. I bought a skein of Point Prim sock yarn when I visited your store - now I know what it will be!
Great! Thanks for being a faithful watcher!
Thanks great seeing all the projects and will join sock group
I knit socks but will try different heel gave good 2 weeks
We love that you are going to try something new! We will watch for your posts in the Ravelry thread if you are posting there.
When you were talking about circular rows completed, they are called ROUNDS!
I'm excited about the sock along, did my first pair this winter and I have another sock yarn set already. I used Paton's, good basic for a beginner, but I love the idea of luxury mohair + version a la Betsy. I want to try Bramble, maybe pair #3 once my skills are improved.
Great that you are already planning pair 2 and 3! Have fun!
So much fun. Always enjoy your podcast. New setting and love it. Have a great week.
Yes - I think we will record there for the rest of the summer more comfortable and the store is pretty busy this time of the year, so it is more efficient to record in the house too.
Thank you for the sock ideas and the challenge. I’ve never knit socks so I put in a small order to you for Rowan pattern book and some of their sock yarn. ♥️ your podcast and your friendship that comes through so strongly. All the best!
Wonderful! I hope you have fun with the socks!
Kim, you could refer back to your podcast when you had your list of five for socks for the sock KAL - I made the Hermoine socks out of Point Prim Mermaid’s Tail from that episode - they turned out great - my daughter loves them! I’m definitely making the Hollingbourne socks from the 52 Weeks book, these have been on my list since Simone did hers a bit ago. and Betsy, that sweater is beautiful - I love that the stripes wrap around a bit on the back, it creates a little visual interest that pulls in your sleeve colourwork as well. Jam-packed episode, thanks!
Yes we listed the list of 5 socks from that list on the Ravelry page for the MAL. We put the link to the Oolong socks too.
The Oolong Socks by Aimee Sher have been in my library for a couple of months- just waiting for the motivation to start them, they’re so cute! These are definitely a contender for the sock MAL!
Wonderful!
Magic heel, super fast, super easy
There are so many heel choices. Not being a sock knitter, I had no idea!
I loved this episode
Yay!
Great podcast! thank you. All so inspiring! Simone you have me anxious to start spinning.....loved your fig color yarn - Beautiful! I just bought a spindle so here i go! But thank you for your suggestions with fiber, i think I'm going to try with shetland first
I hope you got your spinning started and are enjoying it!
I love listening to your podcasts! I’m planning a visit with the Rowan Tree Canadian Maritimes trip in August and can’t wait to meet you all!
See you in August!
Always enjoy your podcasts. Rarely comment. Betsy--The colors in your shawl, Birds of a Feather, are a perfect match of your top.
The colours in that shawl are really beautiful!
What a great episode ladies! I really enjoyed it while doing my own DIY sweater. Kim, I loved your comment to Betsy about the math...it was right but you didn't pay attention to it (or something to that effect). I've just done it with my current design. For some reason, I cast on double the number of calculated stitches for the back, not once BUT twice for a sweater being knit flat! Anyhow, now on try number 3, it should fit! Spinning adventures...I am going to have to try again and socks, yippee! even though I don't generally join knit alongs. Too much pressure HUgs
Thanks Brenda! As I recall the socks you knit for your son are close to knitting a small sweater! LOL
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast YUP! He wanted knee socks but now I have another pair on the needles which are taking forever to finish because I kept forgetting how to do it…brain fog due to the treatments, sigh. PLUS they’re black with tiny hints of red and yellow. Since I’m past the “thinking” part, maybe it’s time to finish them for winter. HUgs
Betsy, I love toe up, short row socks! I use the circle toe seen with Roxanne Richardson and a short row heel with ten stitches added top and bottom to make the heel roomier. Doesn't seem to matter how they are added and subtracted.
Cool.
I meant to say add ten stitches in and take them out, in the short row heel.
Good read, "Wallpaper Flowers", small series.
Thank you for the suggestion!
Good to know about the spinning. I have a drop spindle from your store, that I still can’t quite get the flow. I bought an e- spinner 2nd hand which at least I can spin something but not consistent as yet. Simone is my inspiration - I’m glad as a newbie that Simone has been at it much longer so there is hope😊
Spinning is truly an endeavour where you need to practise until you get the feel for it. You only improve with doing it.
Kim, I have to tell you how much I enjoy reading your newsletter. Thanks for sharing such an uplifting view of life. Simone, I'm glad to see your Rioux again. Stunning. Betsy, your sweater is amazing and I'm glad you had some family heirloom buttons to attach.
Simone told me this weekend she only has a couple of inches left on the wing before she starts the border.
I used to just hate magic loop for everything. I love double points for socks. But I have discovered I like magic loop much better than small circulars for sleeves. As you say, everyone prefers different techniques. Also, my daughter in law loves magic loop for socks and she knits two at a time. She knits Briggs and Little durasport socks thst she sells at a local store.
Yes everyone has their favourites: techniques, patterns and yarns. That's one of the great things about knitting in my humble opinion!
I have yarn for two pairs of socks wound (for two years). Maybe this will be the motivation I need.
Great! Get going! LOL
Betsy, I am also a member of the big girl feet club (US 10). I prefer cuff down because I like a slightly longer leg. On toe up, by the time I get through my big foot, I am tempted to cut rhe leg short just to be done. I use 2.25mm needles, 64 stitches and can knit a vanilla pair with 60-70 leg rounds and 15-20 cuff rounds from one 100g/437yd ball of sock yarn. Contrast color toes and/or heels are a life saver for yarn with less yardage or yarn hungry patterns.
Thank so much for all of the great info!
Loved the intro! Love seeing you in flowery and black summer frocks and am so glad you’re in the cool kitchen.
I do subscribe and watch every week! Crows do chase eagles (they do it here in the Adirondacks)! Your projects and spinning are inspirational! Betsy’s button inheritance is wondrous! A sock KAL will be fun - guess I’m going to have to figure out how to use Ravelry. Socks are great summertime projects, of course, because they don’t cover you with woolly goodness in the sticky weather - and are portable vacation knits.
Carry on just as you are, which is perfect. Thanks for working so hard for us; I am anxious to try your wool and can’t decide where to begin.
Thank you! Yes we were cool and summery! LOL
Loved your gathering around the table…you all seemed more relaxed! Maybe because you were in air conditioning?
I enjoy all the information you so freely give to all of us.
It is definitely the air conditioning!
My favorite heel is "Do You French" heel
Oh my goodness - another heel technique that I have never heard of...
Such a wondrous podcast! Betsy the brave...spinning, designed a sweater (gorgeous), and now socks!!! Love watching and learning about spinning. It makes me study the yarns I have more closely. I'm in for the sock KAL. Oh, the Winter Wheat! It is so good as a cover crop!!
Oh great - understanding yarns and how they are made can be helpful especially if you are doing yarn substitutions.
I made my first pair of socks by following the free tutorial by Kay Litton (Crazy Sock Lady), and I was so grateful for that, but I hate knitting flap and gusset! It's been three years, and only now do I think I might be figuring out my favorite heels. I've tried most of them except for the really wacky ones in Sock Architecture, by Lara Neel (socks from women's XS to men's XL, quite the book!).
Oh - I haven't heard about that book. I must look it up!
Not sure if I have time to add a pair of socks to my projects right now; however, have a look at the sock that Holli Yeoh has just designed. I thought they looked very interesting. Loved your show as always.
I couldn't see a new sock pattern on h er Ravelry page. But those fuschia and specked ones ae great!
Other good books for beginner and up sock knitters is The Sock Project by Summer Lee and Knit a box of socks, bu Julie Ann Lebouthillier. I have just started Steven Wests colour poportunity sovks and hope that I can enter these. Started a few dsys early, but I am still on week 1 of his 4 week knit along. A very different construction. Not cuff down or toe up!!
Julie Ann is actually teaching a workshop at the PEI Fibre Festival in October. We can hardly wait!
Betsy!! You should try the Andrea Mowry DRK everyday. Toe up with Fleegle heel!!
I think Betsy is already thinking what she wants to do for her next pair!
Re learning to spin. I always tell people they might make a lot of compost before they get a yarn that they would be happy to use. And not to start with the finest, most expensive hand dyed braids or batts.
Ha!
I watch every episode and enjoy everyone. I even visited your shop a few years ago and Ken introduced me to Page, wow how nice. I bought Point Prim sock and a ball of Kid Silk Haze. I put them together and knit a shawl. What a lovely fabric it made. I would like to join the KAL Sock if I can figure out how to join it. Will you be putting a link on it. Thanks for you hard work and fun you bring.
Here is the link to the discussion thread. www.ravelry.com/discuss/fleece--harmony-podcast/4321191/
Wonderful episode! @betsy: Maybe use your Marie wallin flowers as part of a yoke? And regarding your Beautiful crochet flowers: could you turn them into brooches? I learned sock knitting from a blog - Kura socks, simple socks with step by step instructions and toe up
I bet you could use those crocheted flowers as a brooch! Good idea!
We always get a colony of barn swallows here and believe me when I say the crows get theirs from those tiny, horrid creatures!
Oh dear... we love barn swallows around here! They eat a ton of flies and mosquitos and we leave our barn doors open on purpose hoping to get a couple of nesting pairs!
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast that is true, but when you have what feels like hundreds nested on your house and dive bombing you and your animals constantly it creates some animosity! 😂 Not to mention the mess.
Love our heat pump! It has been such a blessing for the intense humidity and heat! I really loved this episode, the spinning, crochet and all the knits. I have a question about the winter wheat - this is the first time I have seen so many fields with the wheat, it really confused me. I tried to look it up on the Grey County Agriculture but nothing came up but obviously farmers are letting their fields take a break from regular crops. What is the winter wheat used for when it ripens?
Winter wheat is usually mixed with other strains of wheat in all purpose flour.
I am glad you are filming in fresh air, I bet it must be quite humid in the mill, especially over the dye bath. Maybe the eagle was attracted to the mouse ??? Kim, how do you keep the red yarn from bleeding on the white in your Rowan sweater ? Betsy, be very careful when you measure your feeet for socks. There is a very good pattern , very detailed pattern with many options
August Sock KAL by Roxanne Richardson, the most important measure for your choice of heel is the heel diagonal. If you have a strong arch, I would recommand the heel flap and gusset. I remember the first time I measured my feet carefully to make perfect socks. It was in August, (very warm and humid August), the socks did fit perfecly when I finished them, except I didn't need socks that summer. Surprise, in fall when I tried my socks, they were too large, I was so so puzzled. I remeasured my feet right then and there, to find out the measures were quite different. It turned out my feet , ankels and calves were very swollen that August. Lesson learned, do not meausre your feet in summer when you want to knit fall/winter socks. Or at least make sure your feet aren't swollen when you take the measurements. You could also Check Roxanne Richardson video on "How to Measure Your Foot for a Sock" Betsy you sweater is GORGEOUS !!! I am so looking forward to see it on you.
Ha - I wouldn't have thought of the fact that your feet could change size, but of course that would happen if they were swollen. As for the Cornwallis. I wash it in VERY cold water and don't squish the red yoke around very much. I did get a tiny bit of bleeding into the white, but it isn't very noticeable. When I first saw the little bit of pink in the water, I thought that I might have to crochet a small stripe of navy on the line between the red and white. I didn't have to do it because once the sweater was washed and dried, your really couldn't notice the little bit of pink unless you are really looking for it.
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast We do not get very cold water in summer here, do you think a color catcher could help ?
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K love it - sock along🎉 upz link plz
I love your podcast and never miss it. On the topic of Rowan Cotton, have you tried the new Cotton Revive? I ordered a lot of it from Rowan and trying to be ok with it, but it is quite stiff feeling. BTW Simone, I read The Count of Monte Cristo thanks to you 🙂
Ya... so, as you know I love Rowan and that's why I carry it. However, I personally don't love all of their yarns. If you check our online store you will notice I don't carry Cotton Revive. That's all I want to say about that. 🙂😉
Yay! I’m so glad you read Count of Monte Christo! Did you enjoy it?
Julia child used to throw food behind her on her cooking show. People would crouch behind her to catch whatever she threw.
Yes I remember that! Love Julia Child!
I really enjoyed your podcast again. I have a question you might think is silly, but why would you learn to spin, when you can buy your yarn all ready for you to knit.
We answered your question in Episode 153!
Rox rocks Roxanne Richardson has a lot of tutorials about making socks on her RUclips channel and tells you how to measure your foot and deal with issues with insteps and ankles ❤etc. 😊🤜🔔🤛💚☘️🍀☘️💚🤜🔔🤛🖖😇👍
Roxanne is such a great resource. Thanks for the suggestion!
I try not to be negative but Rowan’s sock yarn Superwash is not a great yarn and I do t think I am only one to say so, however your point prim is a GREAT yarn for socks! So many nice and fun projects today!
We prefer our Point Prim too, but you need to hand wash. And some folks really like their super wash!
@@FleeceHarmonyPodcast I don’t mind my blue pair are so lovely they make such nice winter foot warmers, plus socks are so much easier to wash and dry than sweaters!
Hi Kim, do you use winter wheat as feed for the animals?
No. our sheep just get timothy hay in the winter because we are not breeding them anymore. The farmer growing the winter wheat is leasing the land from us.
Betsy, could you tell me which gauge wire and stem you use for the flowers? The pattern doesn't mention it.
LOL….shhhh….I’m using kitchen bamboo skewer sticks for the stems and I had some 26 gauge jewelry wire lying around that I’m using for the leaf shaping.
The secret it out!
Do you have a link for the sock - a - long?
Never mind. I found it. Turns out I joined your group back in April when I was listening to your book podcasts
Oh lovely - a book follower! Welcome to the sock make along!
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