I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 121
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- Опубликовано: 19 сен 2024
- Welcome to I’ll Knit (& Spin!) If I want To! I asked y’all to send in some of your questions (from everything from fiber arts, to designing and on!) so I could put together a little video for y’all every Friday doing my best to answer your questions!
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In this week’s episode we cover:
1. I am so excited to finally be making plans for the Spark cardigan, which I’ve had sitting in my Ravelry library for years. I’m planning on handspinning the contrast color for it! I have mostly done fractal 2-ply when I spin, or I chain ply. I want to try spinning a 3-ply for this project that isn’t chain ply. How would you spin the fiber to achieve the most success? How do you divide the braids? (I’ll have 3 braids to work with, but you can also explain how to do it with one braid so I can try that in the future too!)
2. Hi Andrea! Love your work and have totally been spinfluenced by you to start spinning - I'm in Australia and my Opa has a little farm and has gifted me a luscious merino fleece, and gave me his old ashford traditional wheel which was sitting in his living room for decoration!! (Yep, he really is the best!!) Would love to know how you juggle your different crafting interests without losing hope that you wont wanna go back to a craft you've currently lost interest in? I started knitting 2 years ago, and in the last year have gotten into spinning, processing fleece and natural dyeing - now I don't have much knitting mojo as I'd rather process and dye! I have limited time as a busy mum of 2 little kiddos and wondering if there's hope juggling all these or should I just stick to one thing?
3. Hi Andrea, I am a new spinner and I am joining your Attune Shawl Spin-A-Long. The spinning is going well so far, but you mentioned that you rewind your bobbins before you ply them?!?! Do you rewind them the same direction you spun them... or... the same way you intend to ply them??? I Spin Z TWIST/Clockwise and Ply S TWIST/Anticlockwise I am sorry if this is an obvious question! I would like to learn to do it the correct way.
TINY FIBRE STUDIO: • Rewinding bobbins on a...
4. I have a question about yarn dyeing and it's effect on gauge. I just bought a lovely natural 50% finull 50% mohair yarn and I'm planning to dye it with spruce cones some time during the upcoming weekend. Since I recieved the yarn early, I was wondering if I could already do a gauge swatch? Or do you think the yarn will change a lot during the dyeing process and affect the gauge? It will be my first try to hand-dye yarn. Any insight would be helpful!
5. Hi Andrea! I have a very newbie spinning question for you, and I’m sorry if you’ve talked about this before! I’m wondering if you have any resources on planing for a larger spin? I am participating in my first TDF and SAL, spinning for the Attune Shawl. It’s my first time spinning for an actual project, and I have 3 4oz bags of hand dyed fiber (same colorway) for the CC. I’m not sure on the logistics of spinning that much fiber. If I’m spinning for a 2 ply, would I split each bag in 1/2 and aim for 3 4oz skeins, as if I was doing them all individually? Or mix bags and do 2 6oz skiens? One giant mama skien? Trying not to overthink it toooo much but want to set myself up for success!
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For a person in Australia.. as with anything, if it's meant to be it will find you. Once upon a time, I knitted for a few years with great enthusiasm. It was pre-Ravelry, pre-interchangeable needles time. Then life happened and I didn't pick up my needles for a long time, more than ten years. Fast forward to last year (2022) my fascination for fair isle design became so strong it woke up a knitter in me with a vengeance! Believe me, I too have other creative pursuits that I had tried but lost interest (at the moment). I was sad to see them collecting dust but now I know they will re-enter my life again when/if they are meant to be. Enjoy what you love now with full force!
I have never spun yarn yet I am fascinated listening to and seeing the results. No "hanging in there." I was hooked from start to end!
I found your answer to the person who was jamming on her spinning and dyeing, and concerned about not knitting for a long time, tremendously helpful!!!! There are never too many reminders to assure my creativity is suffused with Joy. And, to listen to my heart! Thank you!!!
Even though I'm not a spinner, I still love learning about it! I feel like it helps me understand yarn better which informs my choices when picking yarn for a knitting project. Loved the podcast as always!
Love this as always, I also get up really early in the morning & the first 2 hours of my day are mine alone. I sit with my coffee & work on whatever I want. It is the joy that gets me through the day.
I was so relieved when I saw your video last Sunday, I was thinking "I hope Andrea is okay she never misses a Friday video!" 😅 I always look forward to sitting down with some knitting and learning something new (and usually having a bit of a laugh) with your videos ❤
You’re dreaming, ideas, yes/no/maybe, about your next spin is my FAVORITE part of knitting! These back and forth and problem solving and ideas and hopes and possible challenges is my favorite part of a project! Was fun watching someone else do exactly what happens in my head - and I love it!!
I was so worried when your video wasn’t up on Friday that you were not well or something had happened with a family member. I did catch it on Sunday. I think I was stalking your channel. Lol! You are the highlight of my weekend. Glad it was just an oversight. And I really enjoyed today’s episode even though I don’t spin. Just learning about yarn is so interesting.
Yes more summer knits please!!
I agree!!! 😃🧶
Yes! Don’t forget all of us who live in the southern states. We need lightweight pieces. Thanks!
Great program - too much spinning!
Tips on blocking, please
I do them all… my current obsessions are knitting and machine knitting(the things that I am learning), but everything is always at play!!! Let’s make some fabric!!! Let’s make some clothes and households. And yes, all my projects and equipment waits for me😎💕🧶🧵
I cycle my crafts too. I knit, sew, and make earring/stitch markers. Right now I’m knitting but once the heat of summer hits I’ll cycle to the earrings/stitch markers. By fall I’ll move on to sewing again (I make purses,project bags, and hair scrunchies). And finally once spring hits I’ll be back to knitting. It’s a wonderful cycle. Plus I knit in the movies and at sporting events year round.
You are such a sweet heart! I don’t spin and like,y never will, but I could listen to you all day - you have the best smile and the most gracious manner, Andrea. Have a great holiday weekend. It appears the US and Canada are celebrating together as Canada Day is July 1st! Family fun times ahead!
I'm 72 and have cycled through various crafty addictions through the years. And some of them I come back to after a few years or a lot of years - learned spinning in the 1970's then didn't pick it up again until end of last year. What I know about myself is that I have to keep my creativity - my joy - active and the only way to keep it from getting bored is to learn new things. For a long time I used to thinking of myself as a serial crafter but as I am semi-retired, I've found that several crafty things are giving me joy so now I'm a polyamorous crafter 😁 I believe that there are no shoulds in our crafty pursuits unless you are spending beyond your means on your crafts or are letting important things slide in favor of spending all your time and energy on your crafts. Then you 'should' get therapy 😆 There are so many 'have to's' in our lives - why not give our soul some areas where their is freedom to play?
Spicey Pete wasn’t the only one who noticed the missing video last week😂. My family was starting to think I was nuts worrying about Andrea. So glad it was just a scheduling error. Thank you so much for doing what you do. I’ve learned so much from you. ❤
SAME!!! I was freaking out lol. Glad she is okay!
Your newsletter today was spot on!! I count myself as an advanced beginner (stuck on socks) and I'm trying to branch out. I started your Nightshift Shawl. I started it a week ago, unknit and tried again, and again. Then found I had dropped a stitch way down there after knitting about 6 inches total. Well I have started over approx. 15 times for various reasons (heh, this doesn't look right). But like you said in your newsletter, I am determined!!!! Just like you I figure I'm knitting anyway, so what, but boy am I going to make sure every row that I haven't dropped a stitch!!
I was so sad Friday morning when it wasn't there was worried but didn't want to disturb you if we'll say life was happening glad everything is ok
I’m with you on do what brings me joy. I have many making things on the go. I must keep my hands busy. I never worry about an unfinished project as I know their time will come as it’s all relatively seasonal. I have no problem frogging projects that are not being used and reusing that yarn…wool is very forgiving. Ha ha I was looking for that post last Friday!
I did not hear the answer to question 6 about the gauge. Sorry if I missed it. Could you revisit that question? Thank you. I love your videos.
Thank you for GUSHING! ❤️🧶🎉🎈
For summer knits (and yarns) Yumiko Alexander is a great designer (we both live in the greater Phoenix area. She owns DanDoh Yarns, which are milled in Japan just for her. The WW Linen is great to work with-not rough on the hands at all!
I do the same! I wake up at 5:30 every morning and the time between making coffee and my children coming to me for hugs and breakfast is all mine. I’ve found it’s the perfect amount of time to not feel like I am being deprived of my creative exercising which is extremely important to my overall health. I HAVE to make. It makes me happy and energetic. It means I don’t get to watch tv but I really couldn’t care less ❤
Thank you for answering my question about spinning a 3-ply for the Spark cardigan! And don’t worry- I’ll actually have 6 bags total of the same colorway, so I know I’ll have plenty.
I’ll echo that I was 😮 about no video last Friday, but I just figured you weren’t feeling well or you were busy. I really appreciate your weekly videos!
Oh I love what you said about doing the things that bring you joy and fill you up! Your joy is contagious 💕
Thank you Andrea. It brings me joy to listen to your shows while finishing a project. Hope that you and your family have a GREAT 4th of July. Love ya.
I feel that constantly about not having enough time but absolutely so excited to make everything. Especially your designs. They fit my style and life so well! Thanks for always reassuring us moms there will be time. Hugs! Kimberly
I was nodding along to your suggestion that perhaps we lose our crafty mojo if there's a project we're having difficulty with, or it's not turning out the way we want it to. This has happened to me and my sewing. I'm fairly new to it and after a good start have come up against fit issues which I'm not sure how to fix. Bit I'm trying not to let it deter me! Now the weather is getting cooler here I've pick up my knitting again, and I'm sure I'll return to the sewing when I'm ready.
Knitting is such a portable craft. Even if I engage in another craft at home because it fills my creativity heart, my knitting/crochet always goes with me.
I looove talking about spinning especially so detailed, thank you Andrea! I create my yarn on my drum carder. I buy single colors in merino, corridale, shetland.... and mix thin layers sometimes a hint of pop. Then I spin out of the pleat (right word?) I created wonderful autumn colors and started your Shift cowl pattern yesterday! I love the patter very much I had a hard time to put it down..... much love from Germany
Priceless! You are the best! Keep on keeping on!🎉❤
( 26:00) I liked the bobbins up bobbins, at first. The biggest plus was that it was fast. Using a drill can be a bit difficult after a while. It's heavy. It can overheat if you have lots to transfer. The drill I have is powerful and it's hard to set it to a slow setting. The drill will become faster and pull the singles too tight. I've even had many perfectly spun singles snap.
I use a woolie winder and I don't want to pay the outrageous price for 3 more bobbins. So now, I just do a slow and steady ball to ply from. I take a leave over scrap yarn ball and just wrap my singles around it. It's a much slower process hand winding singles into balls but I don't have any snaps from too much tension anymore.
Yes I was wondering if you were ok when you didn't post last Friday
I am finishing up my Vellichor just now! So fun to see you wearing yours! Hope you will design another summer top soon.
Oh my goodness!!! Thank you so much for all the things you cover about spinning. Especially, your to and fro-ing when you were trying to decide whether to buy a spinning wheel. I am a super new beginner spinner, just finished my 3rd and last class through my local weavers/spinners guild. I love the idea of spinning, but my fear is I won't be happy with the results, and my excitement and motivation will sag, leaving my wheel sitting in a corner. Our last bit of homework before we return the borrowed wheels has shown me how much better I've gotten, just in 2 weeks! Now I'm all in, and all I think about is spinning, and when I'm going to purchase my first wheel. I'm thinking of an Ashford Kiwi 3. I've read the reviews, and they say it's a great beginner wheel. But I'm also super excited about all the ways I can spin and play with colours. My mind is blowing up. Please keep including spinning talk, I'm learning so much from you! 💗💗💗
That’s so thoughtful of you Marg, Thanks for your positive review,How are you and how’s the weather over there?
And thank you sooo much for your work Andrea!!! Love this discussion!!!
A couple more reasons to rewind your bobbins: It distributes the twist more evenly and you can catch any pigtails before they go on the new bobbin and smooth them out. I find it’s much easier to ply from a rewound bobbin where the singles are lying across it evenly instead of in hills and valleys where I didn’t move the yarn across the flyer before things piled up a little.
I love your weekly videos and have watched them all. I would love to see an occasional summer top design from you. I know you live in Maine, but people from all over the world love your designs. I live in Arizona and love knitting and crocheting with various weights of wool. I have made a several of your patterns and find them so well written. You are so talented, and a delight to watch with my knitting and cup of coffee or tea. ❤
Thank you for sharing all of your yarnie experiences, hope you have a happy 4th of July ❤🤍💙
Thank you for all your answers. I am knitting a baby blanket for a kid who's mom prefers acrylic, I am getting a bit bored even though I love the Honeycomb pattern, I decided to follow you advice and knit for a bit on something that will bring me more joy. Thanks for that freedom !!!
Haha I think we were all worried about you, given you never miss a Friday! I've just bought my first wheel, a Ashford Traditional and are currently destroying fibre trying to learn... but am enjoying it and seeing your yarn does make me hope one day mine will look like that!
Love all the spinning talk! Started spinning in Feb. and now on the sleeves of my first handspun pullover. You're a great inspiration and cheerleader!
Just back from a hiking and knitting vacation and now to start my first Tour de Fleece. Luckily I prepped. Really appreciate all the spinning inspiration
I just found a full skein of a light gray and peach YOTH best friend ❤ what a coinkydink 😉 I am using my prym icord maker to make straps for a tank and will whip the body out in no time (famous last words) 😂 I still have a sweater quantity of Father, I loved their yarns so much
I totally recognize the thing about choosing or loosing hobbies. But at somepoint, I thought to myself: it doesn't matter which hobby or craft I'm practicing, as long as I'm doing something I love. And that simple thought brought me much more joy, no longer worrying about other projects laying around. And the fun thing is: even having quite some different projects around, I spent more time in general just creating which means more things are getting finished!
your top is stunning! the sleeve design is adorable and the all over texture is just so perfect and summery and lovely aaaaaaaaaahhhhh I need to make more summer knits
Terrific show!! Thank you for those glimpses into your creative thought processes. I can’t wait to spin!
Forgot to comment on your last video. YES! I love your lives!
Also, when you didn’t post last Friday I just thought you were sick. I’m happy to hear you are okay and just happy you posted. Don’t worry if you can’t your mental health is more important.
I knit your Vintage 83 in a wool blend fingering and it's fantastic for summer!!
I thought I missed the answer to question 6 glad to see I am not losing it! I am also very sad about that as I am getting ready to make a traveler as well! Any chance you can add it into next week's video or...because I so enjoy being with you in cyberland could you upload a quick response to that question? Thanks!
Also, I just made a Vellichor in Lana Grossa Setacotone (50 silk/50 cotton) and 2 colors of Lana Grossa Landlust (also 50 silk/50 cotton) and it’s perfect for Phoenix.
I’m currently knitting the Vellichor using Chelsea Lux. It’s looking beautiful!❤️
I'm like you with cotton, definitely needs to be a blend..... also dries my hands out...
I can attest to question 2, I took a approx 8 year break from knitting, then I randomly got inspired one day and now I’m back into it (and it’s like riding a bike, that muscle memory didn’t go anywhere!) so they are still waiting for you for when you’re inspired
My mojo waxes/wanes. 1st passion is knitting. Went out the window when my 2 sons were young. After retiring, learnt spinning, which became No. 1 with fleece prep/dyeing. Then a weaving course. That dressed/unfinished loom has been sitting now over 3 years collecting dust. Now have lost my weaving and fleece prep mojo. As I had 8kg of fleece made into yarn by a Mill. My covid yarn stash is huge, feel guilty with no creativity to use it for knitting. Thats interesting transferring singles from one bobbin to another. Might explain why the Corriedale yarn I plyed was so fuzzy/itchy when knitted up. QUESTION: Would that work for the yarn already plyed? As both those singles were not rewound.
Yoth yarns has a special place in my heart. Everything about them was special. The yarn the names of the bases and the people/family. You mentioned knitting a summer Tee by another designer. I am so curious which tee you would pick? This would be fun information 😁
Great episode! Haha last week I thought something must have just gone on and you couldn't post that week or I was mixed up on the days. It's all good! Great advice about the balance of the crafting we love to do. I am also a new spinner and am now really curious to see my current spin ply if I first rewind the singles onto new bobbins! I love libraries and am going to look into the books you suggested as I have some colorful braids and wonder how to divide, etc etc etc. Also looking forward to July 1st for Le Tour and Tour de Fleece. Happy making everyone!
I’d love to see how you transfer your bobbin to another bobbin. Thank you
loving your talk on making mojo. I have been a maker since I was 13. my loves are knitting, crochet, Metalsmithing, glass mosaics, multi-media. I was a single mum when my girls were young. In those days I was an avid crocheter. I found myself crocheting at swim team practices/meets, dance classes and any sporting events they were doing. A lot of my crochet projects actually paid for my girls swimming and dance. Now they are in their 40's. I still work full time and make whenever I can. Looking forward to the day I can walk away from the day job and create in my new art studio all day. I'm rambling but if you love making you will find the time to create in if its only a few minutes a day. loving your Vlog!
I agree! My craft pursuits have changed over the years….sometimes depending on the time available, or the sport venue…..much better lighting in a natatorium than a night football game. 4 children raised, looking forward to full retirement in a couple years, like you!
You didn’t get to question #6. 😢
Sadly I don’t think she reads the comments. 😢
Ahaha oh no question 6 was mine 😅
Great episode! Lots of spinning which I love 😊 I wonder if the question about transferring singles to another bobbin was about the direction of the twist. When you switch ends don’t you change a Z single to an S single? In which case you would want to ply in the Z direction. I have often wondered this but I never use storage bobbins so haven’t tested it out.
From my experience and understanding, winding onto another bobbin will not change the twist direction. If your singles are Z, you should ply S or if you’re singles are S you should ply Z regardless of whether you have transferred your singles onto a new bobbin or not. 😊
Andrea, I really appreciate "I'll Knit if I Want To!" RE: last week's vid posting on Sunday... perhaps a RUclips glitch? I follow Arne & Carlos as well & this week their vid to 18 hrs to upload😳 Hmm... just a thought
1:09 same!! Haha
Great podcast but you forgot question # 6
Did you not get to question six a knitting question and I missed it or did it get cut out? This episode was almost all spinning?
What’s your fave ply for DK? Curious I’m trying an 8 rn but usually use a 4.
Hello What are the “rules”regarding knitting for others. If you knit a pattern and garment for someone and they pay you is this illegal? Friends want handknittted items but want to pay you. It’s not bulk knitting for a shop to sell?
Waiting for no. 6 😂
You lived in New Zealand - where??
I was fortunate enough to get some of the Very Last Skeins of the Best Friend
blend…..🥰🫶🏻