Kofte colourwork excitement - MelMade Episode 14

Knitting podcast where I discuss my most recent makes and upcoming plans. This episode includes Marie Wallin’s Daffodil sweater, The Arches Cardigan from Handknits from Rauma, Temporal Spin yarns, Kim Hargreaves Blank Sweater and Jessie Mead’s Cozy Classic Light sweater. In my SWIPS section I cover the Arnar sweater by stove Richter and the Bunny Wishes Mittens by Sarah L Kelly. Also some footage from our walk around Craster, Northumberland.
#mariewallin #alicestarmore #virtualyarns #solangoose #hebridean2ply #jamiesonsofshetland #TheArchesCardigan #Rauma #Trepassey #bealalong #jenniferbeale #katherinehoward #bunnywishes #mittens #SarahLKelly #knitting #knittingpodcast #purlsoho #halfandhalfwrap #arnar #ToveRichter #temporalspin #craster #northumberland

[@edinacole6382]

I’m making the daffodil sweater also. I alohave the same issue with the arms circumference with her patterns too. But I know that. So when I start, I consciously make a decision as to whether or not, I want to make that many adjustments in the pattern.

[@alexandrah535]

I also find the Marie wallin arms to be quite tight and I have really slim arms for my bust! I also find the looseness in the body doesn’t match the tightness in the arms. I need to adjust it in the future. Funny, we’re probably quite differently sized (I’m 6’2”) but we need to make similar adjustments!

[@edinacole6382]

I have the exact same issue, and I’m a completely different body shaped than the two of you

[@daisyrea7219]

Fabulous work love it. What yarn would you recommend for skin that is sensitive ?

[@melmade13]

Thank you very much…I started off with super wash merino, which is usually very smooth, also the merino silk blends, BFL and merino in general are quite soft and kind. Now I am braver I use woolly wool but have bought some roll neck cotton tops I can wear underneath to protect my neck. The wool doesn’t scratch as much as I thought it would 😊

[@heldagsstrikk]

Greetings from Norway 🇳🇴 Thank you for a lovely podcast episode 😊 What a gorgeous 'kofte' you are knitting. I remember my first steeked kofte, I was nervous about cutting too. If it's any help, here are my tips for steeking:
1) Before sewing, give the kofte a light steam press with an iron where the machine seams will be (use a thick napkin between the knitting and the iron to avoid flattening the knitting too much, it should still be springy)
2) I prefer sewing straight seams (instead of zigzag) as the edge keeps it's shape better (zigzag edges seem to go a bit frilly).
3) For every seamline, sew 2 parallell seams a couple of mm apart, using a smaller stitch length than for ordinary sewing. With two seams, the risk of unravelling is smaller.
4) Make sure that you have a good 'seam allowance' (at least 10mm) next to the cutting line to avoid fraying woolly edges
5) Remember that it's better to sew the SLEEVE steek 'line' too short than too long. If too short, one has the option to adjust the seam line by sewing it a bit longer. But if you sew the seam line too long and then cut the fabric, you cannot undo the cutting. Check this by tacking the sleeve to the body before cutting the sleeve steek. This way you can easily alter the steek length.
6) The sleeves have a plain stocking stitch band at the top. This band covers the raw edges after steeking. You sew the sleeve into the armhole by machine first and then you fold the stocking st band over the raw edge and fasten it by hand sewing with yarn (so it's flexible). Thus, the raw edge is neatly hidden.
I hope this wasn't too much detail. Good luck with sewing and steeking. It isn't as 'scary' as it seems. Steeked seams are actually quite robust 👍😊

[@melmade13]

That is great advice, thank you! I have already cut open the body but will be able to use your advice for the sleeves so thank you! :) I can’t wait to wear it! 🤗

[@midnightknitter5654]

Love your projects. Beautiful and inspiring. Trepasy is a fabulous pattern I finished mine in juniper moon stargazer and absolutely love it. I have Stephenville in my needles. I started it in a single ply and I am not sure if it was a good idea. I would love a Hargreaves knit along. I love so many pattern and would love to knit them.

[@melmade13]

Thank you, so glad your Trepasey worked out well. I agree, so many gorgeous Kim H patterns out there! ☺️

[@KnittingWithCatHair]

Oh my gosh Mel! Your Kofte is BEAUTIFUL! 😍 So many lovely pieces on your needles, as usual. I find it hilarious how similar our tastes are 😂 That's why watching your podcast is so dangerous for me 🙈 Love the Trepassey as well and have it in my faves so can't wait to see your version knit up 🤗 The yarn for my daughter's Carter hoodie is on its way! Happy Making ❤

[@melmade13]

Ah thank you Nikki! We just both have great taste! 😉😂 Hope your Carter yarn arrives soon…looking forward to your next episode 😊

[@4mld963]

I love it when you pop up in my feed! You are always so cheerful and your project selection is varied and interesting (especially for someone like me who would need to be dragged kicking and screaming to knit a garment in pieces!!!)
a question for you regarding the Norwegian kofte…did you consider knitting the sleeves two at a time (ie circular knitting the 2 sleeves together on the same needle, each sleeve separated by a steek)??? I have often steeked colourwork vests, and imagine the colourwork when knitting two at a time steeked sleeves would be easier when sewing up a garment is preferred. Just wondering re your decision making….

[@melmade13]

Hi, thank you! …I never even knew that was a possibility! I have not tried knitting anything 2 at a time as I think I would get too tangled up with my yarn :) I like the steeking sleeves idea , maybe once I am more comfortable with steeking I will give that a go! Haha I will be one of these people going to insane lengths just to seam! 😂

[@4mld963]

@@melmade13 🤣🤣🤣

[@knittysixx5106]

How about a non superwash merino for your husband’s sweater?

[@melmade13]

That might be the way to go 🤔😊