I do pattern first. If the patterns require more than two colors or if the pattern is too difficult or cumbersome, then it is not one that I will knit or have the patience to finish. I have not experience projects that I cannot finish. Thank you for the awesome knitting company, always love spending them with you lovely ladies! ❤
I do a little of both. I pull my stash at the beginning of the year and then match patterns to my stash. When I put it away I keep the patterns with the yarn. It doesn"t mean it always works out as planned. I sometimes find the yarn and pattern don't flatter each other in the way I had hoped. I will frog a project and do something different as I want to wear what I make. Amanda, your dress is so cute!
I don't like drop shoulders either. I have the pattern for the weekender and have put it off because I tried on a bunch of drop shoulder sweaters shopping and didn't like them. Was thinking about doing it as a summer too and not doing the sleeves.
I tend to go 50/50 with pattern & yarn. Kathleen, that red sweater for Jean is AMAZING and a perfect gift for Christmas, Valentines, and Rhinebeck! I have a similar story to Amanda's cabled sweater. My hubby wanted a cardigan and after looking at thousands of men's cardigan patterns, he picked a Nancy Merchant, all over brioche, bottom up, pieced, set in sleeve, shawl collar cardigan that requires more than 2000m of DK yarn. It's now in my UFO pile that I hope to get back to one day 😂
You might as well as, “which came first, the chicken or the egg?”. I lean more toward seeing a shiny new pattern and then I like to get the yarn the pattern calls for (ignoring my stash). I will less often have yarn and then seek out a pattern. Love Mad Tosh in Tarte!
Yarn first or pattern first? BOTH!! I frequently fall in love with patterns I see on IG and then shop for yarn to work with those specific patterns. However, when I see unknown-to-me yarns in person, especially limited-production farm yarns or hand-dyed skeins, I pick them up before I have a pattern in mind. Either way, I enjoy the process!
I’m a 50/50 pattern first or yarn first knitter. Sometimes it takes both because I buy yarn then change my mind several times! Love watching you ladies!
Oh Oh ,my real comment is I love the idea of a "kit" with a sock tube and the class. I like Jen have a super high instep and ONLY like heel flap and gusset socks, so have not been able to use sock tubes... fingers crossed this class with help me adjust an afterthought heel!
I love that hat! My answer for the question of which comes first the yarn or the pattern is both! Sometimes the pattern speaks to me and sometimes the yarn speaks to me. If the pattern speaks to me I try to find yarn from my stash but I usually use it as an excuse to buy more yarn.
Hi Ladies! I love your question of the week and i am enjoying reading the comments below. My knitting is way to chaotic to answer this. I have over 100 beautiful patterns in my q and lots of stash and want to knit all of it yesterday. :) I think what ends up actually being made is decided by the knitting gods when the right yarn happens to be in my hand when i am looking at the right pattern and boom - cast on! As someone who is obsessed with lists and plans i love this approach - its the one part of my life that really feels beautifully organic.
Thank you for spending this time with us. After thinking and thinking I’m 80/20. I buy yarn first because it beautiful and then I look for a pattern. I want to improve this behavior, because I have yarn waiting for a pattern. Hoping to be 50/50 💕
Hi Kathleen, Jen and Amanda, Thanks again for another inspiring and enjoyable episode! I am 50/50 regarding having the pattern or yarn first. My goal is to work on the yarn in my stash this year!!! Have been enjoying working on the few kits I picked up on my last visit to Yarnia!!! Happy Knitting! 🧶
I have yarn to make a sweater for my husband but having a hard time finding a pattern. It’s more important to me that he finds a pattern he likes so we’ll pick the pattern then decide on the yarn. I can’t wait for more Della Q!
When I started knitting I loved to use Madeline Tosh yarn then it was difficult to find. Now I’m so glad it’s back. I usually find a pattern first then check through my stash. If I don’t have anything, I shop! 😊
When it’s for my granddaughters, I have a special stash for them so I am always looking for patterns for that yarn. But if it is just the what’s next question, I often troll my stash, then my library. When I can’t do either, I pull out a kit. 😊
Hello there Yarnia! I’m with Jen on this week’s question. I definitely do both - when there is a pattern out there that I love, I start there and find yarn that will work. However, I do have a significant yarn stash and have yarn I really want to use, so sometimes I start with the yarn I love and look for a pattern to fit it
I’m sorta like Jen in that I’m 50/50. Sometimes I’ll purchase yarn for a specific project then take forever to actually make it. Eventually, I may see a new pattern and use stash yarn that had been intended for something else or purchase new yarn. Great episode as alway.
Pattern first bc I only keep one SQ ahead. I love your podcast. I’m a newish knitter and I made the same two sweaters over and over (and over) with little tweaks. I love Amanda’s dress. I made one sweater into a dress and am doing it again.
Oh it goes both ways, sometimes I find a great pattern and go hunting for just the "right" yarn and other times I just get the yarn and some time later see a pattern and be like oh that yarn I bought would be perfect for that!
I'm half and half. Sometimes I pick the yarn and find the pattern, sometimes I pick the pattern and find the yarn. I will be finishing a pair of socks and my Hiberknitalong in February. I also have some WIPs I'd like to work on this year, but I don't know that I'll get to them in February.
Love to see all your beautiful knits! I try very hard to be a pattern-first girl, but it's hard when I see all the beautiful yarn, so I get busy looking for a pattern before my yarn purchase. Thanks for a great show.
I pick the pattern first, except when using stash yarn. I always fall in love with a pattern and then try to find the yarn to use. Kathleen helped me last week doing just that and I love my purchase!
Mostly I pick the pattern, then the yarn. But I saw a Plucky Knitter Tweed DK yarn and fell in love. So my current project is yarn first, then pattern!
I would say 60/40 for new WIP yarn/projects. Trying to be inspired by my stash but sometimes new designs shine stronger) great podcast as always, love to see all your progresses on wips and of course finished objects 💕
When I’m looking for scrappy projects I will search by yarn weight. But for a new project, I pick a pattern and then find yarn that will work. Love Kathleen’s cardigan and Jenn’s pullover. Beautiful color work. Another fun episode.
Love your podcast ! I have only been knitting for about a year so most times i find the pattern first then look for the yarn ! But when i find a fabulous yarn i match the yarn to go with the perfect pattern ! So i guess im about 50/50 !!!!!!! To me either is a great way !
Hey Gals! Another great episode. Glad to hear Kathleen is recovered from the plague. I’m currently knitting with stash as much as possible so yarn first? I’ve 15 sweaters worth of yarn matched with patterns patiently waiting in line!🤦♀️
Amanda-Executive Knitter has a granny square afghan on Ravelry and she does a double crochet around then a single crochet around and that makes a very nice finish. I've made 5 blankets using her method and love them. Usually pattern first gal but, every now and again and a beautiful yarn it's the yarn first
Thanks for another informative, fun podcast. I usually find a pattern first and then buy yarn but sometimes I end up not liking the pattern or think the yarn is not a good choice so my stash grows. Then I keep an eye out for patterns to use up my stash. So I am an unintentional 50/50.
Fun podcast ladies. Amanda, love your dress. I always pick pattern first. If I don't have yarn in stash, I'll order something and I will make it work (lol). Thanks ladies. ❤
Thank you, wonderful podcast. I mostly find a pattern first then yarn, it mostly works out but even then a pattern and yarn don’t always make a “baby”. 😂
Hi ladies another great episode! I’d say I pick patterns first. I have a large stash but most are one skeins so I have trouble finding patterns I like that fit my stash. Thanks for the Vogue pics!!!
You ladies rock !Love the yarn and friendships. I am definitely 50/50 with selections. If I love a yarn and can't live without it......I buy the yarn and then the pattern. I also have goals and plans to knit a project for a gift, etc and choose the pattern and comparable yarn. Have a blessed day.
For larger projects like sweaters, I typically choose a pattern first and then purchase yarn. I feel a total win when I can use something from stash for smaller projects.Thank you for the opportunity
Hi, most of the time, I choose the pattern first, then look in my stash to see if any of the yarns will work. If not, yarn shopping I go! Love watching your podcast and always learn something. This time Jen mentioned a backstitch bindoff on her sweater which I never heard of, looked it up and now I’m going to try it. Thanks for a great podcast!
I generally want to do a set pattern and then buy or stash dive. However sometimes I fall in love with a yarn and then need to figure out what to make.
Like Jen I’m 50/50 if I’m given a yarn or if I see something I love at a show I then look for a pattern but I also see patterns or want something in my wardrobe and then go look for the right yarn.
Another great podcast! Y’all always have tidbits to make my knitting more polished! Since I have several sweater quantities of yarn, I find a pattern to match my yarn! It’s such a fun process too.
Hi!!!! I do a little of both but this year I’m focusing on using my stash mainly for projects so I’m looking at yarns first and then picking a project to fit the yarn.
Almost always decide on pattern first. Enjoyed this episode! Would you please give us instructions/tutorial on knitting a ribbing on a cardigan together with the body( when the pattern calls for it to be knit separately) , as Amanda mentioned? Would appreciate it! 😘
I always enjoy watching and knitting along to your wonderful and fun podcast! I'm a 50/50 gal when it comes to buying yarn first or pattern first! When my stash gets a little out of hand, I tend to look for patterns first to use some of what I've accumulated! Love all of your FO's...Kathleen's beautiful cardigan and all the fun little figures, Jen's stunning colorwork sweater and Amanda's gorgeous dress! As always, thanks for another fabulous podcast!! Hope you're feeling all better soon, Kathleen 🤗🤗🤗💗
I can do both. If I see a yarn I like and know weight and needle size I can usually get what I need for a sweater and I err on more yarn. However I am like Kathleen I see something new pattern wise and just have to yarn for it. It’s addicting.
I have alot of skeins of yarn I bought bc they're pretty and I was definitely looking for a pattern...the yarn just needs to tell me what it wants to be!!! But then I'd see a pattern and know what colors I need. So I guess I am a good mix of both
Thanks for another great episode. I fall in love with yarn and then find a pattern. I love the della q snap bags too. Except I had almost a whole sock finished for my out and about knitting and can't find it anywhere. I guess it went into that black hole where one sock always goes to live!
I am more of a buy the yarn and then figure it out later but I do have a couple of sweaters worth of yarn that I have with a pattern in mind. That being said I thought I was going to do a fade and it ended up being a Shifty by Andrea Mowry.
Thanks for another great episode. I usually pick the pattern first but sometimes if I’ve bought yarn at a great sale, I have to hunt for a pattern to match the yarn. What is the pattern for the blanket Hailey made?
I'm driven by patterns for most sweaters but yarn driven (read shop my stash) for smaller projects. Then there's the whole kit driven thing... that is like a marriage of the two...Yikes.
I do pattern first. If the patterns require more than two colors or if the pattern is too difficult or cumbersome, then it is not one that I will knit or have the patience to finish. I have not experience projects that I cannot finish.
Thank you for the awesome knitting company, always love spending them with you lovely ladies! ❤
Chicken and egg, pattern and yarn. For me, it can go both ways. But no matter which, the planning is the best part!
I do a little of both. I pull my stash at the beginning of the year and then match patterns to my stash. When I put it away I keep the patterns with the yarn. It doesn"t mean it always works out as planned. I sometimes find the yarn and pattern don't flatter each other in the way I had hoped. I will frog a project and do something different as I want to wear what I make.
Amanda, your dress is so cute!
I don't like drop shoulders either. I have the pattern for the weekender and have put it off because I tried on a bunch of drop shoulder sweaters shopping and didn't like them. Was thinking about doing it as a summer too and not doing the sleeves.
I tend to go 50/50 with pattern & yarn. Kathleen, that red sweater for Jean is AMAZING and a perfect gift for Christmas, Valentines, and Rhinebeck! I have a similar story to Amanda's cabled sweater. My hubby wanted a cardigan and after looking at thousands of men's cardigan patterns, he picked a Nancy Merchant, all over brioche, bottom up, pieced, set in sleeve, shawl collar cardigan that requires more than 2000m of DK yarn. It's now in my UFO pile that I hope to get back to one day 😂
Pattern first! Unless I see some yarn I can't live without. 😊
You might as well as, “which came first, the chicken or the egg?”. I lean more toward seeing a shiny new pattern and then I like to get the yarn the pattern calls for (ignoring my stash). I will less often have yarn and then seek out a pattern. Love Mad Tosh in Tarte!
Yarn first or pattern first? BOTH!! I frequently fall in love with patterns I see on IG and then shop for yarn to work with those specific patterns. However, when I see unknown-to-me yarns in person, especially limited-production farm yarns or hand-dyed skeins, I pick them up before I have a pattern in mind. Either way, I enjoy the process!
I’m a 50/50 pattern first or yarn first knitter. Sometimes it takes both because I buy yarn then change my mind several times! Love watching you ladies!
Oh Oh ,my real comment is I love the idea of a "kit" with a sock tube and the class. I like Jen have a super high instep and ONLY like heel flap and gusset socks, so have not been able to use sock tubes... fingers crossed this class with help me adjust an afterthought heel!
I love that hat! My answer for the question of which comes first the yarn or the pattern is both! Sometimes the pattern speaks to me and sometimes the yarn speaks to me. If the pattern speaks to me I try to find yarn from my stash but I usually use it as an excuse to buy more yarn.
Hi Ladies! I love your question of the week and i am enjoying reading the comments below. My knitting is way to chaotic to answer this. I have over 100 beautiful patterns in my q and lots of stash and want to knit all of it yesterday. :) I think what ends up actually being made is decided by the knitting gods when the right yarn happens to be in my hand when i am looking at the right pattern and boom - cast on! As someone who is obsessed with lists and plans i love this approach - its the one part of my life that really feels beautifully organic.
Love that organic beauty when we can find it!
Thank you for spending this time with us.
After thinking and thinking I’m 80/20. I buy yarn first because it beautiful and then I look for a pattern. I want to improve this behavior, because I have yarn waiting for a pattern. Hoping to be 50/50 💕
Hi Kathleen, Jen and Amanda, Thanks again for another inspiring and enjoyable episode! I am 50/50 regarding having the pattern or yarn first. My goal is to work on the yarn in my stash this year!!!
Have been enjoying working on the few kits I picked up on my last visit to Yarnia!!! Happy Knitting! 🧶
I have yarn to make a sweater for my husband but having a hard time finding a pattern. It’s more important to me that he finds a pattern he likes so we’ll pick the pattern then decide on the yarn. I can’t wait for more Della Q!
When I started knitting I loved to use Madeline Tosh yarn then it was difficult to find. Now I’m so glad it’s back. I usually find a pattern first then check through my stash. If I don’t have anything, I shop! 😊
When it’s for my granddaughters, I have a special stash for them so I am always looking for patterns for that yarn.
But if it is just the what’s next question, I often troll my stash, then my library.
When I can’t do either, I pull out a kit. 😊
Hello there Yarnia! I’m with Jen on this week’s question. I definitely do both - when there is a pattern out there that I love, I start there and find yarn that will work. However, I do have a significant yarn stash and have yarn I really want to use, so sometimes I start with the yarn I love and look for a pattern to fit it
I’m sorta like Jen in that I’m 50/50. Sometimes I’ll purchase yarn for a specific project then take forever to actually make it. Eventually, I may see a new pattern and use stash yarn that had been intended for something else or purchase new yarn. Great episode as alway.
Pattern first bc I only keep one SQ ahead. I love your podcast. I’m a newish knitter and I made the same two sweaters over and over (and over) with little tweaks. I love Amanda’s dress. I made one sweater into a dress and am doing it again.
Oh it goes both ways, sometimes I find a great pattern and go hunting for just the "right" yarn and other times I just get the yarn and some time later see a pattern and be like oh that yarn I bought would be perfect for that!
I usually pick a pattern first and then choose yarn. Amanda, love your dress!
Almost always choose a pattern first! I need to start choosing the yarn (from my stash) first, to work through my yarn.
I'm half and half. Sometimes I pick the yarn and find the pattern, sometimes I pick the pattern and find the yarn. I will be finishing a pair of socks and my Hiberknitalong in February. I also have some WIPs I'd like to work on this year, but I don't know that I'll get to them in February.
Love to see all your beautiful knits! I try very hard to be a pattern-first girl, but it's hard when I see all the beautiful yarn, so I get busy looking for a pattern before my yarn purchase. Thanks for a great show.
I pick the pattern first, except when using stash yarn. I always fall in love with a pattern and then try to find the yarn to use. Kathleen helped me last week doing just that and I love my purchase!
It was so fun to get to work with you on that! I can't wait to see your sweater -- it was a great combo! ~K🧶
You gals are just my fave to watch!!! I probably find the pattern then the yarn. Have a great couple weeks! - Kimberly
Mostly I pick the pattern, then the yarn. But I saw a Plucky Knitter Tweed DK yarn and fell in love. So my current project is yarn first, then pattern!
Im definitely a pattern first girl! Love watching you girls!
I would say 60/40 for new WIP yarn/projects. Trying to be inspired by my stash but sometimes new designs shine stronger) great podcast as always, love to see all your progresses on wips and of course finished objects 💕
When I’m looking for scrappy projects I will search by yarn weight. But for a new project, I pick a pattern and then find yarn that will work. Love Kathleen’s cardigan and Jenn’s pullover. Beautiful color work. Another fun episode.
I usually pick yarn first. I need to use stash! I love grabbing yarn I have and then hunting for a pattern.
Love your podcast ! I have only been knitting for about a year so most times i find the pattern first then look for the yarn ! But when i find a fabulous yarn i match the yarn to go with the perfect pattern ! So i guess im about 50/50 !!!!!!! To me either is a great way !
Wonderful podcast, of course. I choose the pattern first about 80 percent of the time. Great question. Kathleen from Wisconsin
I’m usually pattern first, but am transitioning to yarn first as I tackle my stash : )
Hey Gals! Another great episode. Glad to hear Kathleen is recovered from the plague. I’m currently knitting with stash as much as possible so yarn first? I’ve 15 sweaters worth of yarn matched with patterns patiently waiting in line!🤦♀️
I usually do pattern first, if it’s a garment. Everything else I’ll go back and forth on.
Amanda-Executive Knitter has a granny square afghan on Ravelry and she does a double crochet around then a single crochet around and that makes a very nice finish. I've made 5 blankets using her method and love them. Usually pattern first gal but, every now and again and a beautiful yarn it's the yarn first
Thanks for the info! I may try that out...definitely looking to keep it simple! ~a🥰
I pick the yarn first and then figure out what I'm gonna knit with it!😊
Thanks for another informative, fun podcast. I usually find a pattern first and then buy yarn but sometimes I end up not liking the pattern or think the yarn is not a good choice so my stash grows. Then I keep an eye out for patterns to use up my stash. So I am an unintentional 50/50.
I buy yarn and then frantically search for a pattern-sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t!
Hello Ladies! I love your knits. I pick the pattern first. ❤
Fun podcast ladies. Amanda, love your dress. I always pick pattern first. If I don't have yarn in stash, I'll order something and I will make it work (lol). Thanks ladies. ❤
Thank you, wonderful podcast. I mostly find a pattern first then yarn, it mostly works out but even then a pattern and yarn don’t always make a “baby”. 😂
So true - we will talk about that when we tape tomorrow! ~K🧶
Hi ladies another great episode! I’d say I pick patterns first. I have a large stash but most are one skeins so I have trouble finding patterns I like that fit my stash.
Thanks for the Vogue pics!!!
Hello from Redondo Beach California ⛱️ love the Lotus hat! Madtosh green 💚 usually pattern first.
You ladies rock !Love the yarn and friendships. I am definitely 50/50 with selections. If I love a yarn and can't live without it......I buy the yarn and then the pattern. I also have goals and plans to knit a project for a gift, etc and choose the pattern and comparable yarn. Have a blessed day.
I usually have the yarn and try to find a pattern. You guys are so much fun!
I definitely do both, it probably is more pattern but I have been know to pick out yarn first as well!!
For larger projects like sweaters, I typically choose a pattern first and then purchase yarn. I feel a total win when I can use something from stash for smaller projects.Thank you for the opportunity
Hi, most of the time, I choose the pattern first, then look in my stash to see if any of the yarns will work. If not, yarn shopping I go! Love watching your podcast and always learn something. This time Jen mentioned a backstitch bindoff on her sweater which I never heard of, looked it up and now I’m going to try it. Thanks for a great podcast!
Thank you!
I generally want to do a set pattern and then buy or stash dive. However sometimes I fall in love with a yarn and then need to figure out what to make.
Hello ladies. I love Madeline Tosh yarn! I am usually a pattern first knitter. Thanks for another great episode!
Like Jen I’m 50/50 if I’m given a yarn or if I see something I love at a show I then look for a pattern but I also see patterns or want something in my wardrobe and then go look for the right yarn.
Good Morning ☀️🌞😃 Pretty Lady’s ❤I look forward to watching your Podcast 🤩❤️🐑🧶
Team Kathleen here… pattern first I’m always getting distracted by the new patterns 😀
Right - it's so easy to do that! ~K🧶
I do both. In the past I’ve always picked the pattern first but now I alternate so I can use up my stash too. Great episode ladies as always!
I mostly pick a pattern first and then go find yarn. That being said I sometimes go the other way around. I just depends.
Thanks for the podcast, it was an enjoyable episode as always. I’m 50/50 on pattern first or yarn first.
Another great podcast! Y’all always have tidbits to make my knitting more polished! Since I have several sweater quantities of yarn, I find a pattern to match my yarn! It’s such a fun process too.
Hi!!!! I do a little of both but this year I’m focusing on using my stash mainly for projects so I’m looking at yarns first and then picking a project to fit the yarn.
Almost always decide on pattern first. Enjoyed this episode!
Would you please give us instructions/tutorial on knitting a ribbing on a cardigan together with the body( when the pattern calls for it to be knit separately) , as Amanda mentioned? Would appreciate it! 😘
That may be a bit much to include in a regular episode but we'll see what we can do! Thank you for the suggestion.
I always enjoy watching and knitting along to your wonderful and fun podcast! I'm a 50/50 gal when it comes to buying yarn first or pattern first! When my stash gets a little out of hand, I tend to look for patterns first to use some of what I've accumulated!
Love all of your FO's...Kathleen's beautiful cardigan and all the fun little figures, Jen's stunning colorwork sweater and Amanda's gorgeous dress! As always, thanks for another fabulous podcast!! Hope you're feeling all better soon, Kathleen
🤗🤗🤗💗
Thank you!!
I can do both. If I see a yarn I like and know weight and needle size I can usually get what I need for a sweater and I err on more yarn. However I am like Kathleen I see something new pattern wise and just have to yarn for it. It’s addicting.
I have alot of skeins of yarn I bought bc they're pretty and I was definitely looking for a pattern...the yarn just needs to tell me what it wants to be!!! But then I'd see a pattern and know what colors I need. So I guess I am a good mix of both
As usual you all are full of great information. I am a fifty-fifty girl myself or maybe 60 pattern 40 yarn.
I usually pick the Yarn first -Look forward to watching your Podcast 🤩🤩🤩👋🐑🤬
I do both but mostly pattern first. Love to try the Madeline tosh yarn. And I have a della g needle case which I love.
Im definitely about the pattern first.
Thanks for another great episode. I fall in love with yarn and then find a pattern. I love the della q snap bags too. Except I had almost a whole sock finished for my out and about knitting and can't find it anywhere. I guess it went into that black hole where one sock always goes to live!
Aww - hope it makes its way back to you...
I am more of a buy the yarn and then figure it out later but I do have a couple of sweaters worth of yarn that I have with a pattern in mind. That being said I thought I was going to do a fade and it ended up being a Shifty by Andrea Mowry.
I always pick my pattern first. The few times I did choose yarn did not go well for me.
I almost always to yarn first!
I’m a pattern first person for garments but for smaller projects I’m a yarn first kind of gal.
The more I think about it, that's probably me most of the time, too! ~K🧶
I do yarn first- I’m trying to use up my stash!
Thanks for another great episode. I usually pick the pattern first but sometimes if I’ve bought yarn at a great sale, I have to hunt for a pattern to match the yarn. What is the pattern for the blanket Hailey made?
It's the Sliding is Fun blanket - fun and easy!
Generally pattern first - although sometimes there’s a yarn I love and I need a pattern for it…
For me, it's sometimes yarn, but pattern ALWAYS trumps yarn. But, if that's really true, why do I have such a huge stash? lol. So, yeah, it's both.
Hi. What is the name of the little blanket that Haley knit? Thanks.
It's the Sliding is Fun blanket!
I'm driven by patterns for most sweaters but yarn driven (read shop my stash) for smaller projects. Then there's the whole kit driven thing... that is like a marriage of the two...Yikes.
So true!