I was watching and knitting and my 3 year old walked through our front room and said, "Mom, where's toast?" I asked him what he meant and he said, "You know, her dog, Toast. He lives on the bed." I told him Toaster must be sleeping in a different bed in this house and he seemed satisfied with that. :)
As far as the bra situation goes…. When I wear my summer knits that have skinny straps, I wear a little bralette that is lacy or that is meant to be shown off. For your mock neck tank, maybe a cute bandeau bra would work. 🤷🏻♀️
Going in the car first and then coming back for the van could be a blessing in disguise. Maybe you’ll figure out things on the road that you haven’t thought of yet
Natalie, there is an app you can get that will monitor your A/C in your van and notify you if there is a malfunction,so you can always know the temperature in the van for Toaster. Essential for his safety.
For tubular bind off on a sweater, I cut my super long tail, then fold it nearly in half (longer half attached to the sweater), then put my tapestry needle halfway down the folded section. Then the tail you're working with is only about 1/4 of the total length, and you can adjust as you can and as you use up the tail
“Clearly I have no chill….”, I’m stealing this for myself, lol. You crack me up Natalie. Agree that underwire is the devil 👿. It threw all mine away too. Dan-Skin and Jockey have some nice wireless bras that are perfect for tanks. Love the tip about using waste yarn for an afterthought heel. I always do a heel flap, because the thought of cutting and unraveling everything and switching the stitch orientation and then the risk of holes seems so finicky to me when I can do a flap and gusset. I may try this option the next time around.
I also use the right length of yarn in a sewn bind off but instead of threading the needle with one strand going through I fold it over quite always done the yarn and thread this double though the needle creating a much shorter piece of yarn to pull through the stitches.
Safe and fun travels to you both. We travel full time with our RV and one thing that has been very fun for us is to listen to books on the drives. It keeps us alert and for us prevents sleepiness that often comes with long drives.
Hi Natalie! We live in our RV full time! Love it! The key word we use is “flexibility!” All works out in the end. We just breath slowly - and enjoy the ride!!!!! ❤ It’s truly been amazing and life changing! The road just calls…..
i also love that sewn BO, and i use 3-4 pieces of yarn for the sewing, but instead of weaving in the ends, i just thread some of each piece thru the 'tube.' none have escaped yet 🙂 ...the raspberry color of that sleeveless top is terrific!
Try a racer back bra in a similar color. Don't worry about your bra showing a little. It's all good! Good luck on your travels. Can't wait to see where you go!
100% read fourth wing. I think I read that it’s hard to get in stores because they sold out of copies of the first round of printing. A quick read but meant for adults. And there are are def spicy scenes despite them being in a war college full of dragons. Cute projects! And can’t wait to see how your new tank will turn out! ❤❤
I know your mom will love the socks wherever you start the heels! (You will not have to see them.) I am also doing self striping socks and decided on an afterthought heel. I appreciate your thoughts on them. They are shorties, so I am also trying to find a good recipe for myself. I am having a great time with socks this summer. Stay safe on the road and be mindful of where you park. Have a great time!!
Hi Natalie. I hope the tour of all the yarn shops goes well. I am sorry your van wasn't ready in time but so good you could borrow your parent's car to be able to go. I hope your van is ready for you when you get back. I got rid of my underwire bras a few years back now and so glad I did. Using just the bra cups attached to your knits is a good idea. Maybe tack them on and try them out and see how you feel. I love the tank top you finished. I don't knit alot and do more crochet but still enjoy watching your podcasts. Take care.
Hello from Mounds, Illinois. You should get a dancer’s bra with the invisible straps, my granddaughter wears them with her dance costumes for competitions.
Thanks for the tip on binding off on toe up socks. I’m always looking for stretchy (but not ruffled) bins offs. Looking forward to your updates on van living!
Can I suggest getting a thermometer that links to your phone with an alarm if you plan on leaving Toaster in the van for short periods. It would just act as a back up warning in case the air con fails while you are gone.
I love the sock yarn your Mom picked out! It reminds me of a line from Foxy Shazam’s song “Oh Lord”. Your new top and the Barbie’s World swatches are both gorgeous! 💕
Natalie, have you had much experience flying with knitting needles? I am visiting my parents in FL soon, and I really want to work on some socks on the plane. I recently bought some Knitter's Pride Mindful DPNs and really don't want to lose them to TSA. Maybe I should use wooden needles and put the metal ones in a checked bag. I also understand that there's no guaranteed outcome when travelling with needles. I think someone should survey knitters to analyze the statistics of confiscated needles, however! 😜 #question Also, I sew and just wanted to chime in on your bra solution brainstorm. I think that sewing the pads directly onto the shirt may be problematic. The first issue is that they won't provide the support you're looking for, because they arent connected to a more snug lining that sits closer to the body. Rather, they'll hover unless the shirt possesses significant negative ease. I also think that stitches will ruin the prettiness of the knitted front. The stitches may also draw attention to that area in a way you may not prefer. Apologies for the long message, but I hope you take these points into consideration 🙂 Some people have mentioned pasties, but personally I dont like them from a sensory standpoint. And while bandeau bras are strapless, they can squish the girls into a uniboob and slip down easily. Hence, I think a racerback bra, or a bra which you can cross back straps, are some viable solutions. But I'm just a person on the internet after all, so you should go with what feels right to you! 😋
I use your second bind-off option for shawls. I was taught it as the Modified Russian cast-off but unsure if that’s a correct name. Is a great stretchy one to use when wanting to block your shawls well. Hope your epic adventure has started well!
Hey if you're looking for a bra with skinny straps that's not underwired, and super comfy, the modal triangle bralette from meundies is my go to. They have a little bit of a nice lift for smaller chests and they work great with most tanks. Super soft and non bitey.
Wow, Great tip at the end for tubular bind off!!! This will definitely come in handy. I made the Mini Mock Neck Tank and was using a single ply and it was becoming so frayed that I wish now I would have just cut it and started a new strand.
It took me quite awhile to crochet being a knitter first but how I became comfortable and practiced I made washcloths. They were small and served a purpose even when I would mess up a bit
My braless preference? NIPPPY nipple covers. I’ve bought some super cheap ones at Target and they were awful and way too thin. The NIPPPY ones were lovely and actually lasted me like two years of heavy use. Easy to wash and reuse, and then you don’t have to worry about your movements pulling a breast out of a sewn in cup when you lift up your arms.
Great Podcast! You answered so many of the questions I wanted to ask but didn't and gave me so much information I didn't even know I needed until you shared them. Hope you get traveling cause I can't wait to see how much fun ya'll have!!!
What about to knit with the extra yarn some sort of inside pocket to place your padding sliding them on the inside pockets. In that way you can taking them out when wash your camisole or your beautiful top that by the way I love that wild orchid color. ❤️
What you can do with the bra insert thingies, is first put a safety pin in them and to the tank. Than wear the tank and see if the position is right and if you like the wear. Do that first with the ones you just bought. It may surprise you and feel and look good. But that will also give you an idea if you like it or if you have to buy a bra….and you could buy a cute one without underwire? At least you can buy those cute bra’s in the Netherlands. Bralettes from petite Fleur for example. Bra’s that look like triangle bikini tops. So cute.
#question How would you recommend to store left over yarn? I’ve just learned that it’s best to leave yarn as a hank, and not to store as cakes, after being on a winding-roll and having wound up about 25 cakes of hand dyed yarn. Thinking it’s easier to store and also ready to grab 😅 but now I’ve learned that it creates tension on the yarn, as opposed to leaving it as a skein. Now I’m wondering how to store yarn that’s partly used. For example I’ve knitted shortie socks from a sock set and have more than half a cake left over. As I’ve used it from the center, it doesn’t feel like it has a lot of tension in the cake. But should I rewind in a cake, or ball? I want to keep it for another (scrappy) project in the future. Also thank you for your podcasts and videos, and looking forward to the ones on the road! ❤
I would put the top on without a bra, slide the cups in to where you feel they sit most comfortably then use a light bulb marker from the outside to tack down each corner so they won't shift when you use thread to tack them down or sew them to the inside of the top. Just be careful to only go through the outside layer of fabric on the cups (i.e. be careful of the sharp pointy bit on the light bulb marker 😬). Another idea you could try is soft silicone shields for the um important part 👀 they match skin, act as shields and offer "no show" profiles. Just a thought I'm throwing out there as an alternate option. Third idea is maybe try making a crochet bra cup customized to fit you specifically (patterns available on Ravelry) out of the same yarn & use a matching color to sew them to the top using the light bulbs to hold them in place until they're sewn in. This way they can be washed with the top without any issues, offer full coverage and won't shift on you at all.
Personally I love using pasties with my summer knits. I also don’t feel comfortable without a bra but the stick on pasties can help with a lift and provide coverage
A little tip that worked really well for me with learning how to knit, without looking was I noticed, that when I can see, I was really struggling and just kept looking down. But then, one day on the plane, I forgot my neck lamp and couldn’t see anything, And that was when I really learned how to knit without looking because I had no choice. 😂 so maybe start by just dimming the lights, and just keep making it darker and darker?
Have you tried the "bras" that stick to your skin? Literally like a n*pple cover, but there are some that are larger and cover more of the breast. I have found that they can be used over and over and they're actually quite comfortable to wear. They don't offer a lot of "support" but they keep things covered and give me peace of mind going "braless" in shirts that work best without having straps and such to fuss with.
Sorry you are getting van frustration before you even get going! I have a cake of sock wool very similar to your new striped socks you are making for your mom and I couldn’t work out the sequence either! Love a striped sock though! Take care and stay safe x
Gauge and sweater size. Here’s another good explanation: an audio (only audio) podcast called Make Good: A Knitting Podcast. Episode 79 is called Substitute Gauge. They own a yarn shop in New Hampshire. Never been, don’t know them. But cool podcast.
What fun projects! Your finish is beautiful! I'm a new knitter and recently found your channel to learn more. I've done some basic practice and now my first real project is a Musslburgh hat. I started using your pin hole cast on tutorial. I really struggled with using the circular needles on something so small. How do you manage to knit something small like the start of the mussleburgh hat and sock on circular needles? I just really struggled and my stitches seemed really loose. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!
#question what criteria will you use for choosing which yarn shops you will visit? Good luck on your journey...be safe! And lots of treats for Toaster! 😊
#question Hi Natalie! Do you have any tips on making a garment with acrylic yarn? I have a bunch of leftover acrylic yarn (from an abandoned temperature blanket!) and I think I could make a top (or two) with the leftovers, my question is how to handle the gauge swatch since acrylic yarn will not really be affected by blocking. Do I just knit my gauge swatch to what the recommended gauge after blocking (without actually blocking)?
#question please, you touched on it a bit during Sock Week with the Affinity Pattern - if doing a 4 row repeat pattern in toe up - would you start on row 4 then 3 etc? Thank you!
#question I‘ve been crocheting a bunch of granny squares for a blanket, very much inspired by you. However, I‘ve noticed my first 20ish squares being a lot bigger than my last 20ish squares - probably my tension has changed. I‘m worried that this could be a problem when assembling. Any tips? I don’t really wanna redo the squares, especially since all ends are woven in already😅 Using the same hook and everything.
#Question. What do you use for mailing? You have mentioned your scale a few times and I have been looking into mailing options. I would enjoy hearing what you use and how you like it.
#question I'm so impressed by all the ribbing you showed today 👏 As a fellow English style thrower, ribbing is not my favorite. It is so slow going and tedious. I tried continental, but that doesn't seem to do it for me. Do you have any tips to make knitting ribbing more enjoyable? Since I really do like the look and feel of it, I would love to be more happy making it😊 Happy van adventures! I'm looking forward to follow you guys.
#question Hi Natalie! I noticed your knitting your sweater with Lantern Moon Needles. I've been debating on getting a set, which would you recommend? I mainly use fingering, sport & sometimes dk weightyarn. I mainly would use the needle set for tops & sweaters (I have needles for socks & hats). Also, I'm a fairly new knitter (been watching your channel for a few months now & want to thank you for inspiring me to learn to knit 😊) Best wishes to you, Kent & Toaster as you begin Van Life! Look forward to watching your adventures!
You can definitely find a bra with skinny straps that is wireless. Have you looked into bralettes? They are being made a lot more supportive than they used to be. I wear some with my smocked dresses and am currently breastfeeding at the moment and find that they give me enough support. I, too, have not worn wires in about 7 years.
You can try sewing in some elastic around the armholes (not too tight) and make it cover more of the "side boob" area then you would be able to wear the bra you are wearing now. Since the fabric of the top is so light and thin I would be worried that the insert's shape and were it is pulling would be pretty noticeable on the outside of the top.
I second this!! Definitely worried about strange pulling on the sweater no matter what cups you try attaching to it (assuming you're doing this to provide support/lift). If you do try it, tack more than just the three points so that you put all the strain on more than just those three tiny sections. Good luck - looking forward to hear whatever solution you come up with!
The "not ideal" comment had me laughing. A (16 year old) pupil of mine used exactly the same phrase when she told me that she had lost her second flute in the space of year. In fact, the most recent flute she lost was a 16th birthday present from October... #question: Is there a moment from your teaching career which, at the time, you thought 'oh my goodness', but now you laugh about?
If you are going to use the inserts in two different tops I would stitch small snaps to all corners of the inserts and then you can add the snaps to both tops and switch them without having to clip stitches and restitch each time. Love the color of the new FO.
I knit English style, but I crochet with my left hand, so my tension stays even. Whilst I can crochet with my right hand, my tension is much looser than it would be if I were crocheting with my left.
Love your tank top, with your bra issue have you thought of knitting in a small triangles insert under the arm instead of wearing a less comfortable bra. Also happy travels
I’m excited for you to start your van life journey! Also, no pressure to share your location with the internet at all. If you’re not comfortable with it, then don’t do it! 🤍
I hope that if you drive to the DC area you will visit our newest LYS, Gathering Yarns, right across the bridge from Alexandria VA in MD. Owned by Terri Haynes who also is an amazing dyer, atHaynesHouseYarns.
# question How do you feel about knitting while in a meeting? I hear quite a few people who knit during work meetings or places like church. I'm honestly not sure how I feel.
I know you are asking Natalie but will just say, a lot of people have difficulty with the people they are talking to doing something else when they are talking. They seem to think that you can’t listen and do something else at the same time.
Your tank top turned out beautiful great job. I am a crocheter but my goal for this year is to learn knitting. Can you talk a little about ribbing. I’m having issues with it pulling in the way ribbing should.
Buy a Cosabella racer back bralette. They are amazing! The bra cups are not going to work. Your breasts will slip out at inopportune times and then you’ll look like you have multiple! 😂❤
I’m not a fan of the Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off either. I find it flares too much. I highly recommend NimblesNeedles’ video comparing different stretchy bind offs if you’re looking for alternatives- ruclips.net/video/P7X5oKLd1x8/видео.html
I was watching and knitting and my 3 year old walked through our front room and said, "Mom, where's toast?"
I asked him what he meant and he said, "You know, her dog, Toast. He lives on the bed."
I told him Toaster must be sleeping in a different bed in this house and he seemed satisfied with that. :)
As far as the bra situation goes…. When I wear my summer knits that have skinny straps, I wear a little bralette that is lacy or that is meant to be shown off. For your mock neck tank, maybe a cute bandeau bra would work. 🤷🏻♀️
That tubular bind-off tip just blew my mind. I can't believe I never thought of that...! wow.
Going in the car first and then coming back for the van could be a blessing in disguise. Maybe you’ll figure out things on the road that you haven’t thought of yet
Natalie, there is an app you can get that will monitor your A/C in your van and notify you if there is a malfunction,so you can always know the temperature in the van for Toaster. Essential for his safety.
They make soft racerback sports bras that are un-wired and very comfy which might come in handy for different tank top fits like this one.
Yes! Skims has a great unwired racerback that I wear for tops like this.
For tubular bind off on a sweater, I cut my super long tail, then fold it nearly in half (longer half attached to the sweater), then put my tapestry needle halfway down the folded section. Then the tail you're working with is only about 1/4 of the total length, and you can adjust as you can and as you use up the tail
“Clearly I have no chill….”, I’m stealing this for myself, lol. You crack me up Natalie. Agree that underwire is the devil 👿. It threw all mine away too. Dan-Skin and Jockey have some nice wireless bras that are perfect for tanks.
Love the tip about using waste yarn for an afterthought heel. I always do a heel flap, because the thought of cutting and unraveling everything and switching the stitch orientation and then the risk of holes seems so finicky to me when I can do a flap and gusset. I may try this option the next time around.
I just finished listening to Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow, loved it. Hope you enjoyed it too
Mis-fortune cookies! Fun! 👁️👁️
What a week you’ve had. Wishing you a good upcoming week. Glad hubby is home!
I also use the right length of yarn in a sewn bind off but instead of threading the needle with one strand going through I fold it over quite always done the yarn and thread this double though the needle creating a much shorter piece of yarn to pull through the stitches.
I also fold my length of yarn (sometimes in thirds) and then thread my darning needle. The eye of the needle is usually big enough to accommodate it.
Safe and fun travels to you both. We travel full time with our RV and one thing that has been very fun for us is to listen to books on the drives. It keeps us alert and for us prevents sleepiness that often comes with long drives.
I finished Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow on Saturday. Push through - it's a great book!
Hi Natalie! We live in our RV full time! Love it! The key word we use is “flexibility!” All works out in the end. We just breath slowly - and enjoy the ride!!!!! ❤ It’s truly been amazing and life changing! The road just calls…..
I did a provisional tubular cast on. It just works better with my brain. Funny I have Galaxy's Daughter, so my suri is the York Color!
i also love that sewn BO, and i use 3-4 pieces of yarn for the sewing, but instead of weaving in the ends, i just thread some of each piece thru the 'tube.' none have escaped yet 🙂 ...the raspberry color of that sleeveless top is terrific!
The yarn you're using for your Rhinebeck sweater, it gives mermaid vibes! It's the perfect blue green!
Try a racer back bra in a similar color. Don't worry about your bra showing a little. It's all good! Good luck on your travels. Can't wait to see where you go!
100% read fourth wing. I think I read that it’s hard to get in stores because they sold out of copies of the first round of printing. A quick read but meant for adults. And there are are def spicy scenes despite them being in a war college full of dragons. Cute projects! And can’t wait to see how your new tank will turn out! ❤❤
Such great tips, thank you!
I know your mom will love the socks wherever you start the heels! (You will not have to see them.) I am also doing self striping socks and decided on an afterthought heel. I appreciate your thoughts on them. They are shorties, so I am also trying to find a good recipe for myself. I am having a great time with socks this summer.
Stay safe on the road and be mindful of where you park. Have a great time!!
I love how you have narrowed it down to "only" six project bags for your travels 🤣I completely get it x
Tubelore caston work so wonderful. Thanks for the tips
Love your socks yarn
. Mom's socks can't wait
Hi Natalie. I hope the tour of all the yarn shops goes well. I am sorry your van wasn't ready in time but so good you could borrow your parent's car to be able to go. I hope your van is ready for you when you get back. I got rid of my underwire bras a few years back now and so glad I did. Using just the bra cups attached to your knits is a good idea. Maybe tack them on and try them out and see how you feel. I love the tank top you finished. I don't knit alot and do more crochet but still enjoy watching your podcasts. Take care.
Hello from Mounds, Illinois. You should get a dancer’s bra with the invisible straps, my granddaughter wears them with her dance costumes for competitions.
It's lovely to see you wearing your finished object! It turned out so nice.
Thank you for answering my question! I've always wondered if I can add more yarn for a tubular bind off, but I was nervous to try it! Now I will!
Thanks for the tip on binding off on toe up socks. I’m always looking for stretchy (but not ruffled) bins offs. Looking forward to your updates on van living!
Can I suggest getting a thermometer that links to your phone with an alarm if you plan on leaving Toaster in the van for short periods. It would just act as a back up warning in case the air con fails while you are gone.
I love the sock yarn your Mom picked out! It reminds me of a line from Foxy Shazam’s song “Oh Lord”. Your new top and the Barbie’s World swatches are both gorgeous! 💕
Natalie, have you had much experience flying with knitting needles? I am visiting my parents in FL soon, and I really want to work on some socks on the plane. I recently bought some Knitter's Pride Mindful DPNs and really don't want to lose them to TSA. Maybe I should use wooden needles and put the metal ones in a checked bag. I also understand that there's no guaranteed outcome when travelling with needles. I think someone should survey knitters to analyze the statistics of confiscated needles, however! 😜 #question
Also, I sew and just wanted to chime in on your bra solution brainstorm. I think that sewing the pads directly onto the shirt may be problematic. The first issue is that they won't provide the support you're looking for, because they arent connected to a more snug lining that sits closer to the body. Rather, they'll hover unless the shirt possesses significant negative ease. I also think that stitches will ruin the prettiness of the knitted front. The stitches may also draw attention to that area in a way you may not prefer. Apologies for the long message, but I hope you take these points into consideration 🙂 Some people have mentioned pasties, but personally I dont like them from a sensory standpoint. And while bandeau bras are strapless, they can squish the girls into a uniboob and slip down easily. Hence, I think a racerback bra, or a bra which you can cross back straps, are some viable solutions. But I'm just a person on the internet after all, so you should go with what feels right to you! 😋
I use your second bind-off option for shawls. I was taught it as the Modified Russian cast-off but unsure if that’s a correct name. Is a great stretchy one to use when wanting to block your shawls well.
Hope your epic adventure has started well!
Hey if you're looking for a bra with skinny straps that's not underwired, and super comfy, the modal triangle bralette from meundies is my go to. They have a little bit of a nice lift for smaller chests and they work great with most tanks. Super soft and non bitey.
Wow, Great tip at the end for tubular bind off!!! This will definitely come in handy. I made the Mini Mock Neck Tank and was using a single ply and it was becoming so frayed that I wish now I would have just cut it and started a new strand.
It took me quite awhile to crochet being a knitter first but how I became comfortable and practiced I made washcloths. They were small and served a purpose even when I would mess up a bit
Usually I can wear tanks this shape with a criss cross back bra (either regular or sports) :)
I truly love the yellow in your sweater, even though I’m a pink girl. The shoreline tank looks like a great tank. Can’t wait to see your travels.
Team no underwire! I'd try a cute bandeau. I'm sure you could find one that doesn't show, or if it does it will look cute and intentional.
My braless preference? NIPPPY nipple covers. I’ve bought some super cheap ones at Target and they were awful and way too thin. The NIPPPY ones were lovely and actually lasted me like two years of heavy use. Easy to wash and reuse, and then you don’t have to worry about your movements pulling a breast out of a sewn in cup when you lift up your arms.
“They beat me by one question” 😂😂 way to go Kent! #question if you were to make one again which tank would you pick to knit?
A yarn tour ❤ 🧶💫 how fun !!
Loveee you mini mock neck tank!! You should try the park ruffelo by Park Williams, the underarm construction fits soooo well!
I love color catchers!! I use a color catcher with every load of laundry I do 😂
The main color of your tessellated pullover is like my car. Sometimes it’s blue. Sometimes green. Sometimes almost black.
Laura Nelken has an interesting way to swatch in the round
Great Podcast! You answered so many of the questions I wanted to ask but didn't and gave me so much information I didn't even know I needed until you shared them. Hope you get traveling cause I can't wait to see how much fun ya'll have!!!
Your changes made the finished product much more attractive than the one on the model.
What about to knit with the extra yarn some sort of inside pocket to place your padding sliding them on the inside pockets. In that way you can taking them out when wash your camisole or your beautiful top that by the way I love that wild orchid color. ❤️
What you can do with the bra insert thingies, is first put a safety pin in them and to the tank. Than wear the tank and see if the position is right and if you like the wear. Do that first with the ones you just bought. It may surprise you and feel and look good. But that will also give you an idea if you like it or if you have to buy a bra….and you could buy a cute one without underwire? At least you can buy those cute bra’s in the Netherlands. Bralettes from petite Fleur for example. Bra’s that look like triangle bikini tops. So cute.
#question How would you recommend to store left over yarn? I’ve just learned that it’s best to leave yarn as a hank, and not to store as cakes, after being on a winding-roll and having wound up about 25 cakes of hand dyed yarn. Thinking it’s easier to store and also ready to grab 😅 but now I’ve learned that it creates tension on the yarn, as opposed to leaving it as a skein.
Now I’m wondering how to store yarn that’s partly used. For example I’ve knitted shortie socks from a sock set and have more than half a cake left over. As I’ve used it from the center, it doesn’t feel like it has a lot of tension in the cake. But should I rewind in a cake, or ball? I want to keep it for another (scrappy) project in the future.
Also thank you for your podcasts and videos, and looking forward to the ones on the road! ❤
I would put the top on without a bra, slide the cups in to where you feel they sit most comfortably then use a light bulb marker from the outside to tack down each corner so they won't shift when you use thread to tack them down or sew them to the inside of the top. Just be careful to only go through the outside layer of fabric on the cups (i.e. be careful of the sharp pointy bit on the light bulb marker 😬). Another idea you could try is soft silicone shields for the um important part 👀 they match skin, act as shields and offer "no show" profiles. Just a thought I'm throwing out there as an alternate option. Third idea is maybe try making a crochet bra cup customized to fit you specifically (patterns available on Ravelry) out of the same yarn & use a matching color to sew them to the top using the light bulbs to hold them in place until they're sewn in. This way they can be washed with the top without any issues, offer full coverage and won't shift on you at all.
Personally I love using pasties with my summer knits. I also don’t feel comfortable without a bra but the stick on pasties can help with a lift and provide coverage
I second this! The Instagram ads for Nipppy worked on me, and I really like them!
I agree, completely. I use the Nippy products as well.
A little tip that worked really well for me with learning how to knit, without looking was I noticed, that when I can see, I was really struggling and just kept looking down. But then, one day on the plane, I forgot my neck lamp and couldn’t see anything, And that was when I really learned how to knit without looking because I had no choice. 😂 so maybe start by just dimming the lights, and just keep making it darker and darker?
As for bra, I love Ruby Ribbon Demiettes. I had a frozen shoulder 5 years ago and couldn't take on or off a bra. I tried these and will never go back
Have you tried the "bras" that stick to your skin? Literally like a n*pple cover, but there are some that are larger and cover more of the breast. I have found that they can be used over and over and they're actually quite comfortable to wear. They don't offer a lot of "support" but they keep things covered and give me peace of mind going "braless" in shirts that work best without having straps and such to fuss with.
I ran to the comments to say the same thing! This is my go to!
Sorry you are getting van frustration before you even get going! I have a cake of sock wool very similar to your new striped socks you are making for your mom and I couldn’t work out the sequence either! Love a striped sock though! Take care and stay safe x
Knit California has a great YT video on sweater math when your gauge is off
Gauge and sweater size. Here’s another good explanation: an audio (only audio) podcast called Make Good: A Knitting Podcast. Episode 79 is called Substitute Gauge. They own a yarn shop in New Hampshire. Never been, don’t know them. But cool podcast.
What fun projects! Your finish is beautiful! I'm a new knitter and recently found your channel to learn more. I've done some basic practice and now my first real project is a Musslburgh hat. I started using your pin hole cast on tutorial. I really struggled with using the circular needles on something so small. How do you manage to knit something small like the start of the mussleburgh hat and sock on circular needles? I just really struggled and my stitches seemed really loose. Any pointers would be greatly appreciated!
What about silicone pasties?
#question what criteria will you use for choosing which yarn shops you will visit? Good luck on your journey...be safe! And lots of treats for Toaster! 😊
You might want to go into a Joann and look at their bra inserts to see if you can find one that has the padding and shape you want.
#question Hi Natalie! Do you have any tips on making a garment with acrylic yarn? I have a bunch of leftover acrylic yarn (from an abandoned temperature blanket!) and I think I could make a top (or two) with the leftovers, my question is how to handle the gauge swatch since acrylic yarn will not really be affected by blocking. Do I just knit my gauge swatch to what the recommended gauge after blocking (without actually blocking)?
#question please, you touched on it a bit during Sock Week with the Affinity Pattern - if doing a 4 row repeat pattern in toe up - would you start on row 4 then 3 etc? Thank you!
#question I‘ve been crocheting a bunch of granny squares for a blanket, very much inspired by you. However, I‘ve noticed my first 20ish squares being a lot bigger than my last 20ish squares - probably my tension has changed. I‘m worried that this could be a problem when assembling. Any tips? I don’t really wanna redo the squares, especially since all ends are woven in already😅 Using the same hook and everything.
I love the vinyl project bag that Natalie shows here, anyone know where it is from?
#question Hey Natalie! I was wondering if there was place to go to be a test knitter and what all qualifications if any are needed.
#Question. What do you use for mailing? You have mentioned your scale a few times and I have been looking into mailing options. I would enjoy hearing what you use and how you like it.
#question I'm so impressed by all the ribbing you showed today 👏 As a fellow English style thrower, ribbing is not my favorite. It is so slow going and tedious. I tried continental, but that doesn't seem to do it for me. Do you have any tips to make knitting ribbing more enjoyable? Since I really do like the look and feel of it, I would love to be more happy making it😊
Happy van adventures! I'm looking forward to follow you guys.
#question Hi Natalie! I noticed your knitting your sweater with Lantern Moon Needles. I've been debating on getting a set, which would you recommend? I mainly use fingering, sport & sometimes dk weightyarn. I mainly would use the needle set for tops & sweaters (I have needles for socks & hats). Also, I'm a fairly new knitter (been watching your channel for a few months now & want to thank you for inspiring me to learn to knit 😊)
Best wishes to you, Kent & Toaster as you begin Van Life! Look forward to watching your adventures!
You can definitely find a bra with skinny straps that is wireless. Have you looked into bralettes? They are being made a lot more supportive than they used to be. I wear some with my smocked dresses and am currently breastfeeding at the moment and find that they give me enough support. I, too, have not worn wires in about 7 years.
How do we connect to Sock Tour parts 1&2? I can't find it on utube whaaa
You can try sewing in some elastic around the armholes (not too tight) and make it cover more of the "side boob" area then you would be able to wear the bra you are wearing now. Since the fabric of the top is so light and thin I would be worried that the insert's shape and were it is pulling would be pretty noticeable on the outside of the top.
I second this!! Definitely worried about strange pulling on the sweater no matter what cups you try attaching to it (assuming you're doing this to provide support/lift). If you do try it, tack more than just the three points so that you put all the strain on more than just those three tiny sections. Good luck - looking forward to hear whatever solution you come up with!
The "not ideal" comment had me laughing. A (16 year old) pupil of mine used exactly the same phrase when she told me that she had lost her second flute in the space of year. In fact, the most recent flute she lost was a 16th birthday present from October...
#question: Is there a moment from your teaching career which, at the time, you thought 'oh my goodness', but now you laugh about?
Beautiful tank and color. The front shows where you switched skeins.
#question Does anyone know who the bag that Natalie is using for her shoreline tank is by?
“There’s not a lot there” LOL. I love the whole bra conversation. We are truly your girlfriends!
If you are going to use the inserts in two different tops I would stitch small snaps to all corners of the inserts and then you can add the snaps to both tops and switch them without having to clip stitches and restitch each time. Love the color of the new FO.
What would happen if you wore the mock turtle top back to front??”
I knit English style, but I crochet with my left hand, so my tension stays even. Whilst I can crochet with my right hand, my tension is much looser than it would be if I were crocheting with my left.
Love your tank top, with your bra issue have you thought of knitting in a small triangles insert under the arm instead of wearing a less comfortable bra. Also happy travels
Good morning Natalie!
I’m excited for you to start your van life journey! Also, no pressure to share your location with the internet at all. If you’re not comfortable with it, then don’t do it! 🤍
Where did you get the plastic project bag that you’re taking with you it’s cute
I haven't seen the video yet, but I assume you meant the "black purl magic" one.
I hope that if you drive to the DC area you will visit our newest LYS, Gathering Yarns, right across the bridge from Alexandria VA in MD. Owned by Terri Haynes who also is an amazing dyer, atHaynesHouseYarns.
# question
How do you feel about knitting while in a meeting?
I hear quite a few people who knit during work meetings or places like church.
I'm honestly not sure how I feel.
I know you are asking Natalie but will just say, a lot of people have difficulty with the people they are talking to doing something else when they are talking. They seem to think that you can’t listen and do something else at the same time.
@juliekennedy1296 Thank you for your input. I know some people do concentrate better while doing other things.
Your tank top turned out beautiful great job. I am a crocheter but my goal for this year is to learn knitting. Can you talk a little about ribbing. I’m having issues with it pulling in the way ribbing should.
Hi Natalie! For your bra situation, you could consider silicone breast lift stickies. I think they’d accomplish what you’re aiming for.
#question Did I miss the announcement of the name for the ‘van life’ channel?
11:31
Buy a Cosabella racer back bralette. They are amazing! The bra cups are not going to work. Your breasts will slip out at inopportune times and then you’ll look like you have multiple! 😂❤
I’m not a fan of the Jeny’s Surprisingly Stretchy Bind Off either. I find it flares too much. I highly recommend NimblesNeedles’ video comparing different stretchy bind offs if you’re looking for alternatives- ruclips.net/video/P7X5oKLd1x8/видео.html
A sport bra?
You could use silicone breast cups or fashion tape or pasties if you want a no bra solution.
Don’t do underwire, I am a lymphatic practitioner, underwire bras are very bad for breast health and lymphatic movement.