Rox...I have not been watching for a few weeks because I too have been on a sewing kick. I have one space available to me but it is all mine. A dedicated 11 by 11 room. It is my library, knitting, crochet and sewing room...call it my Lady Cave. I have built “up” number one. I cannot increase width or length but I can take advantage of all vertical space to the 8’ ceiling. I have positioned my 36” x 60” “desk/table” with 3 sides extending into the middle of the room and one short end butted up to the deep window sill ( good lighting, access on three sides, window well could be added surface but it is the cat sleep area when they are crafting with mama). The table is a table top on an entertainment console so the base is all storage underneath (all my furnishings are reused real furniture from my past homes). I have all my knitting needles, crochet hooks in sewn/zipper cases that fit in a 18” x 24” basket (mobile). I fell in love with Snapware containers many years ago. They stack and snap together, they are clear to see into, and have carry handles on lids. I use one for sewing machine feet, gadgets, tailor chalk, seam rippers, one for needles, pins, clips, D rings, Lobster claw clips, safety pins, another stack for buttons, mini zippers, zipper pulls...I have larger Snapwares for fat quarters, full zippers, scraps and crumbs, etc. I use a thread rack on the wall to hang thread, bead tubes, real fur Pom poms. I use the closet to hang WIPs in clear reused shopping bags, batting and larger fabric cuts that are hangable on hangers. as well as finished goods ready to use or gift. I personally require clean organized spaces that are aesthetically pleasing so anything ugly gets placed in storage cubes on shelves...pretty things get shown. So look up for more space, choose portable, visible storage for notions etc, check old furniture for repurposing possibilities, and look to the middle of the room for extra space...we Americans tend to push all our furniture to outside walls and not use our expensive square footage to the fullest potential. Cheers from Seattle.
Roxanne, you are a delight! Thx for your honesty & ❤️ for doing things better! I can’t wait to see where I’ve been schelping stuff out of habit, & apply your “where is it more convenient?” theory. What an awesome hat pattern for the homeless. Great way to help others & use up leftovers. Thx !!!!
My father wore string vests. His mother sent them from Norway! They specialise in keeping themselves warm. Dad looked pretty good in his string vest - he was very brown and took off his shirt on hot Australian days when he was working around the house.
Great idea!!! I will definitely make myself pattern weights! I do sew quite often so they will be very useful. Personnally, my mom always used the kitchen table to cut fabric. So I do the same. Then bring everything to my sewing room.
Hi Roxanne...thank you for your response! I went to Rox Rocks and found a 2 year old "1898 hat thread" with tips. You indicated using the Turkish CO, but the grafting "line" didn't align exactly. You also indicated there would be video on how to CO, graft and pick up stitches. (also the short rows you mentioned in this video). I found the video for the CO you mentioned in the thread, but not the ones for picking up stitches grafting technique. I truly admire artist that can design items, write patterns, look at a project and make modifications!! You have a gift! I'm a "pattern" and visual kind of knitter. When I want to "modify" my projects I look on your youtube and other resources for the answer. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and expertise! Hope to knit this hat...WI winters can be brutal!
Two things: 1). I’d like to add my voice to those asking for a knit along for the hat. I’m currently knitting one myself for the Seamen’s Church X-mas charity. I should think they would appreciate a double knit crown, too. So I’d love to learn more about how you did that (also, it’s a stash-buster project for me, so using more yarn would be great!). 2) happy to hear your review of Just Get it Done Quilts. I discovered Karen’s videos about a year ago and not only has she helped me organize my sewing stuff (that was pulled out of the basement last year as I started sewing masks), but I find it easy to take her basic principles and apply them to my knitting supplies. Her hints on tackling UFOs are great!
I used embroidery wool to darn my son's fine wool jumper - I needed to separate the 3 plies of yarn to just use 1 at a time, & found they broke very easily as I separated them. It was worth it, as the darn is almost invisible, but hard work! My mum would often hand sew (or tell me to hand sew) things rather than trying to find space to get the sewing machine out, and I'm afraid I've followed that - which means I sew a lot less than I'd like to! Will give the organisation a good thought & see how I can make this easier! Here in the UK, laundry rooms & basement rooms are not common, & my 3 bedroom house for me & my 2 sons has 1 kitchen-dining room & a living room that is also the walk-through from the tiny entrance hallway to the kitchen. & that's it (other than the bathroom).
Your videos are such a treat, Rox. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and wisdom so generously. That 1885 darning method you're thinking of for sweaters, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (Yarn Harlot) demonstrated this as a way to mend socks, on her Patreon. Life-changing information!
I have always cut fabric on the floor! Same story - that's what we did when I was a kid and my mom/grandma worked on Halloween costumes ^.^ Hoping to get back into sewing, but I live in a small space, so this was a great episode!
Loved the discussion on organization! You've motivated me to do something about my sewing/knitting room too. And I'm going to check out Karen Brown--might be just what I need too. Thanks for sharing. Always enjoyable.
Here's my sewing tip. I rarely cut out all the pieces at once. I cut in sections and sew parts--e.g., the bodice of a dress, then the skirt. I usually overbuy fabric (usually at a discount), so I don't have to worry about playing fabric chicken. This helps so you don't lose track of unsewn parts or have them droop out of shape. Also, if I have to fuse interfacing, I like to complete those tasks before moving on to cutting other pieces.
Love you’re kitchen sewing story! My sewing life in a nutshell. I am sewing more now because my family is grown, it’s just me in the house most of the time and I can leave a project on the kitchen table until it is finished. I can eat at the coffee table in the living room.😁 Karen from Just Get It Done Quilts is awesome!
Thank you for all your helpful tips! I wish I had just a fraction of your knitting knowledge. I started watching Just get it done Quilts at the start of the pandemic-Karen speaks to my brain as well. Marie Kondo too, for some things like socks and t-shirts, and now my kitchen towels are folded and filed like my tshirts, same for fabric scarves! it just makes sense to see the colors, and so much easier to remove and replace an item.
So glad you found Just Get It Done Quilts youtube channel helpful. I have been sewing for 53 years and never fail to learn something from her videos (and yours too!). 😄. Have a Blessed Easter.
It's somewhat funny and I never thought anything about it, although growing up I had friends question why my mom had a sewing machine and ironing board in the formal dining room. The dining room table was used for cutting material, not eating. And she had a small, but fancy, trash can for thread and material scraps only. This episode has brought back very fond memories❤
Love your sewing organization journey. Sewing takes up so much more room than knitting does. I am lucky enough to have a dedicated sewing room, so I can leave the machines set up (regular and serger). A cutting table is a must for me, both because of the size and height. I also do pressing on it. I have one of the folding ones. It has gatelegs, so the side leaves can be folded down and the table rolled out of the way. Do you have room for one of those? It opens up to 6 feet by 3.5 feet.
Hi Roxanne. Another great episode, as usual. Thanks for your honesty, it made me feel a bit better knowing I'm not the only who doesn't bother if it's not easy and/or convenient. Then you made me realise that I need to think of solutions...but, that's not easy or convenient right now... maybe later. 😏 On a serious note though, thank you for the hat blocking tip using balloons. I almost bought styrofoam heads the other day, but decided to wait a week because there might be an Easter holiday sale. Lucky! I know you said you didn't have much yarn left for your red sweater, but couldn't you untwist some yarn from your swatch and use a few ply to repair it without creating a bulky and uneven patch? Also, in regards to complicated stitch patterns, the beauty about duplicate stitch is that you don't have to work from right to left or vice versa, just sew all the knits, then sew all the purls. It would be less work than repairing with sock yarn and sewing a patch onto it and will preserve the beauty of the sweater/your work a little longer. Just a suggestion, you do you. Thanks again. Looking forward to Tuesday! Oh, and Happy Easter! 🐣
I read the article on the Dhaka muslin, too. I think what they mean by the order of magnitude comment is when compared to hand woven "jamdani style" sari fabrics - they state that most are made in the 30 to 80 thread count range. Where the best reproduction so far has only gotten up to 300 thread count (again, each step done by hand, carding, spinning, and weaving), the original Dhaka muslin was made up to 1200 thread count, all hand made.
That’s right about organizing and designing; form follows function. It helps with singular projects and it really helps when making multiples because the learning curve improves with familiarity. Remember to give yourself a break, some space and a pat on the back for doing what you can under any circumstance.
I used to cut out patterns on the floor, too! My back can’t handle that any more, and thank goodness we now have an empty bedroom (with no video equipment in it😉) that I use for sewing. I have a table that’s simple to fold out wide for cutting, then fold up and push back to the wall. I’m so happy for you to be making organizing discoveries - it’s fun!🥰
Very funny, made me laugh at you getting or putting your cloths away. Thank you for the laugh! Interesting on mending. I had to mend heels of socks I had knit my sister, interesting how each project sometimes as it’s own problem. Thanks very informative.
Oooh! Me three! Love that hat! I’m not a very confident knitter, so would love a tutorial! Btw, this is a wonderful vid! Your tidbits & info are so interesting! I, too, like Karen Brown & her quilting/organizing videos. Perhaps the only thing I’ve known for many years that you don’t is the small thread catcher bag. I roll the top down on a small brown paper sack & put on the floor. 🤭
My late mum had that pattern for knitted underwear, I don’t remember seeing her knit any, so maybe it was knit for my dad before I was born, my mum used the dining table to cut on as did my nana before her, many wedding gowns were cut out on our dining table by my nana.
You are a lifesaver for me. My brain works much the same way as yours and you’ve taught me that I don’t have to do things like everyone else. I can make things work for the way I think. Thank you 1000 times for saving my creative life
Hi Roxanne! I love both your Casual Friday and Technique Tuesday videos! Will you be posting a project picture on your Ravelry page with your modifications for the 1898 hat? I have this pattern, but have not knit it yet. I love the idea of double thickness for crown. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!
The health vests, helsetrøye, is actually a Norwegian invention and is really nice in cold climate. It doesn’t provide any health benefits per say, but the holes traps air that heats up when worn under an other article of clothing. It’s a bit like a birds feathers when they balloon up to keep the warmth. The health vest is a standard piece of the clothes worn by the military here.
Roxy, you did a beautiful repair on the tweed sweater you wore for this vid. I actually own the needlework encyclopedia. About a stitch to use to sew on the suede patches, how about using the back stitch as it could pick up all of the yarn on the backside. I almost always knit wool sweaters with yarn that have a bit of man made fiber to give it strength. Acrylics have come a long, long way, and nylon is almost indestructible.
I love watching karens vlogs, as she makes total sense. It's things I should already know, but she's the one that seems to make me aware, that the solution was always there, I just need to use it. My house is tidy, but god forbid if you open a cupboard or a door, you suddenly get buried with what ever I've managed to get in. My huge cutting mat, is under the settee.,where ever there's a space, I use it. 🤦🏼♀️💕
Someone else in the comments mentioned Clutterbug (another YT channel). She divides people into 4 organizational styles. You either like/need to see your stuff, or you like it hidden away; You either need macro organization (toss like items in a bin) or micro organization (separate categories/divisions for each item). You sound like a hide it/macro organization person, which she calls a Ladybug (and which is her organizational style; also my husband's!) Mine is see it/micro (I'm a Bee). It took me a while to recognize that I'm very organized, because I tolerate so much clutter, but that ability has to do with my finely-honed Selective Attention, where I can filter out distractions.
Roxy, if the patches are not already pre-hole punched, you can do that yourself with an awl and a board (soft wood). Tandy has a lot of free tutorials on how to mark and punch holes for sewing leather.
Thank you for taking us part of your organisation strategies. You remind me of myself with that functional befor pretty thing. A few years ago I find the youtube channel "clutterbug". She has touched me the most, as she makes four "organisation types of people". I am a butterfly in her world, which has to see the stuff, otherwise it gets lost in my mind, so I tend to have a lot of things lying around. So I organize mostly with see through boxes and labeling (not finished with all the stuff yet).....
I will have to look at clutterbug. I can usually find one or two tips from people who are enthusiastic organizers, but their "systems" don't usually work for me, so I'm always on the look out for something that will actually work for me.
Ah - string vests!! (Vests in the British English sense of an undergarment rather than a sleeveless woollen.) I’m a Brit of a certain age and remember these from my childhood and youth. Even in the early ‘80s, my boyfriend‘s father wore them with the telltale shadow of them under a (usually polyester) shirt. Healthy maybe; repeatable, please not!
Is there a pattern you can recommend like the one you modified? I LOVE it but I’m assuming you haven’t written a new pattern for it. I’m too new a knitter to make it up myself.
The different linings may also make it easier to identify individual hats. I generally understand what you did to create these very practical hats but a more pattern-like explanation would be helpful. It's such a good project. Thank you.
Really useful info on the thread count, thank you. Have you considered felted wool patches? If you addressed this option and I missed it, ignore my question.
So funny we are so much alike in that we like to be "organized" but it has to be convenient, not just look nice. I rearrange things often as I see there is a better way to do "it" basically because I just got rid of something via donation, trash or used up. My label maker is a good tool. (Especially if I changed where things are. lol)
You could always make a lightweight reinforcement by using a small piece of cardboard & weaving a 'patch' for the inside at the elbow using sewing or quilting thread. It would be lightweight and invisible when sewn into the inside (wrong side) at the elbow.
Please can you record the mending process. I have a jumper that my husband is irrationally attached to badly in the need of repairing. Thanks Again. Anne
Liking your mending and sewing org solutions. Can't wait to see the reveal. Regarding the health underwear, do you think the yarn was a blend of cotton and linen which are supposed to be antimicrobial? And, I notice that they're a mesh fabric--do you think that was for breathability, trapping less yeast from heat and sweat? Thanks for a great podcast. --KateColors
Those are IKEA EXPEDIT units. They don't make them anymore, but they do make something similar, called KALLAX, in different colors than what you can see in my videos.
Wow, that "health underwear"!! My ex had about 1/2 dozen undervests just like these--manufactured, not hand knitted. I had never seen anything like them, and I don't believe I ever saw him wear them. (Guys just like to hang on to things, right?) I seem to remember the label said they were made in Sweden or something. My ex claimed they were supposed to keep you warm. Maybe they served as a layer to retain heat coming off the body? Who knows!?
The worn sweater elbow topic. Did u concider removing ur desk chair arms? Then there is nothing to rub ur elbows on. I am more of a sewer and I find arms on a chair r more in the way than helpful or comfortable. If u want the arms, perhaps cushion them and cover with smooth vinyl...a smooth surface may not cause as much friction and wear. Enjoyed ur chat as always.
The place to find a pattern would be a website that offers patterns. If you don't use Ravelry, then try websites for various yarn companies. Or do a general google search.
Thanks! I did try many but only found vintage patterns using fingering yarn and small needles. Maybe I can adapt a v neck vest to crew neck or just knit front and back of crew neck sweater.
I used to cut on the floor when I was sewing too, but a friend of mine used to have one of these: www.baraque.com.au/FoldawayCuttingTable/tabid/56/Default.aspx
I think you should not wear a sweater when you knit. Your projects will thrive and need no repair. Thanks for your great ideas and novel research. Ruth
I so look forward to your reveal next week! Glad you discovered Karen Brown, she’s wonderful!! Thanks for another great episode!😀
Rox...I have not been watching for a few weeks because I too have been on a sewing kick. I have one space available to me but it is all mine. A dedicated 11 by 11 room. It is my library, knitting, crochet and sewing room...call it my Lady Cave. I have built “up” number one. I cannot increase width or length but I can take advantage of all vertical space to the 8’ ceiling. I have positioned my 36” x 60” “desk/table” with 3 sides extending into the middle of the room and one short end butted up to the deep window sill ( good lighting, access on three sides, window well could be added surface but it is the cat sleep area when they are crafting with mama). The table is a table top on an entertainment console so the base is all storage underneath (all my furnishings are reused real furniture from my past homes). I have all my knitting needles, crochet hooks in sewn/zipper cases that fit in a 18” x 24” basket (mobile). I fell in love with Snapware containers many years ago. They stack and snap together, they are clear to see into, and have carry handles on lids. I use one for sewing machine feet, gadgets, tailor chalk, seam rippers, one for needles, pins, clips, D rings, Lobster claw clips, safety pins, another stack for buttons, mini zippers, zipper pulls...I have larger Snapwares for fat quarters, full zippers, scraps and crumbs, etc. I use a thread rack on the wall to hang thread, bead tubes, real fur Pom poms. I use the closet to hang WIPs in clear reused shopping bags, batting and larger fabric cuts that are hangable on hangers. as well as finished goods ready to use or gift. I personally require clean organized spaces that are aesthetically pleasing so anything ugly gets placed in storage cubes on shelves...pretty things get shown. So look up for more space, choose portable, visible storage for notions etc, check old furniture for repurposing possibilities, and look to the middle of the room for extra space...we Americans tend to push all our furniture to outside walls and not use our expensive square footage to the fullest potential. Cheers from Seattle.
Roxanne, you are a delight! Thx for your honesty & ❤️ for doing things better! I can’t wait to see where I’ve been schelping stuff out of habit, & apply your “where is it more convenient?” theory.
What an awesome hat pattern for the homeless. Great way to help others & use up leftovers. Thx !!!!
My father wore string vests. His mother sent them from Norway! They specialise in keeping themselves warm. Dad looked pretty good in his string vest - he was very brown and took off his shirt on hot Australian days when he was working around the house.
Great idea!!! I will definitely make myself pattern weights! I do sew quite often so they will be very useful. Personnally, my mom always used the kitchen table to cut fabric. So I do the same. Then bring everything to my sewing room.
Hi Roxanne...thank you for your response! I went to Rox Rocks and found a 2 year old "1898 hat thread" with tips. You indicated using the Turkish CO, but the grafting "line" didn't align exactly. You also indicated there would be video on how to CO, graft and pick up stitches. (also the short rows you mentioned in this video). I found the video for the CO you mentioned in the thread, but not the ones for picking up stitches grafting technique. I truly admire artist that can design items, write patterns, look at a project and make modifications!! You have a gift! I'm a "pattern" and visual kind of knitter. When I want to "modify" my projects I look on your youtube and other resources for the answer. Thank you again for sharing your knowledge and expertise! Hope to knit this hat...WI winters can be brutal!
Two things: 1). I’d like to add my voice to those asking for a knit along for the hat. I’m currently knitting one myself for the Seamen’s Church X-mas charity. I should think they would appreciate a double knit crown, too. So I’d love to learn more about how you did that (also, it’s a stash-buster project for me, so using more yarn would be great!).
2) happy to hear your review of Just Get it Done Quilts. I discovered Karen’s videos about a year ago and not only has she helped me organize my sewing stuff (that was pulled out of the basement last year as I started sewing masks), but I find it easy to take her basic principles and apply them to my knitting supplies. Her hints on tackling UFOs are great!
I used embroidery wool to darn my son's fine wool jumper - I needed to separate the 3 plies of yarn to just use 1 at a time, & found they broke very easily as I separated them. It was worth it, as the darn is almost invisible, but hard work!
My mum would often hand sew (or tell me to hand sew) things rather than trying to find space to get the sewing machine out, and I'm afraid I've followed that - which means I sew a lot less than I'd like to! Will give the organisation a good thought & see how I can make this easier! Here in the UK, laundry rooms & basement rooms are not common, & my 3 bedroom house for me & my 2 sons has 1 kitchen-dining room & a living room that is also the walk-through from the tiny entrance hallway to the kitchen. & that's it (other than the bathroom).
I don't usually knit hats because I don't wear them even when it's very cold (Michigan). But I love the design of that hat and would love knit-along!
Your videos are such a treat, Rox. Thank you for sharing your knowledge, experience, and wisdom so generously. That 1885 darning method you're thinking of for sweaters, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee (Yarn Harlot) demonstrated this as a way to mend socks, on her Patreon. Life-changing information!
Good that you are getting yourself organized. Well done.
I have always cut fabric on the floor! Same story - that's what we did when I was a kid and my mom/grandma worked on Halloween costumes ^.^
Hoping to get back into sewing, but I live in a small space, so this was a great episode!
Loved the discussion on organization! You've motivated me to do something about my sewing/knitting room too. And I'm going to check out Karen Brown--might be just what I need too. Thanks for sharing. Always enjoyable.
Here's my sewing tip. I rarely cut out all the pieces at once. I cut in sections and sew parts--e.g., the bodice of a dress, then the skirt. I usually overbuy fabric (usually at a discount), so I don't have to worry about playing fabric chicken. This helps so you don't lose track of unsewn parts or have them droop out of shape. Also, if I have to fuse interfacing, I like to complete those tasks before moving on to cutting other pieces.
Love you’re kitchen sewing story! My sewing life in a nutshell. I am sewing more now because my family is grown, it’s just me in the house most of the time and I can leave a project on the kitchen table until it is finished. I can eat at the coffee table in the living room.😁
Karen from Just Get It Done Quilts is awesome!
Thank you for all your helpful tips! I wish I had just a fraction of your knitting knowledge. I started watching Just get it done Quilts at the start of the pandemic-Karen speaks to my brain as well. Marie Kondo too, for some things like socks and t-shirts, and now my kitchen towels are folded and filed like my tshirts, same for fabric scarves! it just makes sense to see the colors, and so much easier to remove and replace an item.
I just received the book you recommended by Montse Stanley, it is amazing! I would love it if you did more book reviews!
So glad you found Just Get It Done Quilts youtube channel helpful. I have been sewing for 53 years and never fail to learn something from her videos (and yours too!). 😄. Have a Blessed Easter.
You can also use those triangle weights for a cell phone stand great organization tools 😊
Scads of such great information. Your eyes are sparkling when you talk about organization! Can't wait to see the reveal.
That's good to know before buying sheets, too.
It's somewhat funny and I never thought anything about it, although growing up I had friends question why my mom had a sewing machine and ironing board in the formal dining room. The dining room table was used for cutting material, not eating. And she had a small, but fancy, trash can for thread and material scraps only. This episode has brought back very fond memories❤
Love your sewing organization journey. Sewing takes up so much more room than knitting does. I am lucky enough to have a dedicated sewing room, so I can leave the machines set up (regular and serger). A cutting table is a must for me, both because of the size and height. I also do pressing on it. I have one of the folding ones. It has gatelegs, so the side leaves can be folded down and the table rolled out of the way. Do you have room for one of those? It opens up to 6 feet by 3.5 feet.
Hi Roxanne. Another great episode, as usual. Thanks for your honesty, it made me feel a bit better knowing I'm not the only who doesn't bother if it's not easy and/or convenient. Then you made me realise that I need to think of solutions...but, that's not easy or convenient right now... maybe later. 😏
On a serious note though, thank you for the hat blocking tip using balloons. I almost bought styrofoam heads the other day, but decided to wait a week because there might be an Easter holiday sale. Lucky!
I know you said you didn't have much yarn left for your red sweater, but couldn't you untwist some yarn from your swatch and use a few ply to repair it without creating a bulky and uneven patch? Also, in regards to complicated stitch patterns, the beauty about duplicate stitch is that you don't have to work from right to left or vice versa, just sew all the knits, then sew all the purls. It would be less work than repairing with sock yarn and sewing a patch onto it and will preserve the beauty of the sweater/your work a little longer. Just a suggestion, you do you. Thanks again. Looking forward to Tuesday! Oh, and Happy Easter! 🐣
I read the article on the Dhaka muslin, too. I think what they mean by the order of magnitude comment is when compared to hand woven "jamdani style" sari fabrics - they state that most are made in the 30 to 80 thread count range. Where the best reproduction so far has only gotten up to 300 thread count (again, each step done by hand, carding, spinning, and weaving), the original Dhaka muslin was made up to 1200 thread count, all hand made.
Thank you for sharing so much valuable information, Roxanne! You're always an inspiration ❗❗👍
That’s right about organizing and designing; form follows function. It helps with singular projects and it really helps when making multiples because the learning curve improves with familiarity.
Remember to give yourself a break, some space and a pat on the back for doing what you can under any circumstance.
I used to cut out patterns on the floor, too! My back can’t handle that any more, and thank goodness we now have an empty bedroom (with no video equipment in it😉) that I use for sewing. I have a table that’s simple to fold out wide for cutting, then fold up and push back to the wall. I’m so happy for you to be making organizing discoveries - it’s fun!🥰
I love the hat too! I'd love the pattern!!!
The link to the pattern is listed in the show notes. What I was describing were my mods to the pattern.
I love your reflections on organization. I, too, am trying to put together a studio where I can sew as well as knit, etc.
Very funny, made me laugh at you getting or putting your cloths away. Thank you for the laugh! Interesting on mending. I had to mend heels of socks I had knit my sister, interesting how each project sometimes as it’s own problem. Thanks very informative.
I love the hat, would you ever consider doing some kind of a knit along for the hat?
I want to make the hat too - my daughter lives in St Paul. It would be great to do it with a group!
Oooh! Me three! Love that hat! I’m not a very confident knitter, so would love a tutorial!
Btw, this is a wonderful vid! Your tidbits & info are so interesting! I, too, like Karen Brown & her quilting/organizing videos.
Perhaps the only thing I’ve known for many years that you don’t is the small thread catcher bag. I roll the top down on a small brown paper sack & put on the floor. 🤭
My late mum had that pattern for knitted underwear, I don’t remember seeing her knit any, so maybe it was knit for my dad before I was born, my mum used the dining table to cut on as did my nana before her, many wedding gowns were cut out on our dining table by my nana.
You are a lifesaver for me. My brain works much the same way as yours and you’ve taught me that I don’t have to do things like everyone else. I can make things work for the way I think. Thank you 1000 times for saving my creative life
I remember the underwear- commonly known as string vests when we were young.
Hi Roxanne! I love both your Casual Friday and Technique Tuesday videos! Will you be posting a project picture on your Ravelry page with your modifications for the 1898 hat? I have this pattern, but have not knit it yet. I love the idea of double thickness for crown. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and expertise!
I do have the project posted in my notebook, just haven't put a photo up yet! (It's called something like Variations on a Theme)
The health vests, helsetrøye, is actually a Norwegian invention and is really nice in cold climate. It doesn’t provide any health benefits per say, but the holes traps air that heats up when worn under an other article of clothing. It’s a bit like a birds feathers when they balloon up to keep the warmth. The health vest is a standard piece of the clothes worn by the military here.
And it’s made of cotton because it’s durable and easy to wash. My grandfather always wore one under his shirt.
Roxy, you did a beautiful repair on the tweed sweater you wore for this vid. I actually own the needlework encyclopedia. About a stitch to use to sew on the suede patches, how about using the back stitch as it could pick up all of the yarn on the backside. I almost always knit wool sweaters with yarn that have a bit of man made fiber to give it strength. Acrylics have come a long, long way, and nylon is almost indestructible.
I hadn't thought of back stitch, but that makes sense. I was thinking of whip stitch, which didn't appeal to me at all. Thanks for the suggestion!
I love watching karens vlogs, as she makes total sense. It's things I should already know, but she's the one that seems to make me aware, that the solution was always there, I just need to use it. My house is tidy, but god forbid if you open a cupboard or a door, you suddenly get buried with what ever I've managed to get in. My huge cutting mat, is under the settee.,where ever there's a space, I use it. 🤦🏼♀️💕
Someone else in the comments mentioned Clutterbug (another YT channel). She divides people into 4 organizational styles. You either like/need to see your stuff, or you like it hidden away; You either need macro organization (toss like items in a bin) or micro organization (separate categories/divisions for each item). You sound like a hide it/macro organization person, which she calls a Ladybug (and which is her organizational style; also my husband's!) Mine is see it/micro (I'm a Bee). It took me a while to recognize that I'm very organized, because I tolerate so much clutter, but that ability has to do with my finely-honed Selective Attention, where I can filter out distractions.
Roxy, if the patches are not already pre-hole punched, you can do that yourself with an awl and a board (soft wood). Tandy has a lot of free tutorials on how to mark and punch holes for sewing leather.
Thank you for taking us part of your organisation strategies. You remind me of myself with that functional befor pretty thing. A few years ago I find the youtube channel "clutterbug". She has touched me the most, as she makes four "organisation types of people". I am a butterfly in her world, which has to see the stuff, otherwise it gets lost in my mind, so I tend to have a lot of things lying around. So I organize mostly with see through boxes and labeling (not finished with all the stuff yet).....
I will have to look at clutterbug. I can usually find one or two tips from people who are enthusiastic organizers, but their "systems" don't usually work for me, so I'm always on the look out for something that will actually work for me.
Thanks for all your research and information sharing. I love the revelations about organization, light bulb moment !!!
Hi again. I will check out your Ravelry page for variation on a theme.
Ah - string vests!! (Vests in the British English sense of an undergarment rather than a sleeveless woollen.) I’m a Brit of a certain age and remember these from my childhood and youth. Even in the early ‘80s, my boyfriend‘s father wore them with the telltale shadow of them under a (usually polyester) shirt. Healthy maybe; repeatable, please not!
Is there a pattern you can recommend like the one you modified? I LOVE it but I’m assuming you haven’t written a new pattern for it. I’m too new a knitter to make it up myself.
The different linings may also make it easier to identify individual hats. I generally understand what you did to create these very practical hats but a more pattern-like explanation would be helpful. It's such a good project. Thank you.
Thank you for sharing your organizing revelations. Very honest and helpful. I need the help! Take care.
. Thanks Roxanne,the 'hat' is intreresting.
Really useful info on the thread count, thank you. Have you considered felted wool patches? If you addressed this option and I missed it, ignore my question.
So funny we are so much alike in that we like to be "organized" but it has to be convenient, not just look nice. I rearrange things often as I see there is a better way to do "it" basically because I just got rid of something via donation, trash or used up. My label maker is a good tool. (Especially if I changed where things are. lol)
Your 1898 hat technique is interesting; may I ask, would working the stockinette portion in double-knit be another option?
You could always make a lightweight reinforcement by using a small piece of cardboard & weaving a 'patch' for the inside at the elbow using sewing or quilting thread. It would be lightweight and invisible when sewn into the inside (wrong side) at the elbow.
When I was a teenager I used to cut on the floor. I'm too old for that now! Ouch.
Hi, Rox. Did you notice that your green duplicate stitches, visible at around 21:30, appear to spell "wow"? Appropriate, I'd say. :-)
Please can you record the mending process. I have a jumper that my husband is irrationally attached to badly in the need of repairing.
Thanks Again. Anne
Enjoyed this ! Thank you, not a tidy person either!ha
Liking your mending and sewing org solutions. Can't wait to see the reveal. Regarding the health underwear, do you think the yarn was a blend of cotton and linen which are supposed to be antimicrobial? And, I notice that they're a mesh fabric--do you think that was for breathability, trapping less yeast from heat and sweat? Thanks for a great podcast. --KateColors
I remember people especially men wearing that mesh underwear during the 1940s and early 50s.
Love the update.
hi Roxane i having problem with a shawl i bought in a book it is 50 shawl and wrap by maris noldee can y help me the shawl name Elyon thank you
Rox
Where did you get your book shelves? I desperately need a few!
Those are IKEA EXPEDIT units. They don't make them anymore, but they do make something similar, called KALLAX, in different colors than what you can see in my videos.
Wow, that "health underwear"!! My ex had about 1/2 dozen undervests just like these--manufactured, not hand knitted. I had never seen anything like them, and I don't believe I ever saw him wear them. (Guys just like to hang on to things, right?) I seem to remember the label said they were made in Sweden or something. My ex claimed they were supposed to keep you warm. Maybe they served as a layer to retain heat coming off the body? Who knows!?
Norway
The worn sweater elbow topic. Did u concider removing ur desk chair arms? Then there is nothing to rub ur elbows on. I am more of a sewer and I find arms on a chair r more in the way than helpful or comfortable. If u want the arms, perhaps cushion them and cover with smooth vinyl...a smooth surface may not cause as much friction and wear. Enjoyed ur chat as always.
Hi Roxanne.
Just a question for you, do you sign?
Do you mean sign language? No.
I love the hat!!!
Shave it to save it has a forum on Ravelry. Just an fyi.
Does anyone have a pattern fro mens crew neck vest? I don't use ravelry
The place to find a pattern would be a website that offers patterns. If you don't use Ravelry, then try websites for various yarn companies. Or do a general google search.
Thanks! I did try many but only found vintage patterns using fingering yarn and small needles. Maybe I can adapt a v neck vest to crew neck or just knit front and back of crew neck sweater.
I used to cut on the floor when I was sewing too, but a friend of mine used to have one of these: www.baraque.com.au/FoldawayCuttingTable/tabid/56/Default.aspx
I think you should not wear a sweater when you knit. Your projects will thrive and need no repair. Thanks for your great ideas and novel research.
Ruth
I love the hat!!