I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 113
I’ll Knit If I Want To is a popular podcast hosted by knitting enthusiast and author, Sarah Johnson. In each episode, Sarah interviews a different guest who shares their story of how they got into knitting and the projects they’ve been working on. Episode 113 of I’ll Knit If I Want To features guest, Mary, who is a professional knitter and designer.
Mary has been knitting since she was a child and has been a professional knitter for over 20 years. She has designed and created hundreds of projects, from sweaters and hats to scarves and blankets. Mary is passionate about knitting and loves to share her knowledge and experience with others.
In this episode, Mary talks about her journey into the world of knitting and how she got started. She shares her tips and tricks for getting the most out of your knitting projects and how to make sure you’re getting the best results. Mary also talks about the importance of taking care of your knitting tools and materials, as well as how to choose the right yarn for your project.
The episode also features a discussion about the different types of knitting stitches and how to use them to create beautiful projects. Mary shares her favorite stitches and how to use them to create unique designs. She also talks about the importance of blocking and how it can help to make your projects look their best.
At the end of the episode, Mary shares her thoughts on the importance of taking time for yourself and enjoying the process of knitting. She encourages listeners to take the time to enjoy the process of knitting and to not be afraid to make mistakes. Mary also talks about the importance of taking breaks and how it can help to keep your projects from becoming overwhelming.
FAQs
What is I’ll Knit If I Want To?
I’ll Knit If I Want To is a popular podcast hosted by knitting enthusiast and author, Sarah Johnson. In each episode, Sarah interviews a different guest who shares their story of how they got into knitting and the projects they’ve been working on.
Who was the guest on Episode 113?
The guest on Episode 113 was Mary, a professional knitter and designer.
What topics were discussed in Episode 113?
In Episode 113, Mary discussed her journey into the world of knitting, her tips and tricks for getting the most out of your knitting projects, the importance of taking care of your knitting tools and materials, the different types of knitting stitches, how to use them to create beautiful projects, the importance of blocking, the importance of taking time for yourself and enjoying the process of knitting, and the importance of taking breaks.
I use the cable cast on on both the knit side and the purl side. At the beginning of the purl row, just cast on purlwise, rather than knitwise, then purl the new stitches and proceed with purling the rest of the row.
Mercury in Retrograde was real for me this time around. We also had the stomach flu, and things have just been messy. Love the new pattern! All the best, Kimberly
Andrea…Love watching even more after spending the weekend with you in Pender. Came home to my kiddos with that same stomach bug, and then they gave it to me. XOXO hope to see you again soon
Wanderlust Knitter shared this on their channel recently re underarm cast ons and I've used it and it does seem to leave less holes https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8iNXyqbl38
Norwegian purl was a game changer for me. It did take a bit to get the hang of it but well worth the effort.
I also taught myself to knit during the pandemic with YouTube tutorials. I don't really have any knitters around me either.
I also started getting hand pain after a while (I didn't even know that there was a different style than English then!). For me it really helped to learn flicking so I didn't have to hold the whole weight of my project with one hand, and to switch from straight to circular needles. If I'm knitting a project with whole rows of purls, I now purl Portuguese style, which seems more comfortable. But I'm going to see if Norwegian purling might be good too!
Hi! In regards to the casting on of extr 19:50 , I’ve begun using the technique suggested by Julie of Cocoknits. When spanning from the front to the back of a sweater, she casts on two fewer stitches than needed and uses the backwards loop cast on.On the next row/round, she does a Make One at each end of the new stitches. This brings the count to the correct number and tightens up any loose, extra yarn. It works well!
Hello and thank you for your weekly podcast which never fails to make me cheery. I heard an off the cuff remark a couple of episodes ago to the effect that the drk everyday cowl would knit up well in aran weight and it does! Thank you. I was now pondering whether or not I could get away with knitting your velvet mirror cowl in dk. I have two special balls of dk mohair Colinette Parisienne that I have been looking for a project for, for years. I recently found 10 ply rowan that might work with them. Any ideas on which of your designs might work best?
My left pointer finger was getting crampy and hurty…. The Norwegian purl is a game changer!
Ahh, Levi is a sweet name! My favourite jeans in my youth. 🙂
I related to your response to the self-taught knitter soooooo much! I learned at 5, but never did much beyond a garter stitch potholder or two that were actually failed scarves. I retaught myself, around 19, with books because the internet wasn’t really a thing, yet! I was lucky enough to have a wonderful LYS. The owner was always willing to answer questions and help out. She saved more than one project before I learned to fix problems myself.
Ah! Me too about knitting through the back loop. I knit something like 150 beanies and few sweaters before a kind stranger on ravelry told me that I was twisting my knit stitches haha :DD
Thanks Andrea. Great tips on improving your knitting. Yes, it is a fab resource to chat with other knitters or your local yarn store, I always learn something new!
Such a fun episode with lots of different crafts. I admire that you decided to frog your weekender instead of pushing through. It is almost hard to end a started project than to start something. I am really looking forward to my kit I ordered from you. 😊
I taught myself to knit continental to alleviate pain in my Right shoulder. It took a year of practice after I found a style that didn't require a lot of change for my left hand holding the needle. My tension sucked in the beginning. I watched so many youtube videos to see how others do it, tried many, but fell on one that I was most able to do, then I just practiced with non important projects to master it. At first my Left hand hurt a lot, but it got better over time, not too long. Now I prefer continental but still use English style when I need it. Get the skill first, then work on the tension. The DRK everyday cowl is good practice for the knit stitch, I'm making one now.
So… the cowl… I think I can see more now how the three yarns play with each other. It was hard to see in the project photos. I’m actually not a huge fan of cowls because of some spinal issues I have the appearance of “no neck” and cowls look funny on me. Any reason why I couldn’t just make the same thing as a giant tube and put like ribbing or something on each end and just make a long scarf with the same stitch pattern? The stitch pattern is really cool. I know I’d probably need more yarn, of course… but, is there anything that should give me pause about doing this?
Thank you so much for your "I'll Knit if I Want To" podcasts. I don't know of anyone else who is doing what you are doing in answering knitters' questions. I know some do here and there, but to the extent you are doing. A lot can be learned in these podcasts and it's nice that you take the time to answer these weekly! I don't watch everyone, but I do enjoy watching and I almost always learn something from you! Thanks for all you do!
For the question about using your first, uneven handspun, I am currently knitting the Weekender with my first handspun and it is coming out soooo fabulous! The reverse stockinette seems to be very forgiving for my still not super consistent yarn 😊
Just learnt an alternative co, you wrap two loop on the needle and past 1st one over the other, repeat same for each stitch
Love your new patterns. Hope your son has a great birthday.
Arne and Carlos have some great YouTube videos on Norwegian knitting and purling that really focus on keeping your hands relaxed and healthy.
Hi Andrea, I watch all your knitting episodes. I look forward to them every Friday. Besides being addicted to knitting I also spin my yarn. I haven’t ventured out of the 2 ply, however. I always use my home spun yarn and I love the texture especially in stockinette stitch. It just makes stockinette stitches more interesting.
It might be “go go go” but you make it all look easy and fun! 😊
When casting on extra stitches, I use what I think is a form of the slip-knot cast on.
Love your sweater and cowl ❤❤
I have picked up the stitches for underarms into the first batch of cast ons. So the arms is instantly attached to the body. It looks real clean and it fits fine
I had that exact thing happen to me, Andrea! I taught myself (using various videos and such written instructions) how to knit and it wasn't until over a year in that I realized I had been doing all my knit stitches incorrectly. It wouldn't have been a big deal (at least I was consistent) but it was making all my stitches a bit bulkier. I figured it out from watching a tutorial that said it just the right way. I'm pretty sure you could have seen the lightbulb go off over my head.
That was a nice answer as to "why spin" question:) Also, I'm having that same tension problem teaching myself continental pearling. Thank you for suggesting Norwegian pearling. I thought about that, but dismissed it as too complicated. Now I'm going to give it a try.
I tried the norwegian purl. I felt like my purl stitches were way looser. I might need to give it another try because I don't like the mechanics of continental purling
I love the Chinese Waitress Cast On but am a little uncomfortable with the name so I’m happy that it’s now aka the Double Chain cast on. I use the last stitch as my foundation stitch so actually have to cast on one extra stitch to account for that. It’s a very stable cast on and easy to pick up later.
Andrea, you are wonderful and creatively brilliant. Thank you for being you and sharing
I am a cable cast on girl. Years ago when teaching others to knit, cable cast on never ran out of yarn…as opposed to long tail.
And it makes such a pretty edge…even in the underarm!
In response to the cast on for underarm question, I will cast on one extra stitch at each end and then immediately knit that together with the held stitch at each "corner" when working the first round of sleeve stitches. That helps to tighten things up for sure and if that doesn't completely do the trick, I'll dip down a row or two the next round at those same "corners", pick up a stitch from below and knit it together with the stitch on my needle. No holes this way. I hope that makes sense. 😊
Libraries often have knitting groups that meet weekly too!
Easy purl stitches with greek/portuguese knitting
OMG! I also learned to knit from Stitch N Bitch, and I JUST (well, recently) learned that I have been knitting through the back loop too. I mean, I loved that book because I was able to learn to knit from the pictures, but…
I hope you soon feels better so he can enjoy his birthday tomorrow!!!
As always, love your podcast. Your personality is my favorite way to start the weekend 😁
Great podcast thank you
You were talking about uneven yarn…. Uneven yarn is beautiful. Love it for what it is.