I’ll Knit If I Want To: Episode 117

Welcome to I’ll Knit (& Spin!) If I want To! I asked y’all to send in some of your questions (from everything from fiber arts, to designing and on!) so I could put together a little video for y’all every Friday doing my best to answer your questions!

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In this week’s episode we cover:

1. Hi Andrea, love your podcast, you are fabulous. This is a really random and probably really basic question. I am knitting your Inclinations Cowl. I am also a big life line fan! But, I put one in after a row 4 repeat in section one and for the first time in my life it failed me! For some reason I found it impossible to pick up what I think must have been the K1-b stitches from row 3. The stitches had all fallen way down in the life line so I had to try to fish them back up again through the correct loops. When I say it failed, I probably could have got them all back up, but it was taking a few minutes per stitch which was absolutely soul destroying! I had only done seven of the full row repeats, so I just frogged it. What I wanted to ask is whether there would be a better row to put my lifeline in. It would either have to be the row where we knit one below (first and third rows) or the return knit row. I usually put my lifelines in on a plain knit row, but do you think it would be better doing it on the knit one below row? Thank you for considering my question. I know it is a simple one, but I’m hoping not to get caught out again when I’m many more rows in.

2. Hi Andrea, do you have any tips on avoiding that little gap created by the stretched stitch after a cable? Not sure if it only happens to me, and it's not that noticeable but it drives me craaazy. Also, if you're not cabling without a needle (which I prefer too unless it's a big braid!), Would you mind sharing which tool you use? I've been using a dpn but I'd be happy to invest in something more suitable. :) Thank you so much! Combination purl!

3. I am trying to embrace some sweater knitting. At some point I have to stop knitting your shifts and cowls! I am currently working on the DRK everyday sweater. The top down construction and less seaming appeals to my “more knitting-less finishing” mentality. I have a question about the Barber cord accessories. I’ve heard you mention them and I picked a pair up while visiting your area…Portland, Maine. At Knitwit. Anyway, I was attempting to put all of the stitches onto the cords and it kept coming disconnected from my needle tip and the stitches were flying into nowhere mans land. The stress! Was I supposed to buy these in sizes? I am using an 8 needle. I love the idea of using these but now I am very wary. Any tips? Cheers Andrea.

4. Hi, Andrea, I love, love, love that brimmed Harlow hat made from your handspun yarn that you wore in Episode 115! I was wondering how you achieved that consistent self-striping repeat? Do you spin the yarn first, then dye it to self-stripe in that way, or do you use dyed fleece? Or did you attach different colorways of yarn to achieve the striping? The color combination is very striking! Thanks for all the knitting wisdom you generously share with us each week! 🥰🙏 Best, Allison

5. Hi Andrea! I really enjoy watching your YouTube video every Friday! Thank you so much! I’ve learned so many handy tips and tricks from you. I plan to knit Stria for your March to May knit along and I’m wondering about adding pockets. Will it be too challenging with the half fisherman’s rib stitch or maybe just won’t look good? I am knitting a sweater for my granddaughter where you stop and knit a strip for the pocket and then fold it in half and pick up the live stitches on the next row on the way back, purling….. ( you then need to sew up the sides of course….) would that maybe work? Thanks for your input, I won’t be too sad if pockets are not the best idea for that sweater….be brutally honest💕❤️

Afterthought Heel Tutorial:    • Afterthought Heel Placement  

I am wearing the Old Port Hat -
https://www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/o...
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

And Embrace Cowl -
https://www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/e...
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

Also shown: Harlow hat -
https://www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/h...
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

And DRK Everyday Cowl -
https://www.dreareneeknits.com/shop/d...
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...

DRK Spin It to Knit It…Along - Weekender Style - Ravelry Forum:
https://www.ravelry.com/discuss/drear...

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