I just want to say, you are not in my family but I am still so proud of you and what you are doing. Going back to school is not easy, especially with family responsibilities. You are so smart to realize that your knitting time should be joyful. Go for the pleasure of knitting!
I always block out the squiggles of frogged yarn. I didn't once, when I made a top-figuring it would block out when the top was done. It didn't. There's a large patch on the back of that top that has a really uneven texture and gauge. You might be ok if it's just for socks, but considering your sock struggle...just do it. lol It won't be that much work. Leave it in a bowl of water while you brush your teeth then squeeze it out and let it hang to dry while you sleep. Done. Easy peasy!
I think it'd be a good idea to soak the yarns you reclaim from frogged projects. Yarn is precious and valuable and to knit when it's crinkly can be VERY uneven, adding a second layer of disappointment with it!! I have recently purchased a niddy-noddy for this purpose in order to re-skein when needed (I like the easy way to do things haha) . . . I'd frog it into a cake or ball, then skein it anyway you find easiest, securing it with ties just like when you purchased it. And soak for an hour or so. Hang to dry then re-cake or into a ball if you don't have a winder. It sound like a lot of work but the joy of having that yarn in pristine condition again makes it worth it! There'd be lots of videos on doing this, I'm sure. Good luck with it, whatever you decide to do. And please don't feel you have to reply to comments! Its such a commitment to just post a video, and I'm grateful just to see you on your videos ❤ Jen xx
I’m with you on enjoying the knitting and crocheting experience. Actually really like/love the end projects. If I’m not happy with it I don’t feel bad about ripping it out. I crochet a cardigan probably 2 years ago and never wore it. I finally ripped it out and I’m knitting a cardigan. I already see I will wear it. As in socks. I finally realized I need to use 2mm for my foot and 2.25 for my heel to cuff. Color work cuff 2.75. A lot of needles switching but it works for my feet. I’m working on Summer Lee November cuff club. So cute! Even though I hate weaving in ends. I love your blue/white beanie. So cheerful. Oh man I hate you are struggling. Lord, don’t stress over replying to comments. Take care of yourself. I’m about to start on my second Ranunculus. I love my first one I used hand dyed sport weight yarn. So, so soft. This one will be worsted but it’s cotton/linen with a little wool. I hope it will have drape. If it doesn’t it will get ripped out. 🤷🏻♀️
I started the Musselburgh hat a few days ago using sock yarn. I got as far as a few inches past increases and decided I really disliked the fabric it was making. Last night I ripped it out and started again with a dk weight yarn. I am much happier with how it’s looking now…and going much faster. I rewound the sock yarn and I will make a pair of socks out of it as is.
Don’t you even think twice about not answering comments! My motto in life is “everything is a stage of life” and in this stage you don’t have time to answer. A stage will come where you can do it. Just not now. And that’s ok! Enjoy your family and school. Love seeing your knitting / the wins and the fails. ❤
YES!! I save my precious skeins of favourites because I think they're too special and have to be saved for the perfect project! This is the year I knit what I want with them and if I have a bit left over that's fine, too! A plain Tee in a Spincycle is FINE! A hat with my souvenir Noro...why not? There's ALWAYS more yarn where that came from and I'm WORTH IT! lol
That's one of my goals this year - so being so precious with my "best" yarns. I have cashmere blends, a yak I got on clearance, some really amazing stuff that I kept "saving" for the best thing. Enter my best guy friend going into stage 4 at 50. I'm using the stuff while I can enjoy it. At minimum I'm using the yak this year and have a plan for it once I finished my unsettling amount of WIPs. I'm enjoying the things from now on.
Lena, always love your podcasts. I rip out a lot of projects, for various reasons, putting yarn on my niddy noddy (or you could use a large book) tying it and soaking it for awhile, hanging it to dry and then re-caking it. It is like using "new" yarn. It's probably because I am more of a process knitter, than a project knitter, but in the end it's all the same, we love to knit!
OMG this is why I watch! You are so right! I have lots of yarn in my stash I just can’t knit because I love it too much! It’s very silly! But there are many books I wish I could read again for the first time too.
OMG, I love the difference in the ribs of the socks because I just finished a sweater with 2x2 on one cuff and a 1x1 twisted rib on the other cuff. Sadly, I ripped it out!!!! I love the visual of a sewist showing up at practice/games with a sewing machine!!! Love you, love your style, honesty, joy and journey!! I am sorry to say that you should explore the practice of washing and re skeining the yarn from the hat, it will ultimately give you the best result but. . . if you want to try just steaming it out you could skein it up and try a steamer.
Wind it in a ball and leave it for a while; life is too short to faff on with skeins and soaking. Please do not apologise about not responding. It’s not necessary. We love to watch your podcasts and that is enough. Please be kind to yourself and don’t stress about it ❤
Loving your style 💚 I don’t mind at all re-using yarn directly from a failed project. If you make socks they will be another tight gauge so the crinkles won’t matter. Just wash and block at the end and they will be beautiful on your feet 💚
Hey Lena! You might try half twisted rib for the sock cuff and I would suggest using less stitches. I have a long slender foot with a skinny ankle as well. I usually use light fingering (437-462 yds/100g), cast on 60 stitches on a 2mm and I have even decreased out 4 extra stitches after the heel to fit my foot better. Another thing is, I do not use superwash merino because I find it to be terrible for socks. It stretches, they aren't as warm and my feet actually sweat in them. I personally like West Yorkshire Spinners, Opal, Regia, Lang Yarns, Rellana Garn. They are toothier so it depends how sensitive your feet are. A thicker yarn like Patons Kroy or Scheepjes is really good too. Lastly, I think there is a little getting used to hand knit socks that has to happen because they just don't have the elastic or rubber content that store bought socks do which give them that bounce back quality. Don't give up!
It's always great to see you! And, so true, not every project is THE ONE, no matter how we hope it will be. I've started stuff thinking it's gonna be great and suddenly either halfway or at the end, really take an objective look to find I hate it or it's never going to worn/used then frog and start over/start something new. Oh my goodness, never worry about replying to comments if you don't have time! Hope you have a great week!
I would love to see a musselburgh hat out of the bad egg on one side and the toasted coconut held with a mohair on the other side. That would look so good together.
I completely agree with knitting with the yarns that bring you joy. I also love knitting spincycle yarn by itself. As for your Ranunculus, yes a little bit of alpaca can add extra drape. Consider alpaca, cashmere and silk the same, they all add drape. There is nothing wrong with ripping out a project after you finished it, every mistake teaches you something new.
I think one thing we have to accept as knitters is that not every project will be a success. I have a pile of sweaters in the craft room waiting to be frogged! (I also hate that process). I try to learn something from every failed project (ie I hate the musselburgh hat, and the ranunculus is best with a drapey yarn), and I do think I’m getting better at choosing yarn for projects. I also try to avoid projects that are not process knits. It takes so long, you need to be enjoying the making of it. So I will probably never do an intarsia project, even though there are some gorgeous ones out there, because having too many strands of yarn attached to a project drives me nuts. I don’t enjoy the process. Good luck with school!
I'm also a Vuori lover. Just got their All The Feels leggings- I love that they come in Short. Sorry about the Rununculus. I'm learning that I don't love every FO, and that's ok. I still feel it's worth wearing these occasionally even if it's just for the love of the beautiful yarn.
I have made 4 ranunculus. I do a lot of waist shaping after splitting for sleeves. I don’t like the original shape so I make it my own. I probably decrease 1-2 inches starting about an inch after the split.
On your Musselborough- I’m so sorry it has been such an awful project for you! Personally, I never reskein and wash when I frog. I don’t mind knitting with ramen noodles, and I can’t see that it makes a difference in the final look of a blocked item. I wonder if part of the reason it turned out way too big and bunch is because it’s missing the intended second layer? It would have to be a little larger than a normal beanie to account for that, wouldn’t it? (I’ve not made it, so just a thought). The Ranunculus: I’m so sorry it didn’t turn out how you envisioned. That is so devastating, especially when it’s such a special yarn in a beautiful color. I hope you’re able to find a pattern where it can shine. Using Bad Egg: I’m the same way about using anything I think of as precious, and I’m trying really hard to have the philosophy of using it. Saving is such a hard mindset to get out of, though. I look back to my childhood where I would do things like save stickers and craft kits because I wanted to savor them, and now they’re still sitting in my parents house unused. Not because I didn’t want them, but because I wanted them too much. It makes me sad, and I don’t want to do that it my adult life. Seize the day-use the good yarn!
If you make your socks with a yarn that has nylon content wash AND DRY them in the dryer. This tightens them up. I have machine washed and dried socks that are 20 years old and still going strong. That said I don’t like my socks super tight. Not even a huge fan of negative ease in socks.
Don’t save the “precious” yarn. #hyprocrite here. Still have some vintage Plucky cashmere that I am “saving”. Maybe I need to cast on a Sophie hood with it….
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Please don't feel bad about not replying to comments. So happy when I see there is a new video from you. That is enough.
I'm always so happy when I reclaim yarn from a failed project. I wind it into a hank and soak it. Boom. Brand new yarn. Take a breath and do it!
I just want to say, you are not in my family but I am still so proud of you and what you are doing. Going back to school is not easy, especially with family responsibilities. You are so smart to realize that your knitting time should be joyful. Go for the pleasure of knitting!
I literally NEVER worry about previously used/crimped yarn and have NEVER had any problems - good luck!
Me too! I’m always too lazy for extra steps….with the red yarn if I rip it out I might have to be on the safe side and soak it…its too precious!
Same here!
I always block out the squiggles of frogged yarn. I didn't once, when I made a top-figuring it would block out when the top was done. It didn't. There's a large patch on the back of that top that has a really uneven texture and gauge. You might be ok if it's just for socks, but considering your sock struggle...just do it. lol It won't be that much work. Leave it in a bowl of water while you brush your teeth then squeeze it out and let it hang to dry while you sleep. Done. Easy peasy!
I think it'd be a good idea to soak the yarns you reclaim from frogged projects. Yarn is precious and valuable and to knit when it's crinkly can be VERY uneven, adding a second layer of disappointment with it!! I have recently purchased a niddy-noddy for this purpose in order to re-skein when needed (I like the easy way to do things haha) . . . I'd frog it into a cake or ball, then skein it anyway you find easiest, securing it with ties just like when you purchased it. And soak for an hour or so. Hang to dry then re-cake or into a ball if you don't have a winder. It sound like a lot of work but the joy of having that yarn in pristine condition again makes it worth it! There'd be lots of videos on doing this, I'm sure. Good luck with it, whatever you decide to do.
And please don't feel you have to reply to comments! Its such a commitment to just post a video, and I'm grateful just to see you on your videos ❤ Jen xx
I’m with you on enjoying the knitting and crocheting experience. Actually really like/love the end projects. If I’m not happy with it I don’t feel bad about ripping it out. I crochet a cardigan probably 2 years ago and never wore it. I finally ripped it out and I’m knitting a cardigan. I already see I will wear it.
As in socks. I finally realized I need to use 2mm for my foot and 2.25 for my heel to cuff. Color work cuff 2.75. A lot of needles switching but it works for my feet. I’m working on Summer Lee November cuff club. So cute! Even though I hate weaving in ends.
I love your blue/white beanie. So cheerful.
Oh man I hate you are struggling. Lord, don’t stress over replying to comments. Take care of yourself.
I’m about to start on my second Ranunculus. I love my first one I used hand dyed sport weight yarn. So, so soft. This one will be worsted but it’s cotton/linen with a little wool. I hope it will have drape. If it doesn’t it will get ripped out. 🤷🏻♀️
I started the Musselburgh hat a few days ago using sock yarn. I got as far as a few inches past increases and decided I really disliked the fabric it was making. Last night I ripped it out and started again with a dk weight yarn. I am much happier with how it’s looking now…and going much faster. I rewound the sock yarn and I will make a pair of socks out of it as is.
Don’t you even think twice about not answering comments! My motto in life is “everything is a stage of life” and in this stage you don’t have time to answer. A stage will come where you can do it. Just not now. And that’s ok! Enjoy your family and school. Love seeing your knitting / the wins and the fails. ❤
YES!! I save my precious skeins of favourites because I think they're too special and have to be saved for the perfect project! This is the year I knit what I want with them and if I have a bit left over that's fine, too! A plain Tee in a Spincycle is FINE! A hat with my souvenir Noro...why not? There's ALWAYS more yarn where that came from and I'm WORTH IT! lol
That's one of my goals this year - so being so precious with my "best" yarns. I have cashmere blends, a yak I got on clearance, some really amazing stuff that I kept "saving" for the best thing. Enter my best guy friend going into stage 4 at 50. I'm using the stuff while I can enjoy it. At minimum I'm using the yak this year and have a plan for it once I finished my unsettling amount of WIPs. I'm enjoying the things from now on.
Lena, always love your podcasts. I rip out a lot of projects, for various reasons, putting yarn on my niddy noddy (or you could use a large book) tying it and soaking it for awhile, hanging it to dry and then re-caking it. It is like using "new" yarn. It's probably because I am more of a process knitter, than a project knitter, but in the end it's all the same, we love to knit!
I’ll do that. Especially if I rip out the ranunculus. The yarn was too precious (and expensive!) to take the risk!
I just love your content! Knitting and all the rest! And I love the hat you’re wearing!
You’re amazing and give us such great advice. Please take care of yourself!❤
OMG this is why I watch! You are so right! I have lots of yarn in my stash I just can’t knit because I love it too much! It’s very silly! But there are many books I wish I could read again for the first time too.
OMG, I love the difference in the ribs of the socks because I just finished a sweater with 2x2 on one cuff and a 1x1 twisted rib on the other cuff. Sadly, I ripped it out!!!! I love the visual of a sewist showing up at practice/games with a sewing machine!!! Love you, love your style, honesty, joy and journey!! I am sorry to say that you should explore the practice of washing and re skeining the yarn from the hat, it will ultimately give you the best result but. . . if you want to try just steaming it out you could skein it up and try a steamer.
Wind it in a ball and leave it for a while; life is too short to faff on with skeins and soaking. Please do not apologise about not responding. It’s not necessary. We love to watch your podcasts and that is enough. Please be kind to yourself and don’t stress about it ❤
Loving your style 💚
I don’t mind at all re-using yarn directly from a failed project. If you make socks they will be another tight gauge so the crinkles won’t matter. Just wash and block at the end and they will be beautiful on your feet 💚
Hey Lena! You might try half twisted rib for the sock cuff and I would suggest using less stitches. I have a long slender foot with a skinny ankle as well. I usually use light fingering (437-462 yds/100g), cast on 60 stitches on a 2mm and I have even decreased out 4 extra stitches after the heel to fit my foot better. Another thing is, I do not use superwash merino because I find it to be terrible for socks. It stretches, they aren't as warm and my feet actually sweat in them. I personally like West Yorkshire Spinners, Opal, Regia, Lang Yarns, Rellana Garn. They are toothier so it depends how sensitive your feet are. A thicker yarn like Patons Kroy or Scheepjes is really good too. Lastly, I think there is a little getting used to hand knit socks that has to happen because they just don't have the elastic or rubber content that store bought socks do which give them that bounce back quality. Don't give up!
It's always great to see you! And, so true, not every project is THE ONE, no matter how we hope it will be. I've started stuff thinking it's gonna be great and suddenly either halfway or at the end, really take an objective look to find I hate it or it's never going to worn/used then frog and start over/start something new. Oh my goodness, never worry about replying to comments if you don't have time! Hope you have a great week!
I would love to see a musselburgh hat out of the bad egg on one side and the toasted coconut held with a mohair on the other side. That would look so good together.
I completely agree with knitting with the yarns that bring you joy. I also love knitting spincycle yarn by itself. As for your Ranunculus, yes a little bit of alpaca can add extra drape. Consider alpaca, cashmere and silk the same, they all add drape. There is nothing wrong with ripping out a project after you finished it, every mistake teaches you something new.
I love vuori!!! I am sitting here in a vuori top and lululemon pants. Love good soft clothing!! Haven’t tried socks at either place.
I think one thing we have to accept as knitters is that not every project will be a success. I have a pile of sweaters in the craft room waiting to be frogged! (I also hate that process). I try to learn something from every failed project (ie I hate the musselburgh hat, and the ranunculus is best with a drapey yarn), and I do think I’m getting better at choosing yarn for projects. I also try to avoid projects that are not process knits. It takes so long, you need to be enjoying the making of it. So I will probably never do an intarsia project, even though there are some gorgeous ones out there, because having too many strands of yarn attached to a project drives me nuts. I don’t enjoy the process. Good luck with school!
Maybe a tank, cap sleeve tee, or vest out of the lovely red Ritual Dyes yarn?
I'm also a Vuori lover. Just got their All The Feels leggings- I love that they come in Short. Sorry about the Rununculus. I'm learning that I don't love every FO, and that's ok. I still feel it's worth wearing these occasionally even if it's just for the love of the beautiful yarn.
I have made 4 ranunculus. I do a lot of waist shaping after splitting for sleeves. I don’t like the original shape so I make it my own. I probably decrease 1-2 inches starting about an inch after the split.
Get the linen quill that you know you love in that colour red to make the ranunculus?
That happened to me because my gauge changed as I got further along so I frogged
Dont worry breathe. This process should be positive. Don’t worry about responding.
Thank you friend 💚
On your Musselborough- I’m so sorry it has been such an awful project for you! Personally, I never reskein and wash when I frog. I don’t mind knitting with ramen noodles, and I can’t see that it makes a difference in the final look of a blocked item. I wonder if part of the reason it turned out way too big and bunch is because it’s missing the intended second layer? It would have to be a little larger than a normal beanie to account for that, wouldn’t it? (I’ve not made it, so just a thought).
The Ranunculus: I’m so sorry it didn’t turn out how you envisioned. That is so devastating, especially when it’s such a special yarn in a beautiful color. I hope you’re able to find a pattern where it can shine.
Using Bad Egg: I’m the same way about using anything I think of as precious, and I’m trying really hard to have the philosophy of using it. Saving is such a hard mindset to get out of, though. I look back to my childhood where I would do things like save stickers and craft kits because I wanted to savor them, and now they’re still sitting in my parents house unused. Not because I didn’t want them, but because I wanted them too much. It makes me sad, and I don’t want to do that it my adult life. Seize the day-use the good yarn!
Perhaps the Ranunculus would fit your sister in law? An awesome present all ready to go.
So true! I’ll have to think on that one. Thanks for a great idea.
Damnnnn $30 for 50 grams….but it is a color!
Please do not respond to comments…you’re doing great!
If you make your socks with a yarn that has nylon content wash AND DRY them in the dryer. This tightens them up. I have machine washed and dried socks that are 20 years old and still going strong. That said I don’t like my socks super tight. Not even a huge fan of negative ease in socks.
Yes I have done that and it nicely tightens everything up! I find that once I wear them, they loosen back out.
Don’t save the “precious” yarn. #hyprocrite here. Still have some vintage Plucky cashmere that I am “saving”. Maybe I need to cast on a Sophie hood with it….
Make it your goal this year to use that yarn!! I can fully understand the saving, but you’ll also make room for new precious yarn in your stash 😍