First episode? You're a natural! 3,000 subscribers right out of the gate? You're going to be HUGE! Great personality, great aesthetic, great vibe, great hair. I can't wait for episode 2. 😍
You have the perfect podcast personality 🥹 I so often get bored or rubbed the wrong way as a beginner knitter and you truly are so special. So excited to see more of you and your projects ❤️
I am a new knitter and believe me when i tell you, i have been watching ALOT of knitting podcasts. And YOURS is wonderful. Can’t wait for your next episode!
Please keep making videos! I feel so lucky to have stumbled across your very first episode. Tonight I finished a sweater and realized it's awful. I needed a little knitting pick me up, and you brought it. Much gratitude!
This was so hilarious about the cabled sweater! I laughed and laughed. Please do this more often, you are so funny! I am a knitter too and it was so recognizable!
Loved spending time with you. You are a complete natural. Wash your mouth out …… “ I have to stop knitting shawls”…..WHAT!?! Never. Knit what makes you happy. #itsmyknittingillcastonifiwantto xxxx
Ruth! I was so happy to have a new podcast from you this week! You're always a delight even when you aren't feeling well. 🙏🏿 Thank you so much for your kind words ☺️ Not to worry and no soap in the mouth needes as I can't stop knitting shawls until I've at least finished the next 4 plus the 2 on the needles 🙈🤣
Oh just unravel…... You totally don’t need to cut that it’s top down. Maybe a brief time out would help and then tackle that sweater! Your MKL is great! Love the way it looks on.
I wish I was in your local knitting circle!!! Continue to knit what you love - you can never have enough shawls!!!! If you do find that you have too many - give them to someone struggling in life. It is your ability to be with them and give them a hug when they need it!!!
I get the Stephen's obsession, his patterns are honestly some of the best I've ever worked with. Not only the finished pieces are gorgeous and unique, but the patterns are SUPER engaging and you learn a tonne of new techniques every time (at least I do, i've only been knitting for three years). And they are so easy to follow? Just straight up follow what he says even if in your head it doesn't make sense and it comes out perfectly. Great first podcast!
Rip it Girl! If you love the yarn and the cables, imagine how great it will be when you get the pattern right. I knitted Andrea Mowery's Shifty sweater from the neck to waist, and ripped the whole thing back to the neck line, and re-knit it. Now it is my favorite sweater! It was worth all the ripping and redoing.
Greetings from Scotland…Thank you so much Sarah for this delightful and inspiring video… so nice to have a new knitting friend to spend time with 🥃🥃🏴💐
Hi Sarah. Knitting is not one of my favorite hobbies. 😢 I learned to knit American style 50 plus years ago. I'm now 64 and trying to knit continental style. Only knitting now, purl looks hard. I have a bad tremor is a deterrent for me. I love crocheting, weaving, sewing...making quilts and using my embroidery machines!! I'm glad I found you too!! If only you lived closer to me!!❤️
Great to see a hometown girl doing a podcast. I love that that the eastside has been blessed with Fiddlesticks! For 2022 I had a goal of learning sweater construction for my body. I ended up cutting 2 sweaters and reknitting. It's what we do. I love all your color choices. If you don't wish to wear your Steven West shawl, hang it on the wall and call it art. We spend too much time and money on our knits not to display them.
Ok, another person who loves EVERY fiber art in the universe! Also, I collect yarn, fabric, spinning wool, thread . . . . I no longer have a craft room. I have a craft house. You are correct. It’s not hoarding.
Love your podcast! I so appreciate your sense of humor and pleeeeease pleeeease talk about all your yarn acquisitions. I could watch and listen to you discuss all the yarn, I’m a yarn nerd myself. It’ll never be boring! Also I can feel in good company as I’m also a keen collector of fibre 😂
You are a talented lady. Lovely to see a black lady showing her love of the fibre arts. Enjoying your podcasts from Kettering in England.. I am an other black knitter who share your love of creative arts. So enjoyable watching you
"And then I raised my arm." "Let me just put this on." I love your humor about the whole thing! 🥰 I agree, the sweater needs to be longer so you can raise your arms. I look forward to the next episode to see how it turned out with adding length at the bottom. As for the Stephen West shawl, his shawls are huge IMHO. I feel like he doesn't write/design them to be worn as a traditional shawl over the shoulders. It's written/designed to be worn wrapped around the neck and shoulders. So no need for a shawl pin? As a fellow Cheesehead I know how cold those Wisconsin winters can get, so having a huge Stephen West shawl (or four) to keep you warm is going to be a benefit. Again, I look forward to the next episode. You did a fantastic job as a first time podcaster!!
So delighted to have stumbled on your podcast! How refreshing to have found someone with a sense of humor, taste (no bunnies or pink ruffles), self-acceptance, great attitude……..I could go on. Are you a full-time knitter? And you solve my major pet peeve with most stash busters: yes, pets. Why do so many of them think I want to see their puppies and kitties?
Oh my gosh, I’m so delighted I found your podcast! Your first podcast?? You are so comfortable in front of the camera! I love your enthusiasm, candor, and humor! Your backdrop and lighting are so great! You are the whole package! I can’t wait for the next episode!!
For sure...you are right. Those stashed absolutely do not count! Omg....that is a lovely sweater! So sharp...until you move your arm. Oh snap. That is so frustrating! Maybe you could give it to a friend??? It is beautiful. Give it a year to rest in your mind and fix the pattern to make. Iove that purple Steven West shawl. Your color choice is the best yet!
I'm always so impressed when knitters on UA-cam make videos talking straight to camera for more than half hr. I would run out of things to say in 10 mins.
Anyone who knows me knows I never run out of things to say... It's part of why I started this channel. To spare my local knitting friends ceaseless chatter 🤣
I love your energy, you send out so much joy, thank you! Your lovely cowl has the color of your lips, that is why it suits you so well. Your cable sweater deserves to be frogged and reknit from the middle of the yoke, it will be such a delight for you and you will be so proud of it. I suggest you do it in 3 steps: 1) write down the stitch numbers and changes you want to make. Then put it away. 2) another day frogg it to the middle of the yoke and put it away. 3) One month later, schedule to reknitt using your notes. Looking forward to see you next podcast… love from pat in Switzerland
Thank you so much for making me giggle and laugh! It's been a bit of a rough winter so far, but you rocked my world! Thank Ruth Lives To Knit for tuning many of us in to your podcasts. Keep them coming!
I am an Texas girl living in Iowa. I totally agree with the weather.. I've been ready for colder weather, and we have not gotten much snow... I'd love to get a good snow! Love your Slipstravanga! It was so much fun to do! The bigger border is totally worth it!
😆😆😆"They're not WIPS, they're in the closet". Arms up....oh my goodness, that is definitely a fitting issue and a weird one. It would be absolutely stunning as a cape; maybe just remove the sleeves? It is truly beautiful on you so I hope you find a solution you like. However, I think, sleeves starting at the waist will still cause a problem when you lift your arms no matter how much longer you make the sweater. Your concept for lengthening sounds good though. Love the hot pink and greys together! I really enjoyed your chat about the Holst yarn in regard to your shawl and like the idea of talking about your yarn acquisitions ("Those are the ones who have my hair"...you have made me laugh so often in this past hour. Thank you so much). Looking forward to future episodes. HUgs
Just saw your podcast and thought I’d listen for a minute. What a joy you are. I feel like we’re having a glass of wine and discussing our craft. I’m a quilter and a crochet person and have no idea what you’re talking about. But…. I’m enjoying every minute of your podcast so much that I subscribed.
Thoroughly enjoyed your sharing your knitting knowledge and experiences with. Please keep sharing your knit, crochet, and fiber life as you are a pleasure to share time with. 🏵
Thank you for speaking to my inner knitting, fiber, fashionista. My heart reached out to you when you lifted both arms, and the sweater sat on your chest. The angst, the pride, the crazy of what to do then, the end product doesn’t work, but is beautiful. How to explain the passion and puzzle of knitting for your body. Hmmmm. Just thank you. Really, thank you for speaking so very clearly to my inner fiber demon.
This was great. I love your natural humour. I'm glad you decided to share your yarn journey with us through youtube videos and look forward to many more. By 18 minutes in I found myself chuckling out loud. You hit my pet peeve with the sleeve drama. I find myself constantly checking the under arm of pictures of (particularly) top down patterns to see if there is any chance the finished object is going to ride up with a raised arm. So many do. Your example is such a good one. Kind of like an exaggeration to make a point lol. Lately I've taken to adding short rows under arms to "replace" fabric that would be there if the sweater was a flat knit construction with a straight body and set in sleeves. I too am a recent discoverer of Stephen West. I saw people doing last year's MKAL here on UA-cam after returning to my knitting journey mid last year. After making progress with my knitting skills and debating about my capacity I decided to join this year's MKAL. My first MKAL of anything. I made my decision, after a lot of umming and uhhing, early in September. The thing is, apart from not being one to like doing nothing while waiting, I decided to have a go at a Stephen West shawl while I was waiting. To see how I might go before the event, right? We have time right? I could easily have done many other things taking not nearly so much time. I did not get it finished by the time of the MKAL. Nearly finished but one section to go, and a long one. So I found myself with 2 shawls on the go in October and I've never been a shawl maker or wearer. I did not expect to keep up with the MKAL but I did. On finding myself with time after clue 3, which I completed quickly with some kind of binge mode knitting, I got back to the first shawl and managed to finish it just before the last clue came out for the MKAL. I was pretty burned out from knitting by this time but plugged though and finished my shawl by the last day of the month. Strangely, I was so high on managing to finish 2 SW shawls in 2 months that I started a Vertices Unite to see why everyone seemed to make a fuss over it being enjoyable. It was, and I finished that shawl in November. I've got yarn hitting the needles now for a Doodler and some waiting to be an Exploration Station. I just bought the Winter Lights pattern and the Starflake. What is happening to me????
I so loved your first podcast, Sarah! If you're ever looking for black sport weight yarn again, a couple of good options are The Farmer's Daughter Fibers' Recollect in the Legend colorway, and Lovely Valley Wool's Merino-Rambouillet natural black. Happy knitting!
Okay, I am SOOO happy to have found you today. I loved your humor and how you really called out the reality of things. We take more time trying to save time..... EXACTLY that! I am so looking forward to seeing more from you. I did anticipate your sweater problem when you talked about your torso length and the yoke depth, but I laughed out loud when you did show and tell. We have ALL been there.
I am so very happy Ray and Kevin, at @needlesattheready mentioned your podcast. I enjoyed every minute of this first episode and can't believe it's just the first one! I'm looking forward to following your creative adventures and admiring your projects.
You might have just become one of my top five knitting podcasters! So fun! I needed the laughter and it was abundantly provided! I loved the contrast of a carrot eating alpaca vs a celery eating alpaca! I loved that I can redefine myself as a collector not a hoarder! Amy Palco uses the acronym SABLE. Stash acquired beyond life expectancy-- my question how many life times are allowed!? I loved your first episode and can’t wait for more!!! BTW I bought yarn for Twist and Turn and quit on it- wasn’t a fan of the finished project- looked like the Queen of Hearts from Alice In Wonderland but another West shawl will prevail! Thanks for a great podcast!❤
I have never seen a first potcast, who is so very good. You make me smile. I love your personality, amazing. Please go for more. I am waiting. Greetings from germany. My twin says to me, you must look that girl, she was so wright. We both send you hugs💜🧡💛💚💙💗❤
You’re so natural, smart and warm, I felt like we were having a sit-and-knit together! Glad I found you. Good luck! 🎉. (I agree, acquisitions talk is boring unless linked to choice of a pattern.)
Love your first podcast! I enjoy how Kevin & Ray of Needles at the Ready refer to their stash - the pantry. Most of us probably have a well-stocked pantry!
You are my new favorite crafting podcast!😊 I feel like I’m in the room with you chatting, I looking forward to more episodes. Congrats on getting started.
I lived in Madison for 10+ years and miss it. The last time I was in town, I stopped by Fiddlesticks and really enjoyed seeing the shop. I've had a similar experience with a Malabrigo colorway - PearlTen does a similar brown/purple switch. I've knit the Hipster and the Lightweight Hipster, but I didn't realize there was a cowl. It looks so squishy and cozy!
Great first podcast! Shoutout from another Wisconsin knitter. The cabled sweater that rides up - I think it will continue to ride up, no matter how long you make the body, because of how low the armpit is placed. If you want that to stop happening, you will need to rip back further and work the separation of body and sleeves sooner. As it is, the shape is not a traditional sweater, it's a more of a poncho with long cuffs. If that's what you're aiming for, you're good. If not, you still may not be pleased, even with more length.
You made me laugh so hard when you raised your arms!!! You are very entertaining. I will be back for more. I have learned from many knitters that we will make mistakes but we keep on going. We do not give up.
That grey and pink is everything!😍🥰 Loved this episode. Thanks for sharing your humor with us, now I understand why you have 2.7K views on a first episode! 😅😂😂🤣Congrats! PS jewel is a neckline, bracelet is sleeve length.
What a joy to listen to you as I knit before going to work this today! What am I knitting? A Stephen West sweater. And I have the Spectra kit sitting in a basket . And his Hiberknitting book is in my office (luckily, I only have to go to work in the next room). No shame in being obsessed. Seriously, he is presenting us with instructions on creating modular wearable sculpture. EMBRACE IT !!! Also, I am a native Wisconsinite and YES where is the wool worthy cold? It will come. It always does. And did you say Brioche? I too have decided to teach myself brioche this winter. It was great being able to relate to your journey. I admire the volume of your work. Suggestion...if the stiff gray cone yarn is not to your knitting pleasure, perhaps make some yardage into a hank and rinse it. I do that with all my yarn. (obviously, with the yarn I spin, but also commercial or indy dyed stuff). You may love it more. I have no idea how when you will find time to make another video, but I will be so happy when you do! Thank you. Also...thanks for the heads up on GalPaca. I ordered a pound of roving! So exciting. Never mind that I have 4 bags of raw fleece in the closet...and you think you ramble. Sister you have no idea. Many thanks for putting your vision out here for us all to enjoy.
What a lovely message! Thank you so much and that roving must be heavenly!! I haven't spun in a minute but... Maybe I'll get the wheel out and practice before the next Sheep and Wool!
To a fellow short-waister, I feel your pain! I love your podcast❣I look forward to more. You inspire me to pick up my Stephen West twisted turns again. I'm anxious to see your progress on the magnificent 7 shawls. Till then, Mona 🧶💚🧶
You. Are brilliant. Sooo glad Kevin and Ray from Needles at the Ready mentioned your podcast! I’m really looking forward to your next epi, and the ongoing sweater saga 😂
Thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and seeing all of your projects. Good luck altering your cabled sweater. It is so beautiful and definitely worth the extra effort to make it comfortable to wear. Love all of your shawls, and the color schemes you’ve chosen. Future you will be so happy you made all of them.
I understand you so much: going from being who’s Stephen West to wanting to knit everything he does. I didn’t get it until I had one on my needles… he knows how to bring joy in knitting. Congrats on your first podcast, I look forward to the next!
Nice to meet you on your first episode. You definately have fallen down the Steven West rabbit hole. Do what makes you happy. You have great energy! Keep it up. Would love a peek at the Montreal knit shop if you get a chance. Take us along shopping. 😊
Oh dear. The sweater fit. I feel your pain, from one who has “reknit” three sweaters this year due to size issues. But now I can wear them😉. The sweater is gorgeous and you will be so happy when it is fixed. Great first podcast.
Yeah... I'm definitely gonna be happier once it's wearable. I think I'll try one more time. After that it's frog city and a yarn timeout 🤣 Thanks for watching ☺️
Hi Sarah, so glad you decided to do a podcast. and then I raised my arms…..OMG you are so funny! I too love your sweater and would be determined to find a solution. You’ll do it, I know you will. Happy knitting I’ll be waiting for you to you post Episode 2. PS forgot to tell you how lovely Malabrigo Rios colorway is with your completion…..it’s a beautiful cowl on you!
Hello from a fellow Wisconsinite! I love your sense of humor, and I appreciate your love of black and gray. Breaking Yarn has a hand-dyed black named Jane Margolis. 6 months of winter, indeed. ☃️
delightful! You seem so relaxed and comfortable doing this. Keep going. Confessions of a shawl knitter... nothing wrong with shawls, they're easy to wear, fun to knit and play with different colors/fibers/techniques. Love shawls. Look forward to 2nd episode.
HI! So happy to have found your podcast. I am so happy to hear that you love all fiber as well. I love Knitting, cross stitch, needlepoint, quilting and sewing! Lol! Looking forward to following you! Welcome!!
You are so fun to watch. I too feel the same about my knits. If I'm not going to wear it, I will either rip it out entirely or give it away. I like to knit so it really doesn't bother me and I do also love the finished projects. The satisfaction of completing something you love versus something you're like "Meh" is totally different and worth the effort. Think about cutting and grafting before you do it though. That's a lot of dark stitches and in rib. It's not a walk in the park. It might take you less time to reknit it than cut it off. I'd rather reknit but that is me. I've grafted a lot but never in rib and it was a pain with just the same type stitches. Good luck and you're right the yarn is stunning with those cables. Now back to watching!
I'm so glad I found your podcast! You are so entertaining and glad you fell down the Westknit rabbit hole too! Yes, a collector of fine fiber and not a hoarder. I'm excited to watch the rest of your episodes and follow you on your journey.
In no particular order: Happy Birthday! I hope you finished your shawl on time. The colours remind me a lot of very Scottish thistle-y colours. The alpaca may have been having a better hair day when you met her, but your hair was fabulous in this video. If your Midori Hiroshi pullover is the perfect length and fit except for the sleeves starting at your waist, then I hate to say it but pulling it all back and putting the sleeves in at a more standard arm-hole length might be better than just adding length? It does fit beautifully as long as you don't, you know, move. Anyway that's what I remember, I hope you're enjoying your Stephen west shawls and I loved your first podcast, you're a natural and I want to be besties. Thank you for sharing with us!
You are such a delight! So happy I found you. Your knits are inspiring and its nice to see that even a seasoned knitter can have projects that don't quite turn out like planned. I can't wait to see all your shawls. Be safe in your travels and Happy Birthday. I look forward to all your future podcasts.
I came to you after listening to Taylor st Wool Needles Hands. I enjoyed this episode very much - when you raised your arm I nearly spit my cocktail 😂. Please come back regularly - we need you in this space- I’m from Racine/Kenosha area - more Wisconsin representation! 😊 congratulations on a great first podcast (and enjoy your vacation!)
For the hidori sweater, I would remove the ribbing and do short rows under each of the arms to make more length there and then do some more length on the body. That will still keep it kind of cropped. Also, enjoyed the podcast immensely. Welcome to UA-cam! Hope you will continue to film!
You have such a beautiful personality! I found you because of Wool Hands Needles. I haven't seen any of your other podcasts, and I know this was published a year ago, but if the smoke/tweed cabled sweater is still a thorn in your side, maybe rip out the bottom and sleeves and make it into a capelet? It's so beautiful, I hate to think of you frogging the entire thing!
I loved your first episode. I found myself laughing out loud along with you. You are so funny and comfortable in front of the camera! You are right, you can’t flash the girls when raising your arm. Rip that baby back and add some length. Looking forward to future episodes. Have a happy holiday season!
Oh boy thank you for that! You are hysterical. I totally relate to your Snowy Forest dilemma since I just blocked mine. And the Twist and Turns shawl!! Haha… just did that one too. Looking very forward to your next installment. Yarn hoarders unite!
Needles at the Ready sent me! Your podcast is fabulous...and your color combo for the Twists & Turns MKAL is my new obsession!! Looking forward to seeing your next episode.
Hi Sarah. I’m glad I found you early in your podcasting. Knit what you what is what I’ve learned over the years , so if it’s another shawl, just enjoy it! Take care Rosy
Came here on Wool Needles Hands' recommendation, and so happy I did! I felt seen. I'm in Montréal all the time (as in, I live here) so if you're looking for LYS recommendations or some yarn shopping company, don't be afraid to reach out!
Hi! I just discovered your podcast and am delighted to say I'm a neighbor! Fiddlesticks is also my LYS! I'll be watching all the rest of your episodes now to catch up 😁 I occasionally dye yarn, and I will agree- it's hard to get a true, saturated, jet black- though I have achieved it once when I was dyeing yarn for a sweater. cheers! -Melissa
You can skein up the Holst and wash it with a little wool wash to soften it. I did that with a bright pink Supersoft that I had because I was worried about it bleeding. (It didn’t.) That does make it softer, but it’s never going to feel like superwash merino. ;)
I can certainly relate!!! Re knitting my garments at least once seems to be my MO. Some times I knit looser. Working on a hat for my daughter and boy is it knitted tight. Ugh. Half my wips are projects I tried to change something on and got bogged down and put it in time out. Now I’m working on finishing those projects in between gifts so I won’t feel guilty about new cast ons 😂😂
So very happy to see another Black knitter here on UA-cam and immediately subscribed; beautiful makes and great podcast!
Same!! I hit subscribe & then pressed play, and was loving every minute of it!!
Yes!! Thank you ☺️
Yay! Glad the UA-cam algorithm recommended you.
We all did the same thing!! 😂 I love the support and love ❤️
Same sentiments! I’m so glad to see you and really enjoyed the podcast. I hit like & subscribed immediately and hope to see you soon.
“And then I raised my arm” 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 ...you are a breath of fresh air....can’t wait for next episode 🏴🌟🏴🇬🇧
Thank you ☺️
ME TOO!! 😊
“As knitters we make more work for ourselves, trying to do less work. That’s what we do.” That spoke to me.
I was actually nodding my agreement!
Please, please, please do this regularly… no pressure 😂😂😂. I love your story telling style and your dry humor. 💗💗💗
Thank you so much! I'm usually so random so I'm you enjoyed it 🤣🙌🏿
Agreed!
"I see the pattern. I buy the yarn and don't cast it on." You are speaking my language. Loved this!!
First episode? You're a natural! 3,000 subscribers right out of the gate? You're going to be HUGE!
Great personality, great aesthetic, great vibe, great hair. I can't wait for episode 2. 😍
You had me laughing how you explain the sweater/hem problem! Love your humor despite to deal with frustration.😄
Lmao! "I am not a hoarder. We do not use that word in this craft house..." That hit my soul! 😂
Really a first time podcaster??? Wow, you're so relaxed and natural at it. Loved it!
You have the perfect podcast personality 🥹 I so often get bored or rubbed the wrong way as a beginner knitter and you truly are so special. So excited to see more of you and your projects ❤️
I already commented, but agree here. Not a new knitter. I run through many postings, this is SO enjoyable! Subscribing now!! Thank you!!
Laughing out loud 🤣🤣🤣 You are like a breath of fresh air 😄Congratulations to this wonderful first episode 👏👏👏
I am a new knitter and believe me when i tell you, i have been watching ALOT of knitting podcasts. And YOURS is wonderful. Can’t wait for your next episode!
Please keep making videos! I feel so lucky to have stumbled across your very first episode. Tonight I finished a sweater and realized it's awful. I needed a little knitting pick me up, and you brought it. Much gratitude!
Gosh, I loved this episode. Your humor & conversation = pure joy.
This was so hilarious about the cabled sweater! I laughed and laughed. Please do this more often, you are so funny! I am a knitter too and it was so recognizable!
Loved spending time with you. You are a complete natural. Wash your mouth out …… “ I have to stop knitting shawls”…..WHAT!?! Never. Knit what makes you happy. #itsmyknittingillcastonifiwantto xxxx
Ruth! I was so happy to have a new podcast from you this week! You're always a delight even when you aren't feeling well. 🙏🏿
Thank you so much for your kind words ☺️ Not to worry and no soap in the mouth needes as I can't stop knitting shawls until I've at least finished the next 4 plus the 2 on the needles 🙈🤣
Oh just unravel…... You totally don’t need to cut that it’s top down. Maybe a brief time out would help and then tackle that sweater! Your MKL is great! Love the way it looks on.
That's looking more and more likely 😬🙈 It is in time out as I furiously knit my Slipstravaganza border. We'll see how I feel on Sunday 🤣
So happy to have discovered you today! What a delightful podcast. I was smiling all the while.
Thank you so much ☺️
I wish I was in your local knitting circle!!! Continue to knit what you love - you can never have enough shawls!!!! If you do find that you have too many - give them to someone struggling in life. It is your ability to be with them and give them a hug when they need it!!!
I get the Stephen's obsession, his patterns are honestly some of the best I've ever worked with. Not only the finished pieces are gorgeous and unique, but the patterns are SUPER engaging and you learn a tonne of new techniques every time (at least I do, i've only been knitting for three years). And they are so easy to follow? Just straight up follow what he says even if in your head it doesn't make sense and it comes out perfectly. Great first podcast!
Rip it Girl! If you love the yarn and the cables, imagine how great it will be when you get the pattern right. I knitted Andrea Mowery's Shifty sweater from the neck to waist, and ripped the whole thing back to the neck line, and re-knit it. Now it is my favorite sweater! It was worth all the ripping and redoing.
Greetings from Scotland…Thank you so much Sarah for this delightful and inspiring video… so nice to have a new knitting friend to spend time with 🥃🥃🏴💐
Hi Sarah. Knitting is not one of my favorite hobbies. 😢 I learned to knit American style 50 plus years ago. I'm now 64 and trying to knit continental style. Only knitting now, purl looks hard. I have a bad tremor is a deterrent for me.
I love crocheting, weaving, sewing...making quilts and using my embroidery machines!! I'm glad I found you too!! If only you lived closer to me!!❤️
Great to see a hometown girl doing a podcast. I love that that the eastside has been blessed with Fiddlesticks! For 2022 I had a goal of learning sweater construction for my body. I ended up cutting 2 sweaters and reknitting. It's what we do. I love all your color choices. If you don't wish to wear your Steven West shawl, hang it on the wall and call it art. We spend too much time and money on our knits not to display them.
Ok, another person who loves EVERY fiber art in the universe! Also, I collect yarn, fabric, spinning wool, thread . . . . I no longer have a craft room. I have a craft house. You are correct. It’s not hoarding.
Love your podcast! I so appreciate your sense of humor and pleeeeease pleeeease talk about all your yarn acquisitions. I could watch and listen to you discuss all the yarn, I’m a yarn nerd myself. It’ll never be boring! Also I can feel in good company as I’m also a keen collector of fibre 😂
Hahahhaha ! We'll see... The sheer volume of my acquisitions gives me pause. But us collectors do need to support each other 🤣🙈
You are a talented lady. Lovely to see a black lady showing her love of the fibre arts. Enjoying your podcasts from Kettering in England.. I am an other black knitter who share your love of creative arts. So enjoyable watching you
"And then I raised my arm."
"Let me just put this on." I love your humor about the whole thing! 🥰 I agree, the sweater needs to be longer so you can raise your arms. I look forward to the next episode to see how it turned out with adding length at the bottom. As for the Stephen West shawl, his shawls are huge IMHO. I feel like he doesn't write/design them to be worn as a traditional shawl over the shoulders. It's written/designed to be worn wrapped around the neck and shoulders. So no need for a shawl pin? As a fellow Cheesehead I know how cold those Wisconsin winters can get, so having a huge Stephen West shawl (or four) to keep you warm is going to be a benefit. Again, I look forward to the next episode. You did a fantastic job as a first time podcaster!!
So delighted to have stumbled on your podcast! How refreshing to have found someone with a sense of humor, taste (no bunnies or pink ruffles), self-acceptance, great attitude……..I could go on. Are you a full-time knitter? And you solve my major pet peeve with most stash busters: yes, pets. Why do so many of them think I want to see their puppies and kitties?
Oh my gosh, I’m so delighted I found your podcast! Your first podcast?? You are so comfortable in front of the camera! I love your enthusiasm, candor, and humor! Your backdrop and lighting are so great! You are the whole package! I can’t wait for the next episode!!
For sure...you are right. Those stashed absolutely do not count!
Omg....that is a lovely sweater! So sharp...until you move your arm. Oh snap. That is so frustrating!
Maybe you could give it to a friend??? It is beautiful. Give it a year to rest in your mind and fix the pattern to make.
Iove that purple Steven West shawl. Your color choice is the best yet!
I'm always so impressed when knitters on UA-cam make videos talking straight to camera for more than half hr. I would run out of things to say in 10 mins.
Anyone who knows me knows I never run out of things to say... It's part of why I started this channel. To spare my local knitting friends ceaseless chatter 🤣
I love your energy, you send out so much joy, thank you!
Your lovely cowl has the color of your lips, that is why it suits you so well.
Your cable sweater deserves to be frogged and reknit from the middle of the yoke, it will be such a delight for you and you will be so proud of it.
I suggest you do it in 3 steps:
1) write down the stitch numbers and changes you want to make. Then put it away.
2) another day frogg it to the middle of the yoke and put it away.
3) One month later, schedule to reknitt using your notes.
Looking forward to see you next podcast… love from pat in Switzerland
Thank you so much for making me giggle and laugh! It's been a bit of a rough winter so far, but you rocked my world! Thank Ruth Lives To Knit for tuning many of us in to your podcasts. Keep them coming!
You’re really really really good 💖💖💖💖💖 seriously really good
Thank you so much ☺️
I am an Texas girl living in Iowa. I totally agree with the weather.. I've been ready for colder weather, and we have not gotten much snow... I'd love to get a good snow!
Love your Slipstravanga! It was so much fun to do! The bigger border is totally worth it!
Lol! When you pretended you were watching a basketball game and it just flew up! 😅😅😅 yes, you gotta fix it. Painful, but worth it.
I normally am bored by podcasts, but because of your personality, I love watching this. Thanks for the smiles 😊
Thank you so much 🙏🏿
😆😆😆"They're not WIPS, they're in the closet". Arms up....oh my goodness, that is definitely a fitting issue and a weird one. It would be absolutely stunning as a cape; maybe just remove the sleeves? It is truly beautiful on you so I hope you find a solution you like. However, I think, sleeves starting at the waist will still cause a problem when you lift your arms no matter how much longer you make the sweater. Your concept for lengthening sounds good though. Love the hot pink and greys together!
I really enjoyed your chat about the Holst yarn in regard to your shawl and like the idea of talking about your yarn acquisitions ("Those are the ones who have my hair"...you have made me laugh so often in this past hour. Thank you so much). Looking forward to future episodes. HUgs
Just saw your podcast and thought I’d listen for a minute. What a joy you are. I feel like we’re having a glass of wine and discussing our craft. I’m a quilter and a crochet person and have no idea what you’re talking about. But…. I’m enjoying every minute of your podcast so much that I subscribed.
Thoroughly enjoyed your sharing your knitting knowledge and experiences with. Please keep sharing your knit, crochet, and fiber life as you are a pleasure to share time with. 🏵
Thank you for speaking to my inner knitting, fiber, fashionista. My heart reached out to you when you lifted both arms, and the sweater sat on your chest. The angst, the pride, the crazy of what to do then, the end product doesn’t work, but is beautiful. How to explain the passion and puzzle of knitting for your body. Hmmmm. Just thank you. Really, thank you for speaking so very clearly to my inner fiber demon.
This was great. I love your natural humour. I'm glad you decided to share your yarn journey with us through youtube videos and look forward to many more.
By 18 minutes in I found myself chuckling out loud. You hit my pet peeve with the sleeve drama. I find myself constantly checking the under arm of pictures of (particularly) top down patterns to see if there is any chance the finished object is going to ride up with a raised arm. So many do. Your example is such a good one. Kind of like an exaggeration to make a point lol. Lately I've taken to adding short rows under arms to "replace" fabric that would be there if the sweater was a flat knit construction with a straight body and set in sleeves.
I too am a recent discoverer of Stephen West. I saw people doing last year's MKAL here on UA-cam after returning to my knitting journey mid last year. After making progress with my knitting skills and debating about my capacity I decided to join this year's MKAL. My first MKAL of anything. I made my decision, after a lot of umming and uhhing, early in September. The thing is, apart from not being one to like doing nothing while waiting, I decided to have a go at a Stephen West shawl while I was waiting. To see how I might go before the event, right? We have time right?
I could easily have done many other things taking not nearly so much time. I did not get it finished by the time of the MKAL. Nearly finished but one section to go, and a long one. So I found myself with 2 shawls on the go in October and I've never been a shawl maker or wearer. I did not expect to keep up with the MKAL but I did. On finding myself with time after clue 3, which I completed quickly with some kind of binge mode knitting, I got back to the first shawl and managed to finish it just before the last clue came out for the MKAL. I was pretty burned out from knitting by this time but plugged though and finished my shawl by the last day of the month.
Strangely, I was so high on managing to finish 2 SW shawls in 2 months that I started a Vertices Unite to see why everyone seemed to make a fuss over it being enjoyable. It was, and I finished that shawl in November. I've got yarn hitting the needles now for a Doodler and some waiting to be an Exploration Station. I just bought the Winter Lights pattern and the Starflake.
What is happening to me????
I so loved your first podcast, Sarah! If you're ever looking for black sport weight yarn again, a couple of good options are The Farmer's Daughter Fibers' Recollect in the Legend colorway, and Lovely Valley Wool's Merino-Rambouillet natural black. Happy knitting!
Okay, I am SOOO happy to have found you today. I loved your humor and how you really called out the reality of things. We take more time trying to save time..... EXACTLY that! I am so looking forward to seeing more from you. I did anticipate your sweater problem when you talked about your torso length and the yoke depth, but I laughed out loud when you did show and tell. We have ALL been there.
I am so very happy Ray and Kevin, at @needlesattheready mentioned your podcast. I enjoyed every minute of this first episode and can't believe it's just the first one! I'm looking forward to following your creative adventures and admiring your projects.
You might have just become one of my top five knitting podcasters! So fun! I needed the laughter and it was abundantly provided! I loved the contrast of a carrot eating alpaca vs a celery eating alpaca! I loved that I can redefine myself as a collector not a hoarder! Amy Palco uses the acronym SABLE. Stash acquired beyond life expectancy-- my question how many life times are allowed!? I loved your first episode and can’t wait for more!!! BTW I bought yarn for Twist and Turn and quit on it- wasn’t a fan of the finished project- looked like the Queen of Hearts from Alice In Wonderland but another West shawl will prevail! Thanks for a great podcast!❤
I wanted to add that I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction, and look forward to more episodes in the future.
Happy Fiber Joy! 🎶🎶🎶🎶
Wisconsin in the house 😊
You are too funny re alpacas. Katie was definitely jealous of your hair!
I have never seen a first potcast, who is so very good. You make me smile. I love your personality, amazing. Please go for more. I am waiting. Greetings from germany. My twin says to me, you must look that girl, she was so wright. We both send you hugs💜🧡💛💚💙💗❤
Needles At The Ready sent me-and I’m so glad! Very enjoyable!
You’re so natural, smart and warm, I felt like we were having a sit-and-knit together! Glad I found you. Good luck! 🎉. (I agree, acquisitions talk is boring unless linked to choice of a pattern.)
Love your first podcast! I enjoy how Kevin & Ray of Needles at the Ready refer to their stash - the pantry. Most of us probably have a well-stocked pantry!
I love the way you talk about what you are knitting and not the stuff on the closet 🤣. So many times I had chuckle because I could so relate.
Welcome to podcasting and I love the curls.
Thanks so much!
Greetings from Australia. I love your podcast, I can’t believe it’s your first one. What a natural. I have subscribed and can’t wait for the next one.
Thank you so much for watching!
You are my new favorite crafting podcast!😊 I feel like I’m in the room with you chatting, I looking forward to more episodes. Congrats on getting started.
I lived in Madison for 10+ years and miss it. The last time I was in town, I stopped by Fiddlesticks and really enjoyed seeing the shop. I've had a similar experience with a Malabrigo colorway - PearlTen does a similar brown/purple switch. I've knit the Hipster and the Lightweight Hipster, but I didn't realize there was a cowl. It looks so squishy and cozy!
Great first podcast! Shoutout from another Wisconsin knitter. The cabled sweater that rides up - I think it will continue to ride up, no matter how long you make the body, because of how low the armpit is placed. If you want that to stop happening, you will need to rip back further and work the separation of body and sleeves sooner. As it is, the shape is not a traditional sweater, it's a more of a poncho with long cuffs. If that's what you're aiming for, you're good. If not, you still may not be pleased, even with more length.
You made me laugh so hard when you raised your arms!!! You are very entertaining. I will be back for more. I have learned from many knitters that we will make mistakes but we keep on going. We do not give up.
That grey and pink is everything!😍🥰
Loved this episode. Thanks for sharing your humor with us, now I understand why you have 2.7K views on a first episode! 😅😂😂🤣Congrats!
PS jewel is a neckline, bracelet is sleeve length.
What a joy to listen to you as I knit before going to work this today! What am I knitting? A Stephen West sweater. And I have the Spectra kit sitting in a basket . And his Hiberknitting book is in my office (luckily, I only have to go to work in the next room). No shame in being obsessed. Seriously, he is presenting us with instructions on creating modular wearable sculpture. EMBRACE IT !!! Also, I am a native Wisconsinite and YES where is the wool worthy cold? It will come. It always does. And did you say Brioche? I too have decided to teach myself brioche this winter. It was great being able to relate to your journey. I admire the volume of your work. Suggestion...if the stiff gray cone yarn is not to your knitting pleasure, perhaps make some yardage into a hank and rinse it. I do that with all my yarn. (obviously, with the yarn I spin, but also commercial or indy dyed stuff). You may love it more.
I have no idea how when you will find time to make another video, but I will be so happy when you do! Thank you.
Also...thanks for the heads up on GalPaca. I ordered a pound of roving! So exciting. Never mind that I have 4 bags of raw fleece in the closet...and you think you ramble. Sister you have no idea. Many thanks for putting your vision out here for us all to enjoy.
What a lovely message! Thank you so much and that roving must be heavenly!! I haven't spun in a minute but... Maybe I'll get the wheel out and practice before the next Sheep and Wool!
To a fellow short-waister, I feel your pain! I love your podcast❣I look forward to more. You inspire me to pick up my Stephen West twisted turns again. I'm anxious to see your progress on the magnificent 7 shawls. Till then, Mona 🧶💚🧶
Beautiful podcast! I love your energy! I look forward to seeing the yarn you buy! I love to buy yarn, too…and it makes me very happy! 🐑♥️🐑♥️🐑
You. Are brilliant. Sooo glad Kevin and Ray from Needles at the Ready mentioned your podcast! I’m really looking forward to your next epi, and the ongoing sweater saga 😂
Thoroughly enjoyed meeting you and seeing all of your projects. Good luck altering your cabled sweater. It is so beautiful and definitely worth the extra effort to make it comfortable to wear. Love all of your shawls, and the color schemes you’ve chosen. Future you will be so happy you made all of them.
I understand you so much: going from being who’s Stephen West to wanting to knit everything he does. I didn’t get it until I had one on my needles… he knows how to bring joy in knitting.
Congrats on your first podcast, I look forward to the next!
Nice to meet you on your first episode. You definately have fallen down the Steven West rabbit hole. Do what makes you happy. You have great energy! Keep it up. Would love a peek at the Montreal knit shop if you get a chance. Take us along shopping. 😊
Oh dear. The sweater fit. I feel your pain, from one who has “reknit” three sweaters this year due to size issues. But now I can wear them😉. The sweater is gorgeous and you will be so happy when it is fixed. Great first podcast.
Yeah... I'm definitely gonna be happier once it's wearable. I think I'll try one more time. After that it's frog city and a yarn timeout 🤣 Thanks for watching ☺️
Hi Sarah, so glad you decided to do a podcast.
and then I raised my arms…..OMG you are so funny! I too love your sweater and would be determined to find a solution. You’ll do it, I know you will. Happy knitting I’ll be waiting for you to you post Episode 2.
PS forgot to tell you how lovely Malabrigo Rios colorway is with your completion…..it’s a beautiful cowl on you!
Please keep making videos. You are a natural--I feel like we're just chatting and knitting over coffee. Subscribed immediately!!
Hello from a fellow Wisconsinite! I love your sense of humor, and I appreciate your love of black and gray. Breaking Yarn has a hand-dyed black named Jane Margolis.
6 months of winter, indeed. ☃️
Yes!! I'm a knitter and there is not many out there thank you !!
delightful! You seem so relaxed and comfortable doing this. Keep going. Confessions of a shawl knitter... nothing wrong with shawls, they're easy to wear, fun to knit and play with different colors/fibers/techniques. Love shawls. Look forward to 2nd episode.
HI! So happy to have found your podcast. I am so happy to hear that you love all fiber as well. I love Knitting, cross stitch, needlepoint, quilting and sewing! Lol! Looking forward to following you! Welcome!!
Wow, that is one deep yoke! Good for you for reworking it so you'll end up with a beautiful sweater you love to wear! Really enjoying your podcast!
Oh my goodness that sweater is gorgeous,so yes please finish it.This is the year that I am determined to make wearable sweater .
Love your podcast 💕
Don’t give up on your gorgeous sweater! (When you raised your arms…..😂😂😂😂)
You are so fun to watch. I too feel the same about my knits. If I'm not going to wear it, I will either rip it out entirely or give it away. I like to knit so it really doesn't bother me and I do also love the finished projects. The satisfaction of completing something you love versus something you're like "Meh" is totally different and worth the effort. Think about cutting and grafting before you do it though. That's a lot of dark stitches and in rib. It's not a walk in the park. It might take you less time to reknit it than cut it off. I'd rather reknit but that is me. I've grafted a lot but never in rib and it was a pain with just the same type stitches. Good luck and you're right the yarn is stunning with those cables. Now back to watching!
I'm so glad I found your podcast! You are so entertaining and glad you fell down the Westknit rabbit hole too! Yes, a collector of fine fiber and not a hoarder. I'm excited to watch the rest of your episodes and follow you on your journey.
Beautiful cowl 😍 and the malabrigo rios obsession is REAL 😂
In no particular order: Happy Birthday! I hope you finished your shawl on time. The colours remind me a lot of very Scottish thistle-y colours. The alpaca may have been having a better hair day when you met her, but your hair was fabulous in this video. If your Midori Hiroshi pullover is the perfect length and fit except for the sleeves starting at your waist, then I hate to say it but pulling it all back and putting the sleeves in at a more standard arm-hole length might be better than just adding length? It does fit beautifully as long as you don't, you know, move. Anyway that's what I remember, I hope you're enjoying your Stephen west shawls and I loved your first podcast, you're a natural and I want to be besties. Thank you for sharing with us!
You are such a delight! So happy I found you. Your knits are inspiring and its nice to see that even a seasoned knitter can have projects that don't quite turn out like planned. I can't wait to see all your shawls. Be safe in your travels and Happy Birthday. I look forward to all your future podcasts.
That cowl is absolutely gorgeous!
I like the yarn you used for the Snowy Forest sweater. It looks like snow on your sweater!
I came to you after listening to Taylor st Wool Needles Hands. I enjoyed this episode very much - when you raised your arm I nearly spit my cocktail 😂. Please come back regularly - we need you in this space- I’m from Racine/Kenosha area - more Wisconsin representation! 😊 congratulations on a great first podcast (and enjoy your vacation!)
For the hidori sweater, I would remove the ribbing and do short rows under each of the arms to make more length there and then do some more length on the body. That will still keep it kind of cropped.
Also, enjoyed the podcast immensely. Welcome to UA-cam! Hope you will continue to film!
Love the colors. Love malabrigo yarns. ❤
You have such a beautiful personality! I found you because of Wool Hands Needles. I haven't seen any of your other podcasts, and I know this was published a year ago, but if the smoke/tweed cabled sweater is still a thorn in your side, maybe rip out the bottom and sleeves and make it into a capelet? It's so beautiful, I hate to think of you frogging the entire thing!
Absolutely loved your podcast, sending you loads of zoomie energy to whizz your way through all those shawls…😘❤️🤗✨✨✨✨
I loved your first episode. I found myself laughing out loud along with you. You are so funny and comfortable in front of the camera! You are right, you can’t flash the girls when raising your arm. Rip that baby back and add some length. Looking forward to future episodes. Have a happy holiday season!
Oh boy thank you for that! You are hysterical. I totally relate to your Snowy Forest dilemma since I just blocked mine. And the Twist and Turns shawl!! Haha… just did that one too. Looking very forward to your next installment. Yarn hoarders unite!
Needles at the Ready sent me! Your podcast is fabulous...and your color combo for the Twists & Turns MKAL is my new obsession!! Looking forward to seeing your next episode.
Hi Sarah. I’m glad I found you early in your podcasting. Knit what you what is what I’ve learned over the years , so if it’s another shawl, just enjoy it!
Take care
Rosy
Came here on Wool Needles Hands' recommendation, and so happy I did! I felt seen.
I'm in Montréal all the time (as in, I live here) so if you're looking for LYS recommendations or some yarn shopping company, don't be afraid to reach out!
Hi! I just discovered your podcast and am delighted to say I'm a neighbor! Fiddlesticks is also my LYS! I'll be watching all the rest of your episodes now to catch up 😁
I occasionally dye yarn, and I will agree- it's hard to get a true, saturated, jet black- though I have achieved it once when I was dyeing yarn for a sweater.
cheers! -Melissa
YEESS, very happy to see a black knitter. Please keep going!
You can skein up the Holst and wash it with a little wool wash to soften it. I did that with a bright pink Supersoft that I had because I was worried about it bleeding. (It didn’t.) That does make it softer, but it’s never going to feel like superwash merino. ;)
I can certainly relate!!! Re knitting my garments at least once seems to be my MO. Some times I knit looser. Working on a hat for my daughter and boy is it knitted tight. Ugh. Half my wips are projects I tried to change something on and got bogged down and put it in time out. Now I’m working on finishing those projects in between gifts so I won’t feel guilty about new cast ons 😂😂