So nice to see you back, since it means you're "up to" podcasting. I always enjoy listening to you and seeing what beautiful things are on and off your needles 😊
I appreciated this episode so very much. Dealing with chronic fatigue is a real challenge for me also, and I empathize with your inability to deal with too many messages, emails, phone calls, etc., which I generally refer to as flapdoodle. Your Make 9 plan is genius. I plan to put it to use immediately to help me deal with stash yarns and appropriate pattern selections. Living in California, I too often made garments that are too warm to wear more than once or twice a year. I like Drops Belle. In my experience it does not pill after machine washing. I also learned that a single strand of Holst Coast makes a light and airy garment. Thanks for your effort with this podcast.
Thanks for sharing Linda, I like your term flapdoodle ☺️ That’s great to know about the Drops Belle, I’ll be sure to give a proper wash in the machine…I’m generally too nervous to use it for hand knits, even those made with washable yarns! Let me know how you get on with your Make 9 and stash down, I’d love to know 💕
Thank-you for keeping me company on my lunch this afternoon dear Ailie. It's so lovely to see you again ❤ Your Smookie sweater is so beautiful on you! Love that texture. I'm glad you are loving your new knitting lamp! I have purchased one as well (different brand) which also has a magnifier on it for my poor aging eyes and to help me get back to cross-stitching snd embroidery. Thank-you for sharing your recent thought process regarding your knitting projects and yarn stash. I definitely find myself getting overwhelmed with choice and decision. Right now I'm very focussed on finishing the projects that are on my needles and working with my existing stash. I think I should take a page out of your book and delete my Ravelry queue and re-evaluate my upcoming makes. Love your KAL idea -- it's always wonderful to support local 🤗💕
Aw, thanks so much for choosing to spend your lunch break with me Nikki 🥰🥰🥰 I’m missing your lovely company on here and hoping all is well with you and yours ❤️ Really glad to hear that you’re enjoying your lamp. I was thinking it would be great for stitching projects too…I have a couple of languishing ones that I was promising myself I would restart at the beginning of June, although that hasn’t quite happened yet 🫣 I quite enjoy culling my Ravelry favourites and queue every now and then - it’s quite cathartic. It feels like a good Spring clean without having to do too much work 😆 And definitely helps me deal with the overwhelm of too much choice. I’d love to hear if it helps you too xx
It’s so nice to see you again. I too have energy limitations due to chronic illness. May your knitting bring you comfort and happiness. Take care. Stephanie from California
Oh Ailie, you are fabulous! You reminded me so much of myself at times, I sometimes don't want to talk to the people I WANT to talk to. 😂 The joys of chronic illness, eh? I took so much from this video but I'm in bed right now too sore and tired to say much more but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time and making the effort to create this blog for us. Best wishes, Lesley
Thanks so much for commenting Lesley, I understand the effort it must have taken 💗 Ha! Yes, I’m with you on the not feeling up to speaking to even the people you want to speak to…it would be nice if we could just put shutters down when recharging is needed wouldn’t it?!? Take care x
Ailie, it’s wonderful to see you again. I so enjoy your videos, I find them relaxing and peaceful with your lovely personality and inspiring knits, and I could listen to your accent all day. Please consider sharing more Scots terms like coorie, I love learning them. Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon. ❤❤❤ from Nevada USA.
Thank you so much, that’s really kind 🥰 I’ll try to remember not to censor my accent and vocabulary too much…I do it automatically, having lived in different places where my dialect isn’t known. Thanks for choosing to spend some time with me 💕
Your Smookie jumper is fabulous and suits you well. I commend your plan to take back control of your knitting and I agree that it is too easy to get caught up in the hype.
Thanks so much ☺️ Yes, sometimes the volume of options out there can be daunting and confusing…spur of the moment cast ons are fun (& no doubt I’ll still do this every now and then) but my most successful projects are always the ones that I’ve really put thought into. Thanks for spending time with me 💕
Good for you to realize what needs to stop for you to find joy. I have found that extroverts get energy from being in a crowd and having a lot of activities; introverts get energy from being with one or a few close friends and not having frenetic activities. When you held up your WIP, the petrol color yarn looked amazing against your face. Maybe you could use it to knit your next jumper! Nice to see you again!
Yes, so true! Aw, that’s kind of you to say. I thought the petrol was a bit too dark for me and washed me out, hence why I chose to place it at the bottom of the garment. It’s great to hear other people’s opinions though, as we’re not always the best at seeing these things impartially 💙
I like how you organize your knitting now. I'll try to choose knitting that bring me joy. Thanks for these helpfull thoughts about keeping knitting fun and not stressful.
Thanks so much Nicole 💕 I suppose we all need our own approaches that fit in best with our lives and stressors. I’ve definitely felt more organised and less overwhelmed by possibilities this past year - on the crafting front at least!
So enjoyed watching your latest podcast. The discussion about projects and stash was so reassuring! I often get caught up in the excitement of new ideas and projects and get a bit overwhelmed with where to start. I go through times when I’m really ‘good’ using stash only and it begins to shrink and other times Mmmm…not so good! Thanks for your honesty and insights! Look forward to seeing you again. Jayne
I’m exactly the same! My greatest downfall is buying for projects and it not working out for that pattern…then I’ve got yarn in stash (that I’ve already worked with) that I have no idea of how to use up 🥴
Aw, thanks Kathleen ☺️ (and sorry for the very late reply!). Summer was pretty much missing in action this year, but maybe we’ll get a few nice days yet🤞 Thanks so much for watching 💕
Love your Smookie jumper. Liked the ‘ramble’ - it reminded me to be more thoughtful and realistic about my own knitting plans 😊 best wishes from Jersey ❤
🥰 Thanks for being here Jo, and thanks for the well wishes. The problem with having nephews and nieces around is that they like to share their germs as well as their cuddles 😆
@@TheThoughtfulKnitter I learned the hard way how true this is. Problem is, we adults, especially older immune compromised ones, don't recover as quickly as the wee ones 😂
Hello from Tasmania Ailie - I was very excited to see your new podcast pop up! And true to form, it was very enjoyable 😊 I love your smokiest jumper - I have the Sark book that it comes from and have several projects in there I’d love to make and have the yarn for. I don’t have a large stash (compared to other friends of mine) but also find like you that, sometimes, it bothers me just sitting there. However, after going through some horrid anxious times this year, and seeking professional advice, I’ve made the decision to not stress about it - knitting is my favourite pastime and I’m just going to focus mindfully on my current projects and enjoy choosing new projects and yarn (hopefully from my stash). I think we all get excited and make spur of the moment decisions and sometimes those aren’t the best choices - but who’d blame us ? Gosh I’m rambling on here - so I look forward to watching you again and take care of yourself in the meantime - Elizabeth 😊
Hi Elizabeth 😃👋 That sounds like a very healthy way to view your knitting and stash, sometimes a mind shift is all we need. The Sark book is fabulous isn’t it?! I pretty much want to make everything in it 🫣…going to content myself with the Smookie for now though. Thanks so much for watching, and for taking the time to comment, it’s appreciated 💕
It's always lovely to see you Ailie, whenever you have the time and energy to record. I do a similar thing to your Make Nine in that I cast on a project a day for the twelve days of Christmas. Some don't get finished within the year (I have a cardigan that hasn't been touched since I cast it on over 2 years ago! 🤦🏻♀️) but it sets me up for the year, using patterns I have queued and yarn that's in my stash. I found it a bit overwhelming at first, but I've got more used to it now, and it's nice to have a few projects to pick and choose from during the year!
Having a stash also gives me stress and makes me feel like I’m not producing things fast enough. So I’m trying to knit what I have and stop buying new things. That means unsubscribing to newsletters constantly offering me sales, and only checking into Instagram occasionally. Your chat definitely resonated with me!
There’s just too much temptation around isn’t there!?! Yes, I don’t subscribe to any newsletters, and I don’t follow designers or yarn producers/dyers on social media either. I find that helps 💕
Thank you for sharing your reflections on this past year of making. You have definitely inspired me to think about what is working and not working in my making. Also, I recently had the opportunity to visit Scotland ( Edinburgh and Isle of Skye) and have a new appreciation for the Scottish lifestyle. I think it is great that you will be using and, in turn then I assume, sharing more Scottish yarns and designs. The history and culture are so rich and I look forward to more! Thank you!
Thanks so much for joining me today Jenny 😊💕 I’m delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable trip to Scotland, I do hope the weather was kind and the scenery bonnie. Yes, I’m hoping to do so…although I also want to make a decent dent in my stash, so it’ll probably be a mixture of both. I’ve added a list of Scotland based designers and Scottish grown yarns to the Ravelry thread too, hopefully it will provide inspiration (although it’s by no means exhaustive).
Enjoyed the conversation about the stash woes! I strive towards minimalism and the reality of that striving lands me somewhere that’s comfortable but not really “minimal” but more “uncluttered”. The only exception to this is my yarn which I love, I don’t care if I ever knit it or not. It is just comforting to have it and see it and think about the potential of it. I never collected anything in my life, am quite unsentimental about things but ever since Covid, I find that dumb yarn so comforting! I think most of us have some sort of emotional connection with our yarn, whether it brings comfort or joy or feels burdensome. I read the book “a stash of one’s own” by Clara Parks and enjoyed that very much.
Comfortable is definitely the place you want to be Linda 💕 Thanks so much for sharing this, I’ve just placed an order for a copy of that book, it sounds fantastic!
Thank you so much for your channel. I took up knitting after spending a year watching TV on my sofa due to ill health from Long covid and the need to do something productive with my time. Although I learnt to knit as a child, channels like yours have really helped me to become a better knitter. Thanks to my wonderful doctors I am now much better and able to do some work again after 3+ years. I do hope your health improves too.
That’s such good news Julie! Both about your improved health and the fact that you found a way to feel productive when you were so incapacitated. I’m really glad for you 💕💗💕
I just found your podcast. What a beautiful knit the Smookie is! I am watching from Melbourne in Australia, and working on a sock test knit while I watch.
Fantastic, welcome in 💕 The Smookie is probably more appropriate in Melbourne than it is in Scotland at this time of year, but our chilly weather is never far away! Thanks so much for watching 😊
Totally understand what you mean about gaining back control of your knitting. I have so many single skiens of variegated yarn that it'll take me a lifetime to use them all. I also fall into the trap of being tempted by the latest patterns and of course I don't know if I'll ever get round to making them. I also stopped test knitting as I felt under pressure doing them. Thank you for inspiring me 😊
There’s just so much temptation out there isn’t there!?! I’m glad I’m not the only one who sometimes feels overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Thanks for being here Janice 💗
Nice to see you again Ailie! Glad to hear that your October group is filled and that you are doing well. I am glad that you went back to your DPNs and like them. I learned how to knit socks using them and the Arne and Carlos PairPerfect yarn and I loved it! Once you get the technique down, it feels like magic! I hope that you enjoy your summer and hope to see you online sometime in June. Hugs!
🥰 Thanks for watching! Yes, it really does feel like magic…much more so than magic loop 😆 I don’t really understand why it goes quicker when you’re constantly changing needles, but my sleeves are flying off the needles since I switched to DPNs 💕
Hi Ailie, so glad I came across you today, really enjoyed your company. Yarn based crafts are so important to me, I also suffer from energy problems and it's great to have something positive to focus on when I'm too fatigued/ill to do anything else. I love the make 9 plan!
That’s so kind, thank you for watching 🥰 It’s wonderful to still feel like you’re accomplishing a little something, even when you’re completely exhausted isn’t it? I’m glad you’ve got yarn crafts in your life for that, I sometimes wonder how those who don’t cope!
You nailed it with your ideas about joyful knitting. I am knitting my 2nd successful sweater and since this ones for me I feel great! I too have a chronic issue so slow goes it. Take care
No worries or pressure to keep up with posting these! It is very nice to hear from you - you always have great projects and ideas - but your health is more important. Hope you feel better soon! ❤️🩹
Great video as ever.love the new jumpers the first one especially.you gave me food for thought about my own lessons learnt and some good ideas.nice to see u whenever u pop up in my feeds .the black cardi looks lovely cant wait to see it finished but in your own time lol no pressures!
It was lovely spending time with you this evening. Im so with you on the group chats for trst knits. In fact i have just made the decision not to apply for any more because of it. And also the photos. Hearing your thoughts have really cemented it that I'm making the right decision for me. By the way i love your Smookie ❤
I’m very glad to have helped confirm that decision for you Amanda, and I’m also glad that I’m not the only one who’s driven batty by group chats! Thanks so much for watching 🥰🥰🥰
It was lovely to see you again. I'm the same with jumping into some projects, then not enjoying the experience. I was thinking about techniques i would like to learn and also making sure my finished garments fitted into my wardrobe, by knitting replicas of favourite shop bought garments! Take care and rest up😢
It was lovely to see you again. Your Smookie is wonderful. I am trying hard not to purchase any more yarn until I actually make some of the projects I have ready to cast on. My stash is starting to feel like a burden instead of a pleasure! I think a “Make Nine” might really help me get off the mark. I hope you get some sunshine and feel a bit better soon.
It is nice to hear about another person who never hits row gauge. Neither can I. I couldn't understand why my shawls where so shallow compared to the pictures, I don't hit row gauge!!! Thanks for sharing about your year of knitting ajustments, I took a lot away from that. Lots of hugs Lotte from Denmark
There are more of us 😃 I find that it’s normally not too much of a problem, but like you say, shawl depth can be affected (as can yoke depth in garments). Thank so much for watching, I’m glad it struck a chord 💕
Your Smookie pullover is gorgeous! I do love Kate Davies patterns. She is one of my all-time favorite designers (and authors). I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend time with you while I watched this. I am working on a couple of small projects for summer. Thank you for the CaledoniaKAL2024. I really do love Scottish yarns and designers (although I'm in the US).
Thanks Leanne ☺️💗 I absolutely agree, Kate Davies has so many beautiful patterns, she’s incredibly gifted. I’m so glad you like the idea of the Caledonia KAL, I’m having fun choosing my projects with it in mind. I hope you managed to finish off those small summer projects, and please accept my apologies for the very delayed reply!
I enjoyed making the Belmont in Holst Supersoft a couple of years ago. I do find it a bit short, admittedly, should have been more realistic on the length, but it's fine over dresses. Also, I'm with you on the 9" cable needles, impossible to use without my hands cramping up! Not too fussy on the dpns, wooden, carbonz or metal all work for me, I use Knit Pro Zing for most things (dpns and 80 cm fixed circular), though. I'm a loose knitter.
Ooh, that’s great to know about the Belmont, thanks for sharing 💕 I decided to lengthen it because I don’t really wear dresses…it’s far too windy here and there would be constant Marilyn Monroe moments if I did!
Dear Ailie, What a great idea for a KAL. I wanted to knit patterns from Amy Palko and Broghan Murray or one of Rebecca Clow. And, now I really have a reason to buy some scottish yarn❤ Thank you and do not bother for prices, it is the fun of knitting toghether, isn't it? Best wishes, be well soon, Uschi
Yay, I’m very glad to provide the excuse 😉 Absolutely go ahead and buy the Scottish yarn (I’m not going to try to put you off!) but just knitting a pattern from any of those designers would count as an entry 💕 Thanks for understanding, yes, I take part in knit alongs for the camaraderie rather than the prizes.
Both the garments I talked about in this episode were knitted bottom up, so I started the neckline decreases before the pattern stated and then knitted the front sides longer. Hope that helps🤞
So nice to see you back, since it means you're "up to" podcasting. I always enjoy listening to you and seeing what beautiful things are on and off your needles 😊
Thank you so much 🥰❤️ And huge apologies for the delayed reply!
I appreciated this episode so very much. Dealing with chronic fatigue is a real challenge for me also, and I empathize with your inability to deal with too many messages, emails, phone calls, etc., which I generally refer to as flapdoodle. Your Make 9 plan is genius. I plan to put it to use immediately to help me deal with stash yarns and appropriate pattern selections. Living in California, I too often made garments that are too warm to wear more than once or twice a year. I like Drops Belle. In my experience it does not pill after machine washing. I also learned that a single strand of Holst Coast makes a light and airy garment. Thanks for your effort with this podcast.
Thanks for sharing Linda, I like your term flapdoodle ☺️ That’s great to know about the Drops Belle, I’ll be sure to give a proper wash in the machine…I’m generally too nervous to use it for hand knits, even those made with washable yarns! Let me know how you get on with your Make 9 and stash down, I’d love to know 💕
Beautiful episode!!! I love Kate Davies!!! ♥️🐑♥️🐑♥️
Thank you! ☺️💕 I agree, Kate Davies is incredibly talented, love her designs and general aesthetic 👌
Thank-you for keeping me company on my lunch this afternoon dear Ailie. It's so lovely to see you again ❤
Your Smookie sweater is so beautiful on you! Love that texture.
I'm glad you are loving your new knitting lamp! I have purchased one as well (different brand) which also has a magnifier on it for my poor aging eyes and to help me get back to cross-stitching snd embroidery.
Thank-you for sharing your recent thought process regarding your knitting projects and yarn stash. I definitely find myself getting overwhelmed with choice and decision. Right now I'm very focussed on finishing the projects that are on my needles and working with my existing stash. I think I should take a page out of your book and delete my Ravelry queue and re-evaluate my upcoming makes.
Love your KAL idea -- it's always wonderful to support local 🤗💕
Aw, thanks so much for choosing to spend your lunch break with me Nikki 🥰🥰🥰 I’m missing your lovely company on here and hoping all is well with you and yours ❤️
Really glad to hear that you’re enjoying your lamp. I was thinking it would be great for stitching projects too…I have a couple of languishing ones that I was promising myself I would restart at the beginning of June, although that hasn’t quite happened yet 🫣
I quite enjoy culling my Ravelry favourites and queue every now and then - it’s quite cathartic. It feels like a good Spring clean without having to do too much work 😆 And definitely helps me deal with the overwhelm of too much choice. I’d love to hear if it helps you too xx
It’s so nice to see you again. I too have energy limitations due to chronic illness. May your knitting bring you comfort and happiness. Take care. Stephanie from California
Wishing the same for you Stephanie 💕💕💕
Oh Ailie, you are fabulous! You reminded me so much of myself at times, I sometimes don't want to talk to the people I WANT to talk to. 😂 The joys of chronic illness, eh?
I took so much from this video but I'm in bed right now too sore and tired to say much more but I just wanted to thank you for taking the time and making the effort to create this blog for us.
Best wishes, Lesley
Thanks so much for commenting Lesley, I understand the effort it must have taken 💗
Ha! Yes, I’m with you on the not feeling up to speaking to even the people you want to speak to…it would be nice if we could just put shutters down when recharging is needed wouldn’t it?!?
Take care x
" It doesn't look like moss to me, it looks like dried-out silage". LOVE your turn of phrase 😂
😆 There’s no hiding the fact that I’m a country mouse is there?!?
@@TheThoughtfulKnitter so nice to see you again, take care.
Ailie, it’s wonderful to see you again. I so enjoy your videos, I find them relaxing and peaceful with your lovely personality and inspiring knits, and I could listen to your accent all day. Please consider sharing more Scots terms like coorie, I love learning them. Take care of yourself and I hope you feel better soon. ❤❤❤ from Nevada USA.
Thank you so much, that’s really kind 🥰 I’ll try to remember not to censor my accent and vocabulary too much…I do it automatically, having lived in different places where my dialect isn’t known. Thanks for choosing to spend some time with me 💕
Your Smookie jumper is fabulous and suits you well. I commend your plan to take back control of your knitting and I agree that it is too easy to get caught up in the hype.
Thanks so much ☺️ Yes, sometimes the volume of options out there can be daunting and confusing…spur of the moment cast ons are fun (& no doubt I’ll still do this every now and then) but my most successful projects are always the ones that I’ve really put thought into. Thanks for spending time with me 💕
Good for you to realize what needs to stop for you to find joy. I have found that extroverts get energy from being in a crowd and having a lot of activities; introverts get energy from being with one or a few close friends and not having frenetic activities. When you held up your WIP, the petrol color yarn looked amazing against your face. Maybe you could use it to knit your next jumper! Nice to see you again!
Yes, so true!
Aw, that’s kind of you to say. I thought the petrol was a bit too dark for me and washed me out, hence why I chose to place it at the bottom of the garment. It’s great to hear other people’s opinions though, as we’re not always the best at seeing these things impartially 💙
I like how you organize your knitting now. I'll try to choose knitting that bring me joy. Thanks for these helpfull thoughts about keeping knitting fun and not stressful.
Thanks so much Nicole 💕 I suppose we all need our own approaches that fit in best with our lives and stressors. I’ve definitely felt more organised and less overwhelmed by possibilities this past year - on the crafting front at least!
So enjoyed watching your latest podcast. The discussion about projects and stash was so reassuring! I often get caught up in the excitement of new ideas and projects and get a bit overwhelmed with where to start. I go through times when I’m really ‘good’ using stash only and it begins to shrink and other times Mmmm…not so good! Thanks for your honesty and insights!
Look forward to seeing you again. Jayne
I’m exactly the same! My greatest downfall is buying for projects and it not working out for that pattern…then I’ve got yarn in stash (that I’ve already worked with) that I have no idea of how to use up 🥴
Delighted to see this video - and I do hope you got some summer like weather. Big hugs and take care
Aw, thanks Kathleen ☺️ (and sorry for the very late reply!). Summer was pretty much missing in action this year, but maybe we’ll get a few nice days yet🤞 Thanks so much for watching 💕
Love your Smookie jumper. Liked the ‘ramble’ - it reminded me to be more thoughtful and realistic about my own knitting plans 😊 best wishes from Jersey ❤
Thanks for watching Sarah, I’m glad my musings were helpful 🥰 Hope the sun is shining in Jersey 💕
So nice to see you again Ailie. I hope you are feeling better soon from your cold and that your migraines and chronic fatigue are improving. ❤❤❤
🥰 Thanks for being here Jo, and thanks for the well wishes. The problem with having nephews and nieces around is that they like to share their germs as well as their cuddles 😆
@@TheThoughtfulKnitter I learned the hard way how true this is. Problem is, we adults, especially older immune compromised ones, don't recover as quickly as the wee ones 😂
Hello from Tasmania Ailie - I was very excited to see your new podcast pop up! And true to form, it was very enjoyable 😊 I love your smokiest jumper - I have the Sark book that it comes from and have several projects in there I’d love to make and have the yarn for. I don’t have a large stash (compared to other friends of mine) but also find like you that, sometimes, it bothers me just sitting there. However, after going through some horrid anxious times this year, and seeking professional advice, I’ve made the decision to not stress about it - knitting is my favourite pastime and I’m just going to focus mindfully on my current projects and enjoy choosing new projects and yarn (hopefully from my stash). I think we all get excited and make spur of the moment decisions and sometimes those aren’t the best choices - but who’d blame us ? Gosh I’m rambling on here - so I look forward to watching you again and take care of yourself in the meantime - Elizabeth 😊
Hi Elizabeth 😃👋 That sounds like a very healthy way to view your knitting and stash, sometimes a mind shift is all we need.
The Sark book is fabulous isn’t it?! I pretty much want to make everything in it 🫣…going to content myself with the Smookie for now though.
Thanks so much for watching, and for taking the time to comment, it’s appreciated 💕
It's always lovely to see you Ailie, whenever you have the time and energy to record. I do a similar thing to your Make Nine in that I cast on a project a day for the twelve days of Christmas. Some don't get finished within the year (I have a cardigan that hasn't been touched since I cast it on over 2 years ago! 🤦🏻♀️) but it sets me up for the year, using patterns I have queued and yarn that's in my stash. I found it a bit overwhelming at first, but I've got more used to it now, and it's nice to have a few projects to pick and choose from during the year!
Ooh, that’s a lovely idea! I like that it gives you a special treat during the festive season too…casting on is always fun 😃💕
Having a stash also gives me stress and makes me feel like I’m not producing things fast enough. So I’m trying to knit what I have and stop buying new things. That means unsubscribing to newsletters constantly offering me sales, and only checking into Instagram occasionally. Your chat definitely resonated with me!
There’s just too much temptation around isn’t there!?! Yes, I don’t subscribe to any newsletters, and I don’t follow designers or yarn producers/dyers on social media either. I find that helps 💕
Thank you for sharing your reflections on this past year of making. You have definitely inspired me to think about what is working and not working in my making. Also, I recently had the opportunity to visit Scotland ( Edinburgh and Isle of Skye) and have a new appreciation for the Scottish lifestyle. I think it is great that you will be using and, in turn then I assume, sharing more Scottish yarns and designs. The history and culture are so rich and I look forward to more! Thank you!
Thanks so much for joining me today Jenny 😊💕 I’m delighted to hear that you had an enjoyable trip to Scotland, I do hope the weather was kind and the scenery bonnie. Yes, I’m hoping to do so…although I also want to make a decent dent in my stash, so it’ll probably be a mixture of both. I’ve added a list of Scotland based designers and Scottish grown yarns to the Ravelry thread too, hopefully it will provide inspiration (although it’s by no means exhaustive).
Enjoyed the conversation about the stash woes! I strive towards minimalism and the reality of that striving lands me somewhere that’s comfortable but not really “minimal” but more “uncluttered”.
The only exception to this is my yarn which I love, I don’t care if I ever knit it or not. It is just comforting to have it and see it and think about the potential of it.
I never collected anything in my life, am quite unsentimental about things but ever since Covid, I find that dumb yarn so comforting! I think most of us have some sort of emotional connection with our yarn, whether it brings comfort or joy or feels burdensome. I read the book “a stash of one’s own” by Clara Parks and enjoyed that very much.
Comfortable is definitely the place you want to be Linda 💕 Thanks so much for sharing this, I’ve just placed an order for a copy of that book, it sounds fantastic!
Thank you so much for your channel. I took up knitting after spending a year watching TV on my sofa due to ill health from Long covid and the need to do something productive with my time. Although I learnt to knit as a child, channels like yours have really helped me to become a better knitter.
Thanks to my wonderful doctors I am now much better and able to do some work again after 3+ years. I do hope your health improves too.
That’s such good news Julie! Both about your improved health and the fact that you found a way to feel productive when you were so incapacitated. I’m really glad for you 💕💗💕
I just found your podcast. What a beautiful knit the Smookie is! I am watching from Melbourne in Australia, and working on a sock test knit while I watch.
Fantastic, welcome in 💕 The Smookie is probably more appropriate in Melbourne than it is in Scotland at this time of year, but our chilly weather is never far away! Thanks so much for watching 😊
Totally understand what you mean about gaining back control of your knitting. I have so many single skiens of variegated yarn that it'll take me a lifetime to use them all. I also fall into the trap of being tempted by the latest patterns and of course I don't know if I'll ever get round to making them. I also stopped test knitting as I felt under pressure doing them. Thank you for inspiring me 😊
There’s just so much temptation out there isn’t there!?! I’m glad I’m not the only one who sometimes feels overwhelmed by all the possibilities. Thanks for being here Janice 💗
Lovely episode. Great idea Ailie as I live in Central Scotland it would be good to support all our lovely yarn makers. Thank you 🏴
Brilliant, so glad you like the idea, thank you ☺️ You’re ideally placed to get your hands on some of that lovely yarn!
Nice to see you again Ailie! Glad to hear that your October group is filled and that you are doing well. I am glad that you went back to your DPNs and like them. I learned how to knit socks using them and the Arne and Carlos PairPerfect yarn and I loved it! Once you get the technique down, it feels like magic! I hope that you enjoy your summer and hope to see you online sometime in June. Hugs!
🥰 Thanks for watching! Yes, it really does feel like magic…much more so than magic loop 😆 I don’t really understand why it goes quicker when you’re constantly changing needles, but my sleeves are flying off the needles since I switched to DPNs 💕
Hi Ailie, so glad I came across you today, really enjoyed your company. Yarn based crafts are so important to me, I also suffer from energy problems and it's great to have something positive to focus on when I'm too fatigued/ill to do anything else.
I love the make 9 plan!
That’s so kind, thank you for watching 🥰 It’s wonderful to still feel like you’re accomplishing a little something, even when you’re completely exhausted isn’t it? I’m glad you’ve got yarn crafts in your life for that, I sometimes wonder how those who don’t cope!
You nailed it with your ideas about joyful knitting. I am knitting my 2nd successful sweater and since this ones for me I feel great! I too have a chronic issue so slow goes it. Take care
That’s wonderful 😃 You’ll feel even more fabulous when you eventually wear it. Good on you for pacing yourself and enjoying the process 💕
Always lovely to see you! I've joined the Ravelry group, and look forward to knitting more Scottish yarn!
Fantastic! Thanks for joining, I’m hoping the make along will help me find some designers and producers that I don’t yet know🤞💕
No worries or pressure to keep up with posting these! It is very nice to hear from you - you always have great projects and ideas - but your health is more important. Hope you feel better soon! ❤️🩹
That’s so kind, thank you! ❤️❤️❤️
Great video as ever.love the new jumpers the first one especially.you gave me food for thought about my own lessons learnt and some good ideas.nice to see u whenever u pop up in my feeds .the black cardi looks lovely cant wait to see it finished but in your own time lol no pressures!
😆 thanks Marilyn, I definitely operate on a slower timescale than most, but that’s ok. 💕💕💕
I am so happy to have found your channel! I love your knits, and the way you approach your Make 9. ❤
Yay, welcome to the clan 💕 I’m so glad you found it too!
It was lovely spending time with you this evening. Im so with you on the group chats for trst knits. In fact i have just made the decision not to apply for any more because of it. And also the photos. Hearing your thoughts have really cemented it that I'm making the right decision for me.
By the way i love your Smookie ❤
I’m very glad to have helped confirm that decision for you Amanda, and I’m also glad that I’m not the only one who’s driven batty by group chats! Thanks so much for watching 🥰🥰🥰
So glad to see you back, I really enjoynyiurnpodcast
Thank you so much ☺️💕💗
A really thoughtful episode. Thank you. 🇬🇧
🥰 Thanks so much, really glad you joined me x
I am happy to have found your channel I love your projects, I really hope your feeling better soon 😘
Welcome, welcome! I’m glad you found your way here too ☺️ Thanks for watching 💕
It was lovely to see you again. I'm the same with jumping into some projects, then not enjoying the experience. I was thinking about techniques i would like to learn and also making sure my finished garments fitted into my wardrobe, by knitting replicas of favourite shop bought garments! Take care and rest up😢
Ooh, that’s a great idea to replicate garments that you already know you love, and suit you. I love it! Thanks for being here Lorna 💕
It was lovely to see you again. Your Smookie is wonderful. I am trying hard not to purchase any more yarn until I actually make some of the projects I have ready to cast on. My stash is starting to feel like a burden instead of a pleasure! I think a “Make Nine” might really help me get off the mark. I hope you get some sunshine and feel a bit better soon.
I know that feeling well! I hope the make 9 approach helps….let me know 😊 Thanks so much for watching and commenting 💕
Thank you for another great episode. Hope you're feeling better soon!
Aw, that’s kind 🥰 Thank you!
It is nice to hear about another person who never hits row gauge. Neither can I. I couldn't understand why my shawls where so shallow compared to the pictures, I don't hit row gauge!!! Thanks for sharing about your year of knitting ajustments, I took a lot away from that.
Lots of hugs Lotte from Denmark
There are more of us 😃 I find that it’s normally not too much of a problem, but like you say, shawl depth can be affected (as can yoke depth in garments). Thank so much for watching, I’m glad it struck a chord 💕
Hope you better soon, I have a cough that comes and goes, not very convenient at times lovely projects shown keep taking care xxx
Oh dear, that sounds frustrating Enid. They’re pretty good at hanging around aren’t they? Here’s hoping yours clears up soon🤞Thanks for watching 💕
Your Smookie pullover is gorgeous! I do love Kate Davies patterns. She is one of my all-time favorite designers (and authors). I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend time with you while I watched this. I am working on a couple of small projects for summer. Thank you for the CaledoniaKAL2024. I really do love Scottish yarns and designers (although I'm in the US).
Thanks Leanne ☺️💗 I absolutely agree, Kate Davies has so many beautiful patterns, she’s incredibly gifted.
I’m so glad you like the idea of the Caledonia KAL, I’m having fun choosing my projects with it in mind.
I hope you managed to finish off those small summer projects, and please accept my apologies for the very delayed reply!
I enjoyed making the Belmont in Holst Supersoft a couple of years ago. I do find it a bit short, admittedly, should have been more realistic on the length, but it's fine over dresses.
Also, I'm with you on the 9" cable needles, impossible to use without my hands cramping up! Not too fussy on the dpns, wooden, carbonz or metal all work for me, I use Knit Pro Zing for most things (dpns and 80 cm fixed circular), though. I'm a loose knitter.
Ooh, that’s great to know about the Belmont, thanks for sharing 💕 I decided to lengthen it because I don’t really wear dresses…it’s far too windy here and there would be constant Marilyn Monroe moments if I did!
Красивые работы❤
Dear Ailie,
What a great idea for a KAL. I wanted to knit patterns from Amy Palko and Broghan Murray or one of Rebecca Clow.
And, now I really have a reason to buy some scottish yarn❤
Thank you and do not bother for prices, it is the fun of knitting toghether, isn't it?
Best wishes, be well soon,
Uschi
Yay, I’m very glad to provide the excuse 😉 Absolutely go ahead and buy the Scottish yarn (I’m not going to try to put you off!) but just knitting a pattern from any of those designers would count as an entry 💕 Thanks for understanding, yes, I take part in knit alongs for the camaraderie rather than the prizes.
In general what change do you make for a lower front neckline?
Both the garments I talked about in this episode were knitted bottom up, so I started the neckline decreases before the pattern stated and then knitted the front sides longer. Hope that helps🤞
The love is for you 😊Ailie...not Zuckerberg!!!!!!
😆🥰🤗💕
Dried out silage 😂😂😂😂😂
😆 a spade’s a spade around here