My hot take is we need more Momma Gwen! She's amazing and beautiful! I feel we can learn a lot from your mom! And dang... she's just knitting away without looking down! I struggle with knitting!
I'd love to see a mom and daughter mystery yarn box reveals video! (I knit and crochet...learned in that order. The "hating" is a shock to me. I just love to craft and I love others who do the same.)
I love the idea of a repeat, maybe quarterly, like this of different topics with either just these 2 or rotate a group of fiber people through to chat about.
Yes I agree, we need mama in here monthly would be nice mama!. Tony I agree with everything you said, and Momma. We should be lifting people up not tearing them down, there’s too much of that in the world right now, and I has always been. We just need to build each other up. If it’s not nice to say, don’t say it at all, keep it to yourself
Toni’s mom has been knitting and crocheting for 48 years?? How is that possible when she doesn’t look like she has hit her 48th birthday! Momma Gwen, you look amazing!
the amount of times my friends and fam said “yOu ShOuLd SeLl YoUr WoRk” yet they themselves have never offered to buy anything I’ve ever made. They just expect free things. Or get mad when I tell them I don’t feel comfortable make something larger than my size, because my body is the only one that I how to make clothes for. my hobby doesn’t need to be monetized. let me liveeeee!
Ugh, same. I'm doing crochet to really unwind and feel better about life, monetizing my hobbies will zap the joy out of them in a snap. Not everyone is doing this to make a career or a living, some just want to have some fun
Experience matters, but I think the comment was trying to say years don’t equate to experience. Doing granny squares for 10 years is not the same as trying lots of different projects for 2. You gain experience by trying things you haven’t done and learning from your mistakes. The first 10 years I was crocheting, I learned very little and didn’t make much-just a handful of spheres and some hexagons I lost interest in. In the last two years, I’ve learned so many different stitches and techniques and tried so many different things. I’ve now made so many different blankets (including one that was 8’x9’), dolls, and my first sweater. I create my own patterns, and I can look at a picture of a lace and figure it out about half the time. I’ve easily learned more in the last two years than the ten years before that. Time passed since you learned to chain doesn’t automatically equate to experience. Experience is important and makes you better and more knowledgeable, but it is not the same thing as years passed.
I'd like to see the big yarn companies who publish luxe seasonal pattern catalogs and send the samples around for trunk shows include more crochet garment patterns. Noro, Berroco, even Malabrigo really treat crochet with what I perceive as disdain. Out of 24 patterns, two might be crochet and that's usually a motif vest and a scarf or baby blanket. Crochet is an afterthought. Malabrigo used a cowl I had made from two of their yarns (the clever Cobblestone Cowl by Kaye Adolphson) in one of their newsletters and I was thrilled....but they called it a knit!😮 So disappointing.
My grandson, though fascinated to watch me, didn't aspire to learn crochet. But when i showed him cat's cradle, he found he really loved making things out of string, from the "Eiffel Tower" to "Giraffe eating grass."
I love Toni's mom talking about people with different financial situations in fiber arts. I started when I was BROKE. Now I can afford amazing yarn and tools, but 0 shade to people using what they can afford (or honestly just like!)
I’m allergic to lanolin. It literally makes my hands feel like they are on fire and I rash out. I can’t use wooly wools. I can use superwash. I can use blends. I LOVE acrylic because of my allergies and because of the affordability. If you want to use only natural fibers, I don’t diss you. Please don’t diss me for my use of acrylic yarns. I recently finished a sweater out of KnitPicks Brava Tweed. When I wore it to church I felt like a movie star because of the way friends oohed and aahed over it, I and was told it was so well knitted it looked “store bought.” Love you and your mama. Thanks for this fun podcast.
EXACTLY!! I’m hypersensitive to all animal fibers, and I either get unbearably itchy or they trigger my allergies really bad (even blends or a very small amount of animal fiber is enough to cause this), and cotton can be rough and rigid. Plus it feels super privileged and classist to tell people to stop using acrylic yarn when that’s objectively the most affordable option that exists. I love my Caron One Pound and RHSS Jumbo skeins - they’re the best value for the price in terms of how many yards and color options. Until someone creates an equivalent alternative in a cotton blend for a similar price with the same number of yards and equivalent color variations, I’ll stick to my acrylic yarn.
I’m allergic to lanolin also, but wary of superwash. I am NOT allergic to llama, alpaca, camel, or yak, expensive but so soft! Good luck! Thinking of trying merino superwash. 🐞🐫🦙🐪
And can we please discuss where your wool is coming from and how those animals were treated. Many are treated well, but can we please talk about Mulesing and supporting the ranches that practice that by buying their wool? Hello- how is that better than my synthetics?
I inherited ~1200 granny squares from a late relative. You bet I'm using them! The "hard part" is already done for me, i just get to join them together. To me, it is an honor to help finish her projects. I feel her with me when I work.
"I feel her with me when I work..." Be careful, we are not to talk to the dead; it is for our protection. Demons pose as the dead people we love. // Ask the Messiah to be your Savior.
I'm about halfway through and I've already noticed a theme: be open, be tolerant, be curious. Sisters, we need more of that philosophy in Life, not just yarn arts. Keep on knitting and crocheting and giving out that sage advice ❤
One of my pet peeves is people who won't let you enjoy whatever your hobby is. We all value different things. Some people get their nails done regularly, get massages, buy makeup, perfumes, shops, bags, and travel, card collecting, etc but get irritated when people have a collection of yarn. We all have our vices. ❤
You should see my craft room! Shelves of quilting fabric, beads, and yarn, yarn, yarn!! Oh, and books. In our beading group, we've decided that when we go to that satisfying craftroom in the sky, our stashes are delivered to the group.
My hottest take: just because you don't feel the need to have every knitting/crocheting "gadget" in your collection doesn't mean you should shame others for using them. They're no less skilled for using specific tools for niche tasks. In many cases, they're accessibility tools for people who need them, not just the novelty item you view it as.
The hate around knitting machines needs to die. I own 3 knitting machines, two Addis and one flatbed, yet I am still here hand knitting this lace shawl because my machines can't do lace. A project on my machines is no less valid than one on my needles.
@@kristien2010 I use knitting looms when my wrist acts up. It lets me keep making without pain. It's still handwork, maybe a bit less, but the hands are working.
You got that right! These things exist so the people who want/need them can have them. It's silly to judge someone on their tools and gadgets. Well said!
@sheilalozada6428 yeah. This might not be what the original commentor was refering to, but ive seen a lot of 'de-influencing knitting supplies' vidoes, but at least in my experience its usually intended to remind the audience that they shouldn't feel pressured to buy stuff they can't afford, don't have the space for, or won't use, just because every yarny influencer has those things. Of course if it's needed for accesibility, or people just like owning it, there's nothing wrong with that. But it can feel like a lot of pressure, when every yarn influencer who has been knititng or crocheting longer than you has a ton of expensive supplies that you just cannot afford or don't have the space to own. Like you're somehow less of a crafter becuase you don't have those things or you can't make beautiful things without the most expensive intricate items. So often those vidoes or opinions are more intended to remind people that there is nothing wrong with sticking to the bare essentials, you don't need to drop hundreds of dollars or live in a house with tons of space to do a fun causal hobby. Of course, people should be mindful that what consistutes an essential item for someone else might not apply to them, and these aren't rules just reminders. And to me this specific reminder is that knitting/crocheting doesn't need to be complicated for most people, and it is generally more financially accesible to more people when we're reminded that a lot of knitting/crochet supplies are supplementary, not necessary. It doesn't need to be a money-consuming, space-consuming hobby.
“Wherever you are is where you are until you’re somewhere else.” I LOVE that! I’ve started telling myself “ You did the best that you could with the knowledge you had at the time.”
We need more Toni and Momma Gwen videos! The two of you together are precious and it’s like I’m sitting here crocheting and chatting with some friends. Despite all the hot takes here, this video is so calming and relaxing
@@TLYarnCrafts topic ideas: favorite yarn fibers, things you wish someone told you when you first started, favorite techniques for inc/Dec and why, how many projects do you have at one time, do you store stash by color or size or material or combo of, etc
I was told by a lot of people that I could never crochet well because of my seizures and mobility issues... But I am opening a business for crochet items. So glad I have a natural urge to prove specific people wrong.
Gone 'head, friend! So proud of you for turning that negative energy into a positive. it takes a real maturity to understand that we are not limited by others' beliefs. Best of luck with your biz :-)
You go for it. Im doing the same. Cant get a job because of my disabilities so I made my own. Do the you tube thing too all power to you you got this x
OMG, I feel sorry for the person who told you that. Why do I feel sorry for that person because I would hate to be so small minded as to tell someone that. You can do anything that you want to, you just have to want to, you can accomplish anything you have a mind to. Why are humans so cruel? as to say things to try and shatter someone else's hopes and dreams. I am just so glad you didn't listen to them. You just crochet your little heart out or whatever else you want to do. You can do it, I believe in you. Love ya 😊
I loom knit and the amount of people in the knitting community who tell me it is cheating or I'm not really knitting is crazy! I was telling my husband using the loom is like each peg being its own needle. Instead of all stitches on 1 needle I have multiple needles with 1 stitch each (sometimes 2 or 3 per peg depending on pattern.) When my projects come off the loom most people cannot tell I used a loom and not needles.
I knit, crochet, loom knit, embroider, tat… I wish people who enjoy *any* of the fiber arts could find companionship and friendship with other fiber lovers, without the silly “breaking into specific camps” nonsense. I’m glad you enjoy your loom knitting!❤️
when I first started learning to knit, I had a really hard time (something I attribute to being left handed), so I started loom knitting. After lots of trial and error I really enjoyed it but wanted to learn needle knitting also. After a lot of stressful moments, I finally learned reg. knitting and am working my way through it. However, I recently tried loom knitting again and I realize it isn't easy at all and it definitely it isn't cheating . I think of it as a different type of craft.
The more people that knit and crochet, and any other fiber crafts, the more available the supplies become. I would love to see yarn at convenience stores and yarn vending machines everywhere!
I’m left handed and my Mom taught me how to crochet at 10 by sitting me in front of her. When your Mom said that I got so full. I’ve recently stated crocheting again after losing her. I’m thankful just hearing that from your Mom. Bless you both.
I’m a lefty who knits and crochets right dominant because the people who taught me are righties. Lol. I can’t work a hook or throw my yarn for knitting with my left hand to save my life😂
As someone on low income / disability I just can't afford the price of hand dyed yarns for everything I make. I'm always searching for the best quality / feel acrylic I can get. Loved this video, I agree with a lot of what you & your mom had to say.
I find a lot of really nice yarn on ebay. It does take a lot of searching, refining your search words, weight, color, anything you can, and just scrolling. I have searches saved so I'll be alerted when something new is listed. I've recently scored multiple skeins of linen, silk, wool, silk mohair, etc etc.
Yes! The fabric softener trick works, but also there is some softer acrylic yarns out there some of my favorites are: caron simply soft, and big twist gentle!
@@Blue_Ink_Crochet Thanks for the yarn suggestions, I’ll look into them. I have 2 WIP’s that I’m almost finished that will get the fabric softener treatment when done.
I just want to thank you so much! I really enjoyed hearing all the input from BOTH of you!!! If it's ok with you, I would like to share something here that can be deleted if you would prefer. Regarding pricing items for sale. There were some 'Artisans' angrily telling other people in a group I was in, that they were pricing their pieces way too low. They said they needed to value their work more, and have a better appreciation of the art. They said because customers see such low prices...it makes people such as themselves have a more difficult time selling their own items. Someone stated that they crocheted because they enjoyed it, not because it was their 'business' per se'. Some said they sold items either online, at fairs, festivals, or whatever - simply to make some cash to cover their yarn expenses. Others stated in their area, they would never be able to sell anything if they didn't price the way they did. Things got very hot, and I finally spoke up. I think it's fine to disagree, but I don't feel it's ever appropriate to be rude. People have a right to price things how they desire, and I respect that right. I mentioned I could only imagine what they thought about me. 😉 When asked 'Why?', I explained: I have donated every item I've made, with the exception of 1 baby blanket for a family member. I learned how to crochet when I had to retire early at age 55 from my career as a hospital OB/NICU RN, and I was suddenly put on permanent disability. I missed my work SO MUCH....and needed to feel challenged and productive again. My mom gave me her stash, and I learned. Before I knew it, I had 2 huge piles of primarily blankets, lapghans, and hats for local hospitals, hospices, and missions. My mom was in her mid 80's, and many residents in her Independent Living complex then donated all their stashes to me. I would take a couple of photos and show each woman what project was made with THEIR yarn and where it was being donated. It was a win-win-win situation. A really warm and fuzzy circle of love, thanks to these women! 💕 I wouldn't have been able to create things without their yarn donations. They felt joy that they could contribute not just to me, but to the recipients! Lastly, was when I could see the smiles on the recipients faces . I had my sense of purpose back! 👍 I only shared that story with these 'Artisans' because they were being SO disrespectful to these other artists - and frankly....I had enough of their high and mighty better than Thou attitudes. Of course they proceeded to educate me with how I was also devaluing the art. If you were to ask me who was 'devaluing' our art/craft.....it was these cold hearted 'Artisans' . I wasn't asked... but I proceeded to tell them so. Yep, I did it, I really really did it! 😳 🤭 I did not take the high road...sorry, mom! I didn't get kicked out; but, I withdrew from the group as I didn't need to be surrounded with such negativity. If anyone has made it this far - sorry it was so long. Maybe someone might find it 'food for thought'. We all deserve to be supported in our community, even those just trying to make some cash to cover their yarn expenses! 👍 ❤
I'm honestly so glad y'all advocate for acrylic yarn. I work at Michaels and just started crochet, and got all of my starting yarn on the cheap-cheap (free or clearanced) just from our toss-outs (destroyed packaging, no packaging, unraveled, somehow taped??? and put back on the shelf so no one would buy it) and all of it is acrylic. We don't sell much yarn that isn't 100% acrylic (our store is really small and has a small selection, people go to Joann or *shudders* H*bby L*bby if we don't have what they need). So not only is it all I can afford on a Michaels wage (and discount lol) it's almost all that's available in my small town unless you go out of your way to buy online.
The pride in your mom’s eyes when you talk 🥹💕 the knitting gene skipped over my mom and my grandma didn’t have any interest in teaching me, so this makes my heart feel so happy. Thank you and your mom for sharing your incredible wealth of knowledge with us!
In regards to the "wrong way" comment, what i teach on my channel is this "if your stitch looks like how it is supposed to look, who cares what road you took to get there". And also reiterate many times that crochet, tunisian and regular, are supposed to be relaxing and if you are stressing then step away. Those who say its wrong are, well wrong.
What’s so funny with people that make sharp statements of, ‘Stop buying yarn until you’ve used what you have’ obviously may not be a fiber artist (crocheting/knitting/spinning). With yarns being discontinued constantly is a fiber artist’s nightmare! I can only speak for me so I love sales on yarn 🧶 and yes I’ll stock up like nobody’s business and will continue to do so. If you’re not paying that person’s bills, you shouldn’t be that concerned about how much they spend on yarn.
Agreed. I don't understand how people can tell anyone how to spend their money or time. It's wild to me. I don't have a yarn store close by, so it's treck for me to go get yarn. So I buy a lot cuz it's not often!!
Yes I have an unfortunate (for my pocket book) love of discontinued yarn 😂 My stash is legendary at this point because of fomo. I think I need to just embrace it and find a way to grow scales, wings, claws, and horns and start sleeping on all of it. 🐉
I don't live near a yarn store (4 hour drive one way) and ordered 1-2 hanks of several different kinds of SW wool when I was getting into it because I didn't know how it would feel or if I'd like it. 6 months later, I found some I really like for garment patterns but the colorway or entire line is discontinued so I have to choose something else 😭
Having a stash & buying yarn and actually using the yarn stash are two different hobbies. This is a hill I shall die on! Also, love love love the collab with Momma Gwen!!
Yes! I totally agree. As long as you are spending your own money what is the difference how much yarn you have stashed? You never know when inspiration strikes. Making things and collecting things two different hobbies.
Technical writer here (in tech). Love the section about the technicality of writing patterns-100% agree!!!!! Also looooooove the inclusivity you PREACH. 💜
Momma Gwen is the BEST! If someone tells me they don't like the look of crochet, i tell them they don't have the right pattern. I always thought of bistitchual as a parallel to bilingual.
I absolutely agree that weaving ends isn't the same as crocheting over them. That said, if I can tie a secure knot and crochet over them I ABSOLUTELY will 🤣
Actually, as a bisexual person who knits, crochets, and loves puns, I have never felt more represented than when I found all those pins and stickers on Etsy. I'm also not offended if a hetero crafter uses it. To me, that's just a sign of acceptance. I'm more offended by the people who actually get offended by the swag. The message should always be acceptance, whether that's crafting ability, sexuality, gender, spiritual practices, or quirky humor. We all need to live our own best lives without judgment on either side.
Absolutely, totally agree, let’s all accept everyone and not judge in any area of life and craft, unless of course we are all perfect, I’m certainly not and haven’t yet met anyone who is! Let’s make the world a better place.😊
All of this! I'm also a bisexual bicraftual person. And I mean both of those as the umbrella terms that they have become. I knit, crochet, Tunisian crochet, cross stich, embroider, and even do crafts without string! Also, I really love puns. Knotty knitter, calling myself a hooker because I crochet, etc is just funny to me. However, I am open to hearing from those persons who don't agree as to why.
I am not sure you realize how wholesome this video is. It feels like I am right there sitting with you two as a third person. Momma Gwen is a gem. So loving, so lovely, and so lovable. More of you two please!
You 2 remind me of my mum and I regarding knitting and crochet. I recently moved in with 80 yr old mum and she's the knitting expert while I'm the crochet expert. It's hilarious watching us both persevere with each other's craft and laughing at each other's clumsiness because we both know how good we are in our own lane. One day we're going to be experts with both knitting and crochet.
I'm so glad you brought this stuff up! Your mom is right about experience. The elderly are shunned so much on this platform especially. I bet she can probably teach many so-called experts quite a bit! And I get you about the ones who try to tell you how and what to do like a boss. Speaking of lace, I can not do anything with tiny yarn. At 70,I just can't see well enough to crochet or knit with it. If your Mom has any hints I gladly welcome them! My grandma was blind in one eye and she crocheted with nothing but that crochet thread and I wish I could talk to her now! I have gained the utmost respect for her in my older age. Thank you!
Cheater glasses. I crochet with lace-weight and they are a life saver. A good light helps as well. I have a Verilux daylight floor lamp for way over 20 years and the bulb lasts a long time. Replacement bulb can be found at Home Depot for a very reasonable price.
@@TheThirdWiseMonkey What kind of glasses? The reader ones? I guess I need to try the stronger ones. Thank you for your feedback. It is most appreciated!
I had a friend with macula degeneration and most of my knitting group are in their 70s and 80s. Some of them use a mag light. It sits on the floor and has a has light and magnifying glass so they can still do lace weight. My friend could really do it by feel but she also had some glasses that went iver her normal ones like a doctor might wear that has a light on it too. I hope you find something that works. I am 51 and my vision gets worse every year but I would hate to lose my knitting and crochet.
my knitting buddy is 20 yrs my senior and I teach her things all the time. She just doesn’t feel the need to venture into experimenting with new stitches or patterns. She only makes blankets and scarves and does nothing more intricate than a moss stitch. I’ve taught her a lot and even helped her make her first sweater.
Hi Toni! I was listening to another podcast and the maker, said she felt guilty buying more yarn because she had a stash. Another maker told her she needs to replace the word stash with collection. I love the word collection. We should be able to spend our money on what we love without recrimination or judgement from others. I try to support small businesses, so to disparage folks about their collections will impact sales for folks like you, Toni. Too many important issues in the world to be worrying about another person’s yarn purchasing habits. Love the episode and your Mom’s feedback . Take care❤
Center pull is superior... when i get it to work! Because about 80percent of the time I end up with severe yarn barf that takes about an hour to detangle into something useful. Risk/Reward. Also, FABRIC GLUE! Toni's mom just gave me the best loose end hack, I am so relieved! I'm relatively new and I find myself avoiding changing colors just because I am worried about ends coming out. Thanks Mama!
Center pull is superior. The worst is when cones and cakes of yarn unwind anticlockwise. I can deal with clockwise, but anticlockwise is the devil. I love the cones of Hobbii 8/4 cotton, but they unwind the wrong way😢
Typically if you don't have the fingers to find the yarns g-spot then you will have trouble. Other than that I only have issues 10% of the time. What's more superior is rolling your yarn up into a ball and using that.
With today’s lifestyle as hectic as it is, as terrible as the pandemic was, a lot of good came from it. People took time to learn new hobbies and families got to spend much more time together getting back to the basics, as simple as cooking together and eating together. I am so grateful for the time people got to stop, breathe and try things they never had time for.🦋
🧶This is something I saw the other day that this group would like to hear The other day I was picking up my teens and a girl/student walked down the sidewalk in a stars and moon granny square jumper!!!! She also had a crocheted hair tie with matching stars hanging from her hair ❣ It was so amazing to see! My son says the girls at his school talk about crochet all the time ☺It made me sooo happy that teenagers are so into it 🥳👏for the next generation!!
my own hot take is ABOUT hot takes. when people do this and call for people's hot takes/unpopular opinions, a lot of people who enter submissions seem very focused on two things: skill level and policing others. both imo are totally unnecessary. first of all, we're all at different skill levels, regardless of how long you've been working or what kind of thing you make. there's definitely something to be said about curating a vast and deliberate skillset, and developing an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and physics of knitting, but it also isn't essential to being a "good" knitter/crocheter... and y'know what else? being "good" isn't essential to being a knitter/crocheter! we're all here to do different things, and some of us are just here to relax and pass the time. it's not a competition. nobody is going to give you an award for knowing the most complex techniques or the most extensive skillset aside from YOU. what you get out of having those abilities is the amazing things YOU can make, and for some people, teach others to make. it's not about flexing who's the best. there is no best. it's just not relevant or helpful to think of our abilities in regards to craft on a sliding scale like that, especially when for most of us it's just a hobby. secondly, all of the gatekeeping and "you can't do this" "stop doing this" etc is in the same boat-- just inconsiderate and unnecessary. we all have different needs, limitations, likes, wants, and preferences, and nobody is in the place to tell anybody else what they're not allowed to do to make themselves happy. none of us owe it to anyone to partake in our hobby or our passion in a way THEY want and approve of. i don't know about y'all, but i knit to make ME happy. nothing more and nothing less. people trying to arbitrate or "humble" other crafters in these submissions always makes me so sad. it feels like for some people it's less about sharing a controversial opinion to spark an important discussion, and more about gatekeeping or putting others down. it's so counterproductive and i really appreciate both of your professional attitudes in addressing the narrative that there is any right or wrong way to enjoy your own hobby.
I am similar to your Mama, i have been crocheting for about 60 yrs now, late knitter, about 40 yrs now, lol, i was self taught for both for sure, but love to watch others , patterns and so on, sometimes i use them , sometimes i adjust them, etc. So no matter how long you have done this, you can still learn and refine !
Loved Loved LOVED this episode! Toni and Gwen - not only are you ambassadors, you are the gold standard of what this community should strive to be. This community should be a safe learning space filled with love and acceptance. The skills we have are a gift to share and celebrate. Yarn snobbery has been around for a long time. I encountered it over 20 years ago when I stepped into my first yarn shop. The owner was miserable and worked hard to make me feel small. She wouldn't sell me a pattern without buying yarn. If I hadn't considered the source and let her make me feel small, I would have never learned the craft that is getting me through the toughest years of my life so far. Yarn store owners can be a barrier to entry when they should be welcoming ambassadors. Hot Take: New knitters are not interested in learning foundational skills and would rather be automatic designers. This happened in the culinary industry 20 years ago. We need to learn from those who are more experienced before that knowledge is lost. Thank you so much for giving me a place to call home ❤
As a baby crocheter I am so relieved to hear you say we need to have longer ends cause I have been sitting here with these three inch ends making it work but crying while doing so. 😂
I wanted to just thank you so much for this. My main takeaways: be kind, be inviting, be supportive, be gracious, and help others. It’s amazing how we can crochet, knit and weave so many amazing people together with our crafts! I hope that everyone gets a chance to watch this! Blessings! With love from snowy Reno NV - Elizabeth (Elisabettawill on Ravelry, yes, THAT one 😂).
OMG! The tip to keep your tails long if you're going to crochet over them...that needs to be explained in EVERY pattern and video! So many 3in tails just frolicking all outside my garments.
I give kudos to anyone who found crochet and knitting during the pandemic! It showed their tenacity in wanting the world to shine as the beautiful community it can be! Staying positive helped folks process what was happening, and if it made them aware of a hidden talent they possess, that’s amazing! You are never too old or too young to find a new passion! 🥰
I think its completely valid to dislike and hate acrylic, but don’t bash others for using it. The same way nobody (at least i’ve seen) bashes someone for finding wool itchy or having an allergy, but those people won’t go to wool users and bash them.
My thing is I just started crocheting right before Christmas because I was having surgery the 2nd of January and wanted something to do while recovering. I've noticed that it also helps with my anxiety, but yarn is so expensive. I would love to be able to buy some of the different yarn, but when you are on a fixed income the acrylic yarn is the main yarn that is at a price that some people can only afford. Also I think it is wonderful if people have the money to have a yarn stash. My birthday was yesterday and I asked for gift cards so that I can go buy a little extra yarn and have more than only enough for one project. I see new videos and I'm like I wish I had some extra yarn so I could have another project because some projects take awhile and you need a little change up. Loved your mom she needs to come on your videos more. You both are wonderful women and are great teachers. Have a blessed New Year.
Same outside of small projects where I can get the cheap bamboo cotton mixes I really can only afford acrylic. Expectally since I mainly crochet blankets!
@@teresarodgers8222 I've also got yarn when friends/ want me to make something for them. The deal is they buy the yarn I make it and get to keep the spare. I've gotten some decent yarn out of it. I also am thinking about dying my own yarn. Once I recovered enough and find a whole seller that I like, cause it's like 60 bucks for 3 pounds if undied yarn .
After I matured and left home, eventually I found a renewed interest in knitting, and I tried to step up my knitting game FOR YEARS using those books with all the crazy drawing with arrows and descriptions. I could never figure out how to do these more complicated stitches, and gave up (this was in the early 90s), so I gave up for some years. It wasn't until I found Ravelry and youtube that my knitting blew up, and became obsessed, and then very proficient. I taught myself crochet, too, via youtube. I wouldn't knock it; not everyone has a yarnie community, or the time to sit at a yarn store with the ladies. Video tutorials are priceless! They're there at 3am, you can pause, playback, chat in the comments and get advice/feedback and other useful information. Case in point, I wouldn't have learned about Tunisian crochet if it wasn't for this channel. Not that I've ever done it, but I've love watching so many of the videos here. The thing is, yarn crafts are actions - it's really hard to learn how to make movements and motions through written patterns, and so many of the old patterns assume a whole lot! If you don't already know, you need a translator! Oh, and Brooklyn's in da house!!
Agree 100%!! As a Pandemic crocheter, I didn't have the option of even the library. If not for UA-cam, I wouldn't have been able to exit the pandemic with this great new skill and community.
You'd laugh if you went to learn how to weave. I took a class from a professional weaver; we were told about half a dozen basic terms and descriptions, then she took us straight to the looms and said "Okay, the only way to learn this is to do it". Of course, she did the absolutely basic demonstration, but truly, the only way was "hands on".
@@Kayenne54 *stares over at the rigid heddle loom, with a project on it, having learned from nothing but YT videos and my own experimentation* I mean, I agree that having somebody in-person certainly helps...but as a person with no car and no guild in the city, this was the only way I could learn: UA-cam and my own ingenuity.
I just came across this and LOVED it. I've been knitting and crocheting for 50 years, and like Mama, I learned from books and patters without the help of videos or Ravelry. I thought I was a genius the day I realized I could use circular needles for flat work. I was so proud the first time I made a blanket in a leaf pattern instead of granny squares. I have used Kmarts cheapest and a tiny skein of $300 Vicuna. There's no room for snobbery in fiber arts. To me, it's about the love of the craft and the creative process. Thank you, ladies, for such a fun and honest posting. ❤❤❤❤♥️
I just found this video… Hey Momma, shout out from another Brooklyn baby! I’ve been knitting, crocheting and tatting for over 40 years. Yes, I was born with yarn in my hands! I learned to crochet by silently watching my Mom and then secretly taking a tiny ball of her scrap and working it on one of my pencils… my mom found my piece of straggly crochet hidden under my pillow. She looked at me and asked if I did it. I was scared bcz I wasn’t given the yarn. I said yes, and she walked out and then back in the room with another small ball and my first hook! I loved this video!
I'm a hand spinner and I love to create rustic lanolin rich locally sourced yarns. I also spin pet fur into yarn. That said, I am not afraid to charge a fair price for the hours of time, years of building my skills and thousands of dollars worth of equipment needed to produce a beautiful yarn. It may seem expensive but I've never known anyone who regrets spending the money to have their pets fur turned into one of a kind yarn. Thank you ladies. New follower here❤.
The reason crochet isn't seen much in ready-to-wear is because crochet can't be done by machine, and knitting can. If you see crochet in fast fashion, it was done by sweatshop labor. And for the record, I find crochet much easier than knitting, possibly because i learned it first, at the age of seven and learned to knit almost a year later. I learned them from my grandmothers, crochet from my paternal grandmother--who did not knit because she found it too difficult--and knitting from my maternal grandmother, who did both.
Momma Gwen learnt it all WITHOUT UA-cam. All the kudos because I only learnt with UA-cam on call and being able to Google my current dilemma. Experience counts for everything ❤
13:11 as a queer person who knits and crochets (and is currently also learning tunisian crochet and nalbinding), I love the term bistitchual, and it never felt to me like someone was laughing at queer people by saying it (in deciding whether I would use that term to describe myself, I remembered a sexuality joke a fellow queer person told me once and decided I am try-stitchual --- I'll try any craft once 😅)
I love your Mom and the dynamic between the two of you. Look at her knitting without looking! I can only hope to be able to do that at some point in my life. :) I would love to see another one of these hot takes with the two of you!
Really loved this episode. The two of you are golden together! I love your practical, inclusive, and kind take on yarn crafts. I'm 72 years old, learned to crochet doilies at age 7, and didn't really get the hang of knitting until I was almost 60. Each of us has a unique path. There's no single way to learn or grow your skills. Bless the two of you for reminding us.
I’m relatively new to your channel. I found you on a UA-cam feed and saw your Tunisian crochet 😮. Let me start by saying, I crochet and started that craft when I was pregnant with my son… that was 32 years ago. For you young ones, it was before the internet, UA-cam and Social Media. I bought a book and taught myself. With life and being a busy mom, I put it down for many years. Back in 2009 I wanted a good quality quilt for my bed and I searched for 3 years until I finally said enough, I’m going to have to learn how to do this myself, which I did and I was smitten with the craft. I’ve recently pulled out my yarn and hooks again when traveling back and forth to my parents house and helping out with their health issues. Crochet is very portable and just what I need right now to help me find peace and strength if these difficult times and knowing end of life is coming for my parents 😢. It allows me to be calm, focus and quiet my mind. Folks can have more than one hobby, each serving a purpose. As long as you enjoy it and the journey, than go for it! I don’t need to mention stash, being a quilter and a crocheter I have stash in fabric and yarn 😂. But, I have it at the ready when I want to work on something. 😅 that was a lot… just do you, as long as it makes you happy. Toni, thank you for putting out awesome instructional videos, you’ve inspired me to pick up my hooks again and I’m currently working on making a summer top. 😊
I am an Italian girl who recently discovered your channel and thanks to you I have started to become passionate about Tunisian crochet. I always thought your smile was contagious, real and spontaneous. Seeing you in this video with your mom smiling together is truly a spark of contagious joy. As many others before me have commented it would be really nice to see Gwen return in more of your videos ♥
I agree with you ladies completely. I have been knitting for long enough now to know that I will never know everything. I love to learn from anyone who will teach me! You ladies are so talented, thoughtful and just plain wonderful.
38:35 yarn snobbery is a thing, and we have to consider our biases when we share our craft. Personally I can’t use 100% acrylic as it irritates my skin, but if I’m teaching someone or trying to inspire someone to become a knitter or crocheter, I’m going to keep that to myself. I want them to be excited and eager to stick with is.
What a wonderful idea. I love your mom. The best of all your shows. Please repeat it often. So much to learn and enjoy. I am 84 I have been knitting and crocheting since I was 7. I agree practice makes perfect and after all these 76 years of knitting and crocheting I learn something new every day.
absolutely love the energy between you two! personally, i crochet to help with my anxiety when i'm at work. i do a lot of the same projects because the repetitive motion is like stimming for me and helps me manage my anxiety so i can be present for meetings and whatnot. sometimes, it's a function thing and not for the product!
On the bad attitude turning people off from the craft: I have a friend who's left-handed and her mom (also left-handed) tried to show her how to crochet but gave up within the hour because my friend didn't get it right away, so my friend had given up by the time I told her I crochet and could teach her the basics if she wanted to learn. She spent weeks telling me she was hopeless at it, but when we finally sat down to make chains and rows of single and double crochets together, she managed to do it after some practice even if I'm right-handed and it was a little harder to show her! Now, a few months later, she's making shawls and baby blankets and slippers ❤ Everyone who wants to learn deserves to.
I like to use natural fiber yarn for anything I'm going to be laundering because micro plastics in the watershed is a particular pet peeve for me but I also don't judge others for their yarn choices, lol
I was born in Brooklyn too. Love you guys. So refreshing. Tired of the haters that have infiltrated the craft. And agree 100% there’s room for both knit and crochet to coexist and be appreciated. Love them both💗
Just started the video here, but wow, your mom!? I thought she was a friend, she looks so much younger and is so beautiful!!!! And after seeing the whole thing, I can see where you get your grace and classiness from. :)
I knit and crochet (and cross stitch and weave, etc.) and have been for about 15 years. I started knitting first because my brother taught me and picked up crochet later because my sister wanted something crocheted. I've used youtube and various other online resources for learing since the start, but only recently heard about this whole knit vs crochet controversy. It seems super weird and pointless to me. Like, who cares? I will say I do personally prefer the look and, more importantly, the feel of knitting. I like loose, stretchy, light fabrics, and crochet tends to be thicker and not as stretchy. But that's the point, it's a preference. I don't like the colour orange, that doesn't mean I'm going to look down on all those orange lovers out there. Why can't we all just get along?
Thank you Toni and Gwen. I have been crocheting for 40 or 50 years, I didn’t crochet all the time, I have learned a lot from Toni, I just made granny square blankets all the time and now I’m venturing out with new stitches. I have made scarves with different yarn and my husband likes everything that I make and wants to keep it, if I don’t think it’s ok he does and encourages me, that makes me to keep crocheting. Thank you for sharing.
Thank BOTH for this video!! Like Mom, I can knit and crochet (learned crocheting from my mom and taught myself to knit when I was 10). I can appreciate BOTH methods for different projects.
Ok: "stop buying yarn." Good advice? Yeah. Practical.... sure. Am I going to? Nuh-uh. Not even a little bit. Cause listen.... if I'm having a rough day, a mental health squish of my favorite soft hanks are top tier. Also good advice? Mind yo business
Hi Toni’s Mama!!! What an incredible treat to finally “meet” the Queen Mother ❤❤❤ Y’all look so much alike. I am so jealous of how Gwen can knit not only without looking, but her hands barely move!! I bet she is a very speedy knitter. I’m hoping to acquire this skill through video-osmosis 😂 I am firmly in the center-pull camp, but I do hate that last little chunk where things get floppy at the end. I usually end up making a sad little bobbin for the last few yards. As for the Great Stash Debate, holy self-control, Batman!! I wish I was that disciplined. I love the comparison to collecting mugs or vacation trinkets, and that they point out that there is a conscious way to stash. I also LOVE Gwen’s idea of having the creator sign & date the ball band!! On the topic of being pro/anti acrylic, listen. I live in a fairly large city, and it is a yarn desert! If I want yarn but don’t have the budget/time/desire to order online, I don’t get to knit. That doesn’t even get into the price aspect.
On the topic of acrylic yarn....not every country has many options when it comes to different yarns. In Kenya you'll find acrylic yarn readily available and at an affordable price. I have scoured different shops and the internet for different yarns such as cottons and wool and the price is just plain crazy (about 3-6 times higher than 100% acrylic yarns). The average person can't afford to buy 2-5 skeins without going broke also the cost of importing the yarn is pretty steep making it easier to learn different projects and techniques that work best with acrylic yarns.
This is some wisdom 👏 I LOVE my lace, super intricate laceweight nonsense that takes so long it makes me reconsider allllll my life choices... but there are so many GORGEOUS items made in bulky acrylic! There's no need to hate on each other, we're all just trying to fit all the crafting we want to do into our lifespans 😂
Weird, I'm a bi person who loves the "bistitual" joke. I even have enamel pins that and stickers that say "I'm bistitual" in bi-pride colors that I've purchased from queer creators in the community. It's the kind of representation that I really love, but I'm also mindful to ONLY purchase that kind of thing from queer creators.
Hey guys Toni's mom here. If you are watching like and share.
You two are so lovely and fun!
Love your insights! Thanks for blessing us with your wisdom 😍
you are such a gorgeous and kind woman, we can see where Toni got it from ❤
Do you have social media. Would love to follow you.
Loved seeing you and Toni together! My goodness, she looks just like you. Thank you both.
My hot take is we need more Momma Gwen! She's amazing and beautiful! I feel we can learn a lot from your mom! And dang... she's just knitting away without looking down! I struggle with knitting!
I'd love to see a mom and daughter mystery yarn box reveals video! (I knit and crochet...learned in that order. The "hating" is a shock to me. I just love to craft and I love others who do the same.)
So true! 48 years crocheting 😮 I would love to see her tutorials 😊
I agree! I really enjoyed seeing the two of you together. 🫶🫶
lol cute - mom is open to coming back and we're tossing around some ideas now :-)
Agreed! Come back and hang out with us Gwen!
Omg… this needs to be a monthly series. I am loving mama on the program!!!
She reminds me of my mom, who taught me to kint, crochet, sew and cook
I love the idea of a repeat, maybe quarterly, like this of different topics with either just these 2 or rotate a group of fiber people through to chat about.
Yes I agree, we need mama in here monthly would be nice mama!. Tony I agree with everything you said, and Momma. We should be lifting people up not tearing them down, there’s too much of that in the world right now, and I has always been. We just need to build each other up. If it’s not nice to say, don’t say it at all, keep it to yourself
Yes, yes, yes! Came here to say the same thing- this needs to be a regular feature. Loved it!
I enjoyed this, too ⭐️
Toni’s mom has been knitting and crocheting for 48 years?? How is that possible when she doesn’t look like she has hit her 48th birthday! Momma Gwen, you look amazing!
Thanks 😊❤
Seriously!!! She looks under 40, did she start knitting in the womb????
the amount of times my friends and fam said “yOu ShOuLd SeLl YoUr WoRk” yet they themselves have never offered to buy anything I’ve ever made. They just expect free things. Or get mad when I tell them I don’t feel comfortable make something larger than my size, because my body is the only one that I how to make clothes for. my hobby doesn’t need to be monetized. let me liveeeee!
Ugh, same. I'm doing crochet to really unwind and feel better about life, monetizing my hobbies will zap the joy out of them in a snap. Not everyone is doing this to make a career or a living, some just want to have some fun
Laughing as your Mom talks about how experience matters while she knits perfectly without looking! Lol… preach Mom!
she's living proof that it does. Go, momma!!
Yeah 😂 she's talking and her hands go on their own
Experience matters, but I think the comment was trying to say years don’t equate to experience. Doing granny squares for 10 years is not the same as trying lots of different projects for 2. You gain experience by trying things you haven’t done and learning from your mistakes. The first 10 years I was crocheting, I learned very little and didn’t make much-just a handful of spheres and some hexagons I lost interest in. In the last two years, I’ve learned so many different stitches and techniques and tried so many different things. I’ve now made so many different blankets (including one that was 8’x9’), dolls, and my first sweater. I create my own patterns, and I can look at a picture of a lace and figure it out about half the time. I’ve easily learned more in the last two years than the ten years before that. Time passed since you learned to chain doesn’t automatically equate to experience. Experience is important and makes you better and more knowledgeable, but it is not the same thing as years passed.
IKR?! She has the wisdom in her hands 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
The hot take says “knitting longer doesn’t matter.” Mama says “that’s cute.” 😂
Your Mom doesn’t even look at her work as she’s knitting! That’s a real skill!❤
She is also talking at the same time!! 😍
I was thinking that too! Wow!?! 😮
I’m so impressed at Mom’s ability to to talk and knit without looking at her hands,,,,,, Goals!!!!🤎🤎🤎
This usually only works well if it's a simpler pattern as long as you can use your fingers to sense what type of stitch it is.
I'd like to see the big yarn companies who publish luxe seasonal pattern catalogs and send the samples around for trunk shows include more crochet garment patterns. Noro, Berroco, even Malabrigo really treat crochet with what I perceive as disdain. Out of 24 patterns, two might be crochet and that's usually a motif vest and a scarf or baby blanket. Crochet is an afterthought.
Malabrigo used a cowl I had made from two of their yarns (the clever Cobblestone Cowl by Kaye Adolphson) in one of their newsletters and I was thrilled....but they called it a knit!😮 So disappointing.
"At the end of the day, we all make things out of string." I LOVE it, yes! It's really all about the pleasure of creating things out of string.
My grandson, though fascinated to watch me, didn't aspire to learn crochet. But when i showed him cat's cradle, he found he really loved making things out of string, from the "Eiffel Tower" to "Giraffe eating grass."
Your Mama low-key knitting without even looking and she doesn't skip a beat. Respect! 😁😍
❤
I love Toni's mom talking about people with different financial situations in fiber arts. I started when I was BROKE. Now I can afford amazing yarn and tools, but 0 shade to people using what they can afford (or honestly just like!)
"Who told you that?" ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ Well, that was the shortest 48 minutes I've spent in a while. I vote for doing this every Saturday!
SAME! When Toni said time to wrap it up, I was like already? It's only been 15 min! 😂
so glad you had fun with us today - it was a blast to record :-)
Same! 😂😂
When she said “who you talking to?!?” 😂😂😂 I was hooked and need this every week
I’m allergic to lanolin. It literally makes my hands feel like they are on fire and I rash out. I can’t use wooly wools. I can use superwash. I can use blends. I LOVE acrylic because of my allergies and because of the affordability. If you want to use only natural fibers, I don’t diss you. Please don’t diss me for my use of acrylic yarns. I recently finished a sweater out of KnitPicks Brava Tweed. When I wore it to church I felt like a movie star because of the way friends oohed and aahed over it, I and was told it was so well knitted it looked “store bought.” Love you and your mama. Thanks for this fun podcast.
EXACTLY!! I’m hypersensitive to all animal fibers, and I either get unbearably itchy or they trigger my allergies really bad (even blends or a very small amount of animal fiber is enough to cause this), and cotton can be rough and rigid. Plus it feels super privileged and classist to tell people to stop using acrylic yarn when that’s objectively the most affordable option that exists. I love my Caron One Pound and RHSS Jumbo skeins - they’re the best value for the price in terms of how many yards and color options. Until someone creates an equivalent alternative in a cotton blend for a similar price with the same number of yards and equivalent color variations, I’ll stick to my acrylic yarn.
I’m allergic to lanolin also, but wary of superwash. I am NOT allergic to llama, alpaca, camel, or yak, expensive but so soft! Good luck! Thinking of trying merino superwash. 🐞🐫🦙🐪
Not everyone can afford $30/skein of yarn, either.
I love that Brava Yarn and just finished a cardigan with it !
And can we please discuss where your wool is coming from and how those animals were treated. Many are treated well, but can we please talk about Mulesing and supporting the ranches that practice that by buying their wool? Hello- how is that better than my synthetics?
I inherited ~1200 granny squares from a late relative. You bet I'm using them! The "hard part" is already done for me, i just get to join them together.
To me, it is an honor to help finish her projects. I feel her with me when I work.
This hit me for some reason. I'm so happy you have the opportunity to do that
Dang!! Id love to see your hoard 😂 You should post on r/crochet
"I feel her with me when I work..." Be careful, we are not to talk to the dead; it is for our protection. Demons pose as the dead people we love. // Ask the Messiah to be your Savior.
I fear I'll end up the one leaving a bunch of granny squares to some young relative 😂
I think this is a great idea.
I'm about halfway through and I've already noticed a theme: be open, be tolerant, be curious. Sisters, we need more of that philosophy in Life, not just yarn arts. Keep on knitting and crocheting and giving out that sage advice ❤
This should be a t-shirt (or tote, or mug, etc.)!
Yes, they are giving us a master class in human relations as well as craft expertise. Not a boring minute between these two wise women.
One of my pet peeves is people who won't let you enjoy whatever your hobby is. We all value different things. Some people get their nails done regularly, get massages, buy makeup, perfumes, shops, bags, and travel, card collecting, etc but get irritated when people have a collection of yarn. We all have our vices. ❤
Agreed
You should see my craft room! Shelves of quilting fabric, beads, and yarn, yarn, yarn!! Oh, and books.
In our beading group, we've decided that when we go to that satisfying craftroom in the sky, our stashes are delivered to the group.
Exactly!
I'm so happy to meet mom. You two look so much alike❤
Right?!?! I thought they were sisters! 😂
My hottest take: just because you don't feel the need to have every knitting/crocheting "gadget" in your collection doesn't mean you should shame others for using them. They're no less skilled for using specific tools for niche tasks. In many cases, they're accessibility tools for people who need them, not just the novelty item you view it as.
The hate around knitting machines needs to die. I own 3 knitting machines, two Addis and one flatbed, yet I am still here hand knitting this lace shawl because my machines can't do lace. A project on my machines is no less valid than one on my needles.
@@kristien2010 I use knitting looms when my wrist acts up. It lets me keep making without pain. It's still handwork, maybe a bit less, but the hands are working.
I don't think they are saying that. I think they just mean, to each their own. However you achieve your end goals, that's what right for you.
You got that right! These things exist so the people who want/need them can have them. It's silly to judge someone on their tools and gadgets. Well said!
@sheilalozada6428 yeah. This might not be what the original commentor was refering to, but ive seen a lot of 'de-influencing knitting supplies' vidoes, but at least in my experience its usually intended to remind the audience that they shouldn't feel pressured to buy stuff they can't afford, don't have the space for, or won't use, just because every yarny influencer has those things. Of course if it's needed for accesibility, or people just like owning it, there's nothing wrong with that. But it can feel like a lot of pressure, when every yarn influencer who has been knititng or crocheting longer than you has a ton of expensive supplies that you just cannot afford or don't have the space to own. Like you're somehow less of a crafter becuase you don't have those things or you can't make beautiful things without the most expensive intricate items.
So often those vidoes or opinions are more intended to remind people that there is nothing wrong with sticking to the bare essentials, you don't need to drop hundreds of dollars or live in a house with tons of space to do a fun causal hobby. Of course, people should be mindful that what consistutes an essential item for someone else might not apply to them, and these aren't rules just reminders. And to me this specific reminder is that knitting/crocheting doesn't need to be complicated for most people, and it is generally more financially accesible to more people when we're reminded that a lot of knitting/crochet supplies are supplementary, not necessary. It doesn't need to be a money-consuming, space-consuming hobby.
Was a little late to the party but just wanna say momma gwen looks gorgeous and now I know where Toni gets her good looks from
Right!!! Toni is a copy-paste of Gwen and they are stunningggg 🤩
Lace is MAGIC, but the magic doesn’t happen until it’s BLOCKED.!
“Wherever you are is where you are until you’re somewhere else.” I LOVE that! I’ve started telling myself “ You did the best that you could with the knowledge you had at the time.”
We need more Toni and Momma Gwen videos! The two of you together are precious and it’s like I’m sitting here crocheting and chatting with some friends. Despite all the hot takes here, this video is so calming and relaxing
Really glad you enjoyed it! Mom has already said she wants to return, so we're open to ideas for future videos :-)
@@TLYarnCrafts topic ideas: favorite yarn fibers, things you wish someone told you when you first started, favorite techniques for inc/Dec and why, how many projects do you have at one time, do you store stash by color or size or material or combo of, etc
I second this!
I was told by a lot of people that I could never crochet well because of my seizures and mobility issues... But I am opening a business for crochet items. So glad I have a natural urge to prove specific people wrong.
Gone 'head, friend! So proud of you for turning that negative energy into a positive. it takes a real maturity to understand that we are not limited by others' beliefs. Best of luck with your biz :-)
Good for you! Where's there's a will, there's a way.
You go for it. Im doing the same. Cant get a job because of my disabilities so I made my own. Do the you tube thing too all power to you you got this x
OMG, I feel sorry for the person who told you that. Why do I feel sorry for that person because I would hate to be so small minded as to tell someone that. You can do anything that you want to, you just have to want to, you can accomplish anything you have a mind to. Why are humans so cruel? as to say things to try and shatter someone else's hopes and dreams. I am just so glad you didn't listen to them. You just crochet your little heart out or whatever else you want to do. You can do it, I believe in you. Love ya 😊
@tiffanyboyce2562 congratulations 🎉🎈🎊🍾👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
I loom knit and the amount of people in the knitting community who tell me it is cheating or I'm not really knitting is crazy! I was telling my husband using the loom is like each peg being its own needle. Instead of all stitches on 1 needle I have multiple needles with 1 stitch each (sometimes 2 or 3 per peg depending on pattern.) When my projects come off the loom most people cannot tell I used a loom and not needles.
They're probably bitter cuz their carpal tunnel is hurting 😂
I knit, crochet, loom knit, embroider, tat… I wish people who enjoy *any* of the fiber arts could find companionship and friendship with other fiber lovers, without the silly “breaking into specific camps” nonsense. I’m glad you enjoy your loom knitting!❤️
when I first started learning to knit, I had a really hard time (something I attribute to being left handed), so I started loom knitting. After lots of trial and error I really enjoyed it but wanted to learn needle knitting also. After a lot of stressful moments, I finally learned reg. knitting and am working my way through it. However, I recently tried loom knitting again and I realize it isn't easy at all and it definitely it isn't cheating . I think of it as a different type of craft.
The more people that knit and crochet, and any other fiber crafts, the more available the supplies become. I would love to see yarn at convenience stores and yarn vending machines everywhere!
the hot take about buying yarn, reminded me... I am a member of SABLE... Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy...!
😂😂😂😂SABLE!!!! i love it
I’m left handed and my Mom taught me how to crochet at 10 by sitting me in front of her. When your Mom said that I got so full. I’ve recently stated crocheting again after losing her. I’m thankful just hearing that from your Mom. Bless you both.
This warms my heart. I’m a lefty also, my grandmother taught me the same way❤.
I’m a lefty who knits and crochets right dominant because the people who taught me are righties. Lol. I can’t work a hook or throw my yarn for knitting with my left hand to save my life😂
As someone on low income / disability I just can't afford the price of hand dyed yarns for everything I make. I'm always searching for the best quality / feel acrylic I can get. Loved this video, I agree with a lot of what you & your mom had to say.
I find a lot of really nice yarn on ebay. It does take a lot of searching, refining your search words, weight, color, anything you can, and just scrolling. I have searches saved so I'll be alerted when something new is listed. I've recently scored multiple skeins of linen, silk, wool, silk mohair, etc etc.
@@uschilou Thanks so much, I’ll give that a try.
You can always soak cheaper grade “scratchy” acrylic yarns in fabric softener to make them nice and soft. 🧶❤️
Yes! The fabric softener trick works, but also there is some softer acrylic yarns out there some of my favorites are: caron simply soft, and big twist gentle!
@@Blue_Ink_Crochet Thanks for the yarn suggestions, I’ll look into them. I have 2 WIP’s that I’m almost finished that will get the fabric softener treatment when done.
I just want to thank you so much! I really enjoyed hearing all the input from BOTH of you!!! If it's ok with you, I would like to share something here that can be deleted if you would prefer. Regarding pricing items for sale. There were some 'Artisans' angrily telling other people in a group I was in, that they were pricing their pieces way too low. They said they needed to value their work more, and have a better appreciation of the art. They said because customers see such low prices...it makes people such as themselves have a more difficult time selling their own items. Someone stated that they crocheted because they enjoyed it, not because it was their 'business' per se'. Some said they sold items either online, at fairs, festivals, or whatever - simply to make some cash to cover their yarn expenses. Others stated in their area, they would never be able to sell anything if they didn't price the way they did. Things got very hot, and I finally spoke up. I think it's fine to disagree, but I don't feel it's ever appropriate to be rude. People have a right to price things how they desire, and I respect that right. I mentioned I could only imagine what they thought about me. 😉 When asked 'Why?', I explained:
I have donated every item I've made, with the exception of 1 baby blanket for a family member. I learned how to crochet when I had to retire early at age 55 from my career as a hospital OB/NICU RN, and I was suddenly put on permanent disability. I missed my work SO MUCH....and needed to feel challenged and productive again. My mom gave me her stash, and I learned. Before I knew it, I had 2 huge piles of primarily blankets, lapghans, and hats for local hospitals, hospices, and missions. My mom was in her mid 80's, and many residents in her Independent Living complex then donated all their stashes to me. I would take a couple of photos and show each woman what project was made with THEIR yarn and where it was being donated. It was a win-win-win situation. A really warm and fuzzy circle of love, thanks to these women! 💕
I wouldn't have been able to create things without their yarn donations. They felt joy that they could contribute not just to me, but to the recipients! Lastly, was when I could see the smiles on the recipients faces . I had my sense of purpose back! 👍 I only shared that story with these 'Artisans' because they were being SO disrespectful to these other artists - and frankly....I had enough of their high and mighty better than Thou attitudes. Of course they proceeded to educate me with how I was also devaluing the art. If you were to ask me who was 'devaluing' our art/craft.....it was these cold hearted 'Artisans' . I wasn't asked... but I proceeded to tell them so. Yep, I did it, I really really did it! 😳 🤭 I did not take the high road...sorry, mom! I didn't get kicked out; but, I withdrew from the group as I didn't need to be surrounded with such negativity. If anyone has made it this far - sorry it was so long. Maybe someone might find it 'food for thought'. We all deserve to be supported in our community, even those just trying to make some cash to cover their yarn expenses! 👍 ❤
I'm honestly so glad y'all advocate for acrylic yarn. I work at Michaels and just started crochet, and got all of my starting yarn on the cheap-cheap (free or clearanced) just from our toss-outs (destroyed packaging, no packaging, unraveled, somehow taped??? and put back on the shelf so no one would buy it) and all of it is acrylic. We don't sell much yarn that isn't 100% acrylic (our store is really small and has a small selection, people go to Joann or *shudders* H*bby L*bby if we don't have what they need). So not only is it all I can afford on a Michaels wage (and discount lol) it's almost all that's available in my small town unless you go out of your way to buy online.
The pride in your mom’s eyes when you talk 🥹💕 the knitting gene skipped over my mom and my grandma didn’t have any interest in teaching me, so this makes my heart feel so happy. Thank you and your mom for sharing your incredible wealth of knowledge with us!
In regards to the "wrong way" comment, what i teach on my channel is this "if your stitch looks like how it is supposed to look, who cares what road you took to get there". And also reiterate many times that crochet, tunisian and regular, are supposed to be relaxing and if you are stressing then step away. Those who say its wrong are, well wrong.
Just discovered your channel. Thank you.
"Every single one of us is an ambassador for this craft." Love that!
Best wishes for spring.
thanks so much for checking out the video :-)
What’s so funny with people that make sharp statements of, ‘Stop buying yarn until you’ve used what you have’ obviously may not be a fiber artist (crocheting/knitting/spinning). With yarns being discontinued constantly is a fiber artist’s nightmare! I can only speak for me so I love sales on yarn 🧶 and yes I’ll stock up like nobody’s business and will continue to do so. If you’re not paying that person’s bills, you shouldn’t be that concerned about how much they spend on yarn.
Agreed. I don't understand how people can tell anyone how to spend their money or time. It's wild to me. I don't have a yarn store close by, so it's treck for me to go get yarn. So I buy a lot cuz it's not often!!
Yes I have an unfortunate (for my pocket book) love of discontinued yarn 😂
My stash is legendary at this point because of fomo. I think I need to just embrace it and find a way to grow scales, wings, claws, and horns and start sleeping on all of it. 🐉
THANK YOU!
I don't live near a yarn store (4 hour drive one way) and ordered 1-2 hanks of several different kinds of SW wool when I was getting into it because I didn't know how it would feel or if I'd like it. 6 months later, I found some I really like for garment patterns but the colorway or entire line is discontinued so I have to choose something else 😭
if they aren’t paying my bills, they can’t tell me what to do with my money.
Having a stash & buying yarn and actually using the yarn stash are two different hobbies. This is a hill I shall die on! Also, love love love the collab with Momma Gwen!!
Yes! I totally agree. As long as you are spending your own money what is the difference how much yarn you have stashed? You never know when inspiration strikes. Making things and collecting things two different hobbies.
Technical writer here (in tech). Love the section about the technicality of writing patterns-100% agree!!!!! Also looooooove the inclusivity you PREACH. 💜
Momma Gwen is the BEST!
If someone tells me they don't like the look of crochet, i tell them they don't have the right pattern.
I always thought of bistitchual as a parallel to bilingual.
I did, too. Maybe the term ambistitchual would be less offensive.
I absolutely agree that weaving ends isn't the same as crocheting over them. That said, if I can tie a secure knot and crochet over them I ABSOLUTELY will 🤣
damn skippy. I do NOT have the time lol.
Actually, as a bisexual person who knits, crochets, and loves puns, I have never felt more represented than when I found all those pins and stickers on Etsy. I'm also not offended if a hetero crafter uses it. To me, that's just a sign of acceptance. I'm more offended by the people who actually get offended by the swag. The message should always be acceptance, whether that's crafting ability, sexuality, gender, spiritual practices, or quirky humor. We all need to live our own best lives without judgment on either side.
Absolutely, totally agree, let’s all accept everyone and not judge in any area of life and craft, unless of course we are all perfect, I’m certainly not and haven’t yet met anyone who is! Let’s make the world a better place.😊
As a pan person I second every word of this. Queer paranomasiacs who love making things with sticks and string unite!
As a bisexual person who both knits and crochets, I think bistitchual is hilarious 🤷
Mr. Rogers would be so proud of you!!!
✌🏼🖖🏼🙏🏼💙🙏🏼💙🙏🏼💙🙏🏼🖖🏼✌🏼
All of this! I'm also a bisexual bicraftual person. And I mean both of those as the umbrella terms that they have become. I knit, crochet, Tunisian crochet, cross stich, embroider, and even do crafts without string!
Also, I really love puns. Knotty knitter, calling myself a hooker because I crochet, etc is just funny to me. However, I am open to hearing from those persons who don't agree as to why.
I am not sure you realize how wholesome this video is. It feels like I am right there sitting with you two as a third person. Momma Gwen is a gem. So loving, so lovely, and so lovable. More of you two please!
You 2 remind me of my mum and I regarding knitting and crochet. I recently moved in with 80 yr old mum and she's the knitting expert while I'm the crochet expert. It's hilarious watching us both persevere with each other's craft and laughing at each other's clumsiness because we both know how good we are in our own lane. One day we're going to be experts with both knitting and crochet.
I'm so glad you brought this stuff up! Your mom is right about experience. The elderly are shunned so much on this platform especially. I bet she can probably teach many so-called experts quite a bit! And I get you about the ones who try to tell you how and what to do like a boss.
Speaking of lace, I can not do anything with tiny yarn. At 70,I just can't see well enough to crochet or knit with it. If your Mom has any hints I gladly welcome them! My grandma was blind in one eye and she crocheted with nothing but that crochet thread and I wish I could talk to her now! I have gained the utmost respect for her in my older age.
Thank you!
Cheater glasses. I crochet with lace-weight and they are a life saver. A good light helps as well. I have a Verilux daylight floor lamp for way over 20 years and the bulb lasts a long time. Replacement bulb can be found at Home Depot for a very reasonable price.
@@TheThirdWiseMonkey What kind of glasses? The reader ones? I guess I need to try the stronger ones. Thank you for your feedback. It is most appreciated!
I had a friend with macula degeneration and most of my knitting group are in their 70s and 80s. Some of them use a mag light. It sits on the floor and has a has light and magnifying glass so they can still do lace weight. My friend could really do it by feel but she also had some glasses that went iver her normal ones like a doctor might wear that has a light on it too. I hope you find something that works. I am 51 and my vision gets worse every year but I would hate to lose my knitting and crochet.
@@Denise_2262 yep, same here
my knitting buddy is 20 yrs my senior and I teach her things all the time. She just doesn’t feel the need to venture into experimenting with new stitches or patterns. She only makes blankets and scarves and does nothing more intricate than a moss stitch. I’ve taught her a lot and even helped her make her first sweater.
Hi Toni! I was listening to another podcast and the maker, said she felt guilty buying more yarn because she had a stash. Another maker told her she needs to replace the word stash with collection. I love the word collection. We should be able to spend our money on what we love without recrimination or judgement from others. I try to support small businesses, so to disparage folks about their collections will impact sales for folks like you, Toni. Too many important issues in the world to be worrying about another person’s yarn purchasing habits. Love the episode and your Mom’s feedback . Take care❤
I love ❤️ that I will be adding to my collection at a fiber festival in 2 weeks
I love that. Gonna change my lexicon.
Center pull is superior... when i get it to work! Because about 80percent of the time I end up with severe yarn barf that takes about an hour to detangle into something useful. Risk/Reward.
Also, FABRIC GLUE! Toni's mom just gave me the best loose end hack, I am so relieved! I'm relatively new and I find myself avoiding changing colors just because I am worried about ends coming out. Thanks Mama!
Center pull is superior. The worst is when cones and cakes of yarn unwind anticlockwise. I can deal with clockwise, but anticlockwise is the devil. I love the cones of Hobbii 8/4 cotton, but they unwind the wrong way😢
I do a combination of splicing techniques and a touch of fray check.
I like center pull, but I prefer just a yarn ball and something to hold it. It moves more easily and freely that way for me.
Yes, definitely center pull is better; HOWEVER, not all skeins are MADE to be center-pulled. I'm disappointed that this wasn't mentioned.
Typically if you don't have the fingers to find the yarns g-spot then you will have trouble. Other than that I only have issues 10% of the time.
What's more superior is rolling your yarn up into a ball and using that.
With today’s lifestyle as hectic as it is, as terrible as the pandemic was, a lot of good came from it. People took time to learn new hobbies and families got to spend much more time together getting back to the basics, as simple as cooking together and eating together. I am so grateful for the time people got to stop, breathe and try things they never had time for.🦋
Your mom and I learned BEFORE the internet. THAT is a huge accomplishment. We had to learn all on our own!
Yesssss Yesssss and Yesssss ❤
I learned before the internet. But, I have learned so much more via the internet. I love learning from others and on my own through reading.
🧶This is something I saw the other day that this group would like to hear
The other day I was picking up my teens and a girl/student walked down the sidewalk in a stars and moon granny square jumper!!!! She also had a crocheted hair tie with matching stars hanging from her hair ❣ It was so amazing to see! My son says the girls at his school talk about crochet all the time ☺It made me sooo happy that teenagers are so into it 🥳👏for the next generation!!
my own hot take is ABOUT hot takes. when people do this and call for people's hot takes/unpopular opinions, a lot of people who enter submissions seem very focused on two things: skill level and policing others. both imo are totally unnecessary. first of all, we're all at different skill levels, regardless of how long you've been working or what kind of thing you make. there's definitely something to be said about curating a vast and deliberate skillset, and developing an in-depth understanding of the anatomy and physics of knitting, but it also isn't essential to being a "good" knitter/crocheter... and y'know what else? being "good" isn't essential to being a knitter/crocheter! we're all here to do different things, and some of us are just here to relax and pass the time. it's not a competition. nobody is going to give you an award for knowing the most complex techniques or the most extensive skillset aside from YOU. what you get out of having those abilities is the amazing things YOU can make, and for some people, teach others to make. it's not about flexing who's the best. there is no best. it's just not relevant or helpful to think of our abilities in regards to craft on a sliding scale like that, especially when for most of us it's just a hobby. secondly, all of the gatekeeping and "you can't do this" "stop doing this" etc is in the same boat-- just inconsiderate and unnecessary. we all have different needs, limitations, likes, wants, and preferences, and nobody is in the place to tell anybody else what they're not allowed to do to make themselves happy. none of us owe it to anyone to partake in our hobby or our passion in a way THEY want and approve of. i don't know about y'all, but i knit to make ME happy. nothing more and nothing less.
people trying to arbitrate or "humble" other crafters in these submissions always makes me so sad. it feels like for some people it's less about sharing a controversial opinion to spark an important discussion, and more about gatekeeping or putting others down. it's so counterproductive and i really appreciate both of your professional attitudes in addressing the narrative that there is any right or wrong way to enjoy your own hobby.
Momma Gwen's face when you read "stop buying yarn" was priceless. You keep on buyin' yarn, Momma!
This needs to happen again!!! I loved the banter between the two of you and hearing both of your opinions!! 👏
I am similar to your Mama, i have been crocheting for about 60 yrs now, late knitter, about 40 yrs now, lol, i was self taught for both for sure, but love to watch others , patterns and so on, sometimes i use them , sometimes i adjust them, etc. So no matter how long you have done this, you can still learn and refine !
Loved Loved LOVED this episode! Toni and Gwen - not only are you ambassadors, you are the gold standard of what this community should strive to be. This community should be a safe learning space filled with love and acceptance. The skills we have are a gift to share and celebrate.
Yarn snobbery has been around for a long time. I encountered it over 20 years ago when I stepped into my first yarn shop. The owner was miserable and worked hard to make me feel small. She wouldn't sell me a pattern without buying yarn. If I hadn't considered the source and let her make me feel small, I would have never learned the craft that is getting me through the toughest years of my life so far. Yarn store owners can be a barrier to entry when they should be welcoming ambassadors.
Hot Take: New knitters are not interested in learning foundational skills and would rather be automatic designers. This happened in the culinary industry 20 years ago. We need to learn from those who are more experienced before that knowledge is lost.
Thank you so much for giving me a place to call home ❤
As a baby crocheter I am so relieved to hear you say we need to have longer ends cause I have been sitting here with these three inch ends making it work but crying while doing so. 😂
I wanted to just thank you so much for this. My main takeaways: be kind, be inviting, be supportive, be gracious, and help others. It’s amazing how we can crochet, knit and weave so many amazing people together with our crafts! I hope that everyone gets a chance to watch this! Blessings! With love from snowy Reno NV - Elizabeth (Elisabettawill on Ravelry, yes, THAT one 😂).
OMG! The tip to keep your tails long if you're going to crochet over them...that needs to be explained in EVERY pattern and video! So many 3in tails just frolicking all outside my garments.
"i don't want to learn. i just want to be right the first time!" this is so relatable omg 🤣
lol. I agree but I really do want to learn. Teaches patience and determination and fortitude 😊
Mama Gwen has the voice of an angel and the two of you have gorgeous matching smiles. This was awesome. More of the two of you PLEASE!
Imma need this as a series (please) ....Can y'all make that happen, please? The synergy of you both is inspiring and kept my attention.
What an awesome point about people buying mugs when they travel…it does equate to buying yummy yarn that you can use and remember that experience
I give kudos to anyone who found crochet and knitting during the pandemic! It showed their tenacity in wanting the world to shine as the beautiful community it can be! Staying positive helped folks process what was happening, and if it made them aware of a hidden talent they possess, that’s amazing! You are never too old or too young to find a new passion! 🥰
I think its completely valid to dislike and hate acrylic, but don’t bash others for using it. The same way nobody (at least i’ve seen) bashes someone for finding wool itchy or having an allergy, but those people won’t go to wool users and bash them.
My thing is I just started crocheting right before Christmas because I was having surgery the 2nd of January and wanted something to do while recovering. I've noticed that it also helps with my anxiety, but yarn is so expensive. I would love to be able to buy some of the different yarn, but when you are on a fixed income the acrylic yarn is the main yarn that is at a price that some people can only afford. Also I think it is wonderful if people have the money to have a yarn stash. My birthday was yesterday and I asked for gift cards so that I can go buy a little extra yarn and have more than only enough for one project. I see new videos and I'm like I wish I had some extra yarn so I could have another project because some projects take awhile and you need a little change up. Loved your mom she needs to come on your videos more. You both are wonderful women and are great teachers. Have a blessed New Year.
Same outside of small projects where I can get the cheap bamboo cotton mixes I really can only afford acrylic. Expectally since I mainly crochet blankets!
You might check your area or online for yarn and fabric thrift stores. Or join a group of crafters who trade stash - fun!
@@teresarodgers8222 I've also got yarn when friends/ want me to make something for them. The deal is they buy the yarn I make it and get to keep the spare. I've gotten some decent yarn out of it. I also am thinking about dying my own yarn. Once I recovered enough and find a whole seller that I like, cause it's like 60 bucks for 3 pounds if undied yarn .
After I matured and left home, eventually I found a renewed interest in knitting, and I tried to step up my knitting game FOR YEARS using those books with all the crazy drawing with arrows and descriptions. I could never figure out how to do these more complicated stitches, and gave up (this was in the early 90s), so I gave up for some years. It wasn't until I found Ravelry and youtube that my knitting blew up, and became obsessed, and then very proficient. I taught myself crochet, too, via youtube. I wouldn't knock it; not everyone has a yarnie community, or the time to sit at a yarn store with the ladies. Video tutorials are priceless! They're there at 3am, you can pause, playback, chat in the comments and get advice/feedback and other useful information. Case in point, I wouldn't have learned about Tunisian crochet if it wasn't for this channel. Not that I've ever done it, but I've love watching so many of the videos here. The thing is, yarn crafts are actions - it's really hard to learn how to make movements and motions through written patterns, and so many of the old patterns assume a whole lot! If you don't already know, you need a translator! Oh, and Brooklyn's in da house!!
Agree 100%!! As a Pandemic crocheter, I didn't have the option of even the library. If not for UA-cam, I wouldn't have been able to exit the pandemic with this great new skill and community.
You'd laugh if you went to learn how to weave. I took a class from a professional weaver; we were told about half a dozen basic terms and descriptions, then she took us straight to the looms and said "Okay, the only way to learn this is to do it". Of course, she did the absolutely basic demonstration, but truly, the only way was "hands on".
@@Kayenne54 *stares over at the rigid heddle loom, with a project on it, having learned from nothing but YT videos and my own experimentation*
I mean, I agree that having somebody in-person certainly helps...but as a person with no car and no guild in the city, this was the only way I could learn: UA-cam and my own ingenuity.
I just finished a tank top with the most beautiful lace on the chest the repetitions was so calming to knit . Lace can never be overrated
I just came across this and LOVED it. I've been knitting and crocheting for 50 years, and like Mama, I learned from books and patters without the help of videos or Ravelry. I thought I was a genius the day I realized I could use circular needles for flat work. I was so proud the first time I made a blanket in a leaf pattern instead of granny squares. I have used Kmarts cheapest and a tiny skein of $300 Vicuna. There's no room for snobbery in fiber arts. To me, it's about the love of the craft and the creative process. Thank you, ladies, for such a fun and honest posting. ❤❤❤❤♥️
I just found this video… Hey Momma, shout out from another Brooklyn baby! I’ve been knitting, crocheting and tatting for over 40 years. Yes, I was born with yarn in my hands! I learned to crochet by silently watching my Mom and then secretly taking a tiny ball of her scrap and working it on one of my pencils… my mom found my piece of straggly crochet hidden under my pillow. She looked at me and asked if I did it. I was scared bcz I wasn’t given the yarn. I said yes, and she walked out and then back in the room with another small ball and my first hook!
I loved this video!
To be able to knit without looking like Mama does = goals❤️
I'm a hand spinner and I love to create rustic lanolin rich locally sourced yarns. I also spin pet fur into yarn.
That said, I am not afraid to charge a fair price for the hours of time, years of building my skills and thousands of dollars worth of equipment needed to produce a beautiful yarn. It may seem expensive but I've never known anyone who regrets spending the money to have their pets fur turned into one of a kind yarn.
Thank you ladies. New follower here❤.
I want to have this done so bad! Wish I would've been collecting my pets fur for years before they passed. Do you have an Instagram?
@@uschilou it's so hard to bury a pet. I lost my sweet dog three years ago and my heart aches for her.
The reason crochet isn't seen much in ready-to-wear is because crochet can't be done by machine, and knitting can. If you see crochet in fast fashion, it was done by sweatshop labor.
And for the record, I find crochet much easier than knitting, possibly because i learned it first, at the age of seven and learned to knit almost a year later.
I learned them from my grandmothers, crochet from my paternal grandmother--who did not knit because she found it too difficult--and knitting from my maternal grandmother, who did both.
I’m always amazed by people who can knit/crochet without even looking. It’s like a superpower!
Momma Gwen learnt it all WITHOUT UA-cam. All the kudos because I only learnt with UA-cam on call and being able to Google my current dilemma. Experience counts for everything ❤
13:11 as a queer person who knits and crochets (and is currently also learning tunisian crochet and nalbinding), I love the term bistitchual, and it never felt to me like someone was laughing at queer people by saying it (in deciding whether I would use that term to describe myself, I remembered a sexuality joke a fellow queer person told me once and decided I am try-stitchual --- I'll try any craft once 😅)
Yep!
I love your Mom and the dynamic between the two of you. Look at her knitting without looking! I can only hope to be able to do that at some point in my life. :)
I would love to see another one of these hot takes with the two of you!
Really loved this episode. The two of you are golden together! I love your practical, inclusive, and kind take on yarn crafts. I'm 72 years old, learned to crochet doilies at age 7, and didn't really get the hang of knitting until I was almost 60. Each of us has a unique path. There's no single way to learn or grow your skills. Bless the two of you for reminding us.
I’m relatively new to your channel. I found you on a UA-cam feed and saw your Tunisian crochet 😮. Let me start by saying, I crochet and started that craft when I was pregnant with my son… that was 32 years ago. For you young ones, it was before the internet, UA-cam and Social Media. I bought a book and taught myself. With life and being a busy mom, I put it down for many years. Back in 2009 I wanted a good quality quilt for my bed and I searched for 3 years until I finally said enough, I’m going to have to learn how to do this myself, which I did and I was smitten with the craft. I’ve recently pulled out my yarn and hooks again when traveling back and forth to my parents house and helping out with their health issues. Crochet is very portable and just what I need right now to help me find peace and strength if these difficult times and knowing end of life is coming for my parents 😢. It allows me to be calm, focus and quiet my mind. Folks can have more than one hobby, each serving a purpose. As long as you enjoy it and the journey, than go for it! I don’t need to mention stash, being a quilter and a crocheter I have stash in fabric and yarn 😂. But, I have it at the ready when I want to work on something. 😅 that was a lot… just do you, as long as it makes you happy. Toni, thank you for putting out awesome instructional videos, you’ve inspired me to pick up my hooks again and I’m currently working on making a summer top. 😊
I am an Italian girl who recently discovered your channel and thanks to you I have started to become passionate about Tunisian crochet. I always thought your smile was contagious, real and spontaneous. Seeing you in this video with your mom smiling together is truly a spark of contagious joy. As many others before me have commented it would be really nice to see Gwen return in more of your videos ♥
Ladies this should be a monthly chat. I really enjoyed this chat session.❤❤👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽
Let's just all get along. One thing we are all different, with different ideas, which is what makes crocheting and knitting so interesting.
Watching you both makes me miss my mom so much. Thank you for sharing your beautiful relationship with all of us.
This was such a fun format with lots of healthy tips and tricks. The energy between the two of you =
I agree with you ladies completely. I have been knitting for long enough now to know that I will never know everything. I love to learn from anyone who will teach me! You ladies are so talented, thoughtful and just plain wonderful.
I love yalls relationship so much you guys should do this more often
I find lace so beautiful; the fact that I've made lace garments, in mohair no less, blows my mind, and it's worth every minute.
38:35 yarn snobbery is a thing, and we have to consider our biases when we share our craft. Personally I can’t use 100% acrylic as it irritates my skin, but if I’m teaching someone or trying to inspire someone to become a knitter or crocheter, I’m going to keep that to myself. I want them to be excited and eager to stick with is.
What a wonderful idea. I love your mom. The best of all your shows. Please repeat it often. So much to learn and enjoy. I am 84 I have been knitting and crocheting since I was 7. I agree practice makes perfect and after all these 76 years of knitting and crocheting I learn something new every day.
absolutely love the energy between you two! personally, i crochet to help with my anxiety when i'm at work. i do a lot of the same projects because the repetitive motion is like stimming for me and helps me manage my anxiety so i can be present for meetings and whatnot. sometimes, it's a function thing and not for the product!
On the bad attitude turning people off from the craft: I have a friend who's left-handed and her mom (also left-handed) tried to show her how to crochet but gave up within the hour because my friend didn't get it right away, so my friend had given up by the time I told her I crochet and could teach her the basics if she wanted to learn. She spent weeks telling me she was hopeless at it, but when we finally sat down to make chains and rows of single and double crochets together, she managed to do it after some practice even if I'm right-handed and it was a little harder to show her! Now, a few months later, she's making shawls and baby blankets and slippers ❤ Everyone who wants to learn deserves to.
I like to use natural fiber yarn for anything I'm going to be laundering because micro plastics in the watershed is a particular pet peeve for me but I also don't judge others for their yarn choices, lol
I was born in Brooklyn too. Love you guys. So refreshing. Tired of the haters that have infiltrated the craft. And agree 100% there’s room for both knit and crochet to coexist and be appreciated. Love them both💗
mama Gwen is so wholesome, understanding, and progressive
I love her so much.
I loved this video. I crocheted during it and it felt like I was doing fabric arts with friends. ❤
Just started the video here, but wow, your mom!? I thought she was a friend, she looks so much younger and is so beautiful!!!! And after seeing the whole thing, I can see where you get your grace and classiness from. :)
I love how accepting and welcoming you are. Thanks for making the world a better place
I knit and crochet (and cross stitch and weave, etc.) and have been for about 15 years. I started knitting first because my brother taught me and picked up crochet later because my sister wanted something crocheted. I've used youtube and various other online resources for learing since the start, but only recently heard about this whole knit vs crochet controversy. It seems super weird and pointless to me. Like, who cares? I will say I do personally prefer the look and, more importantly, the feel of knitting. I like loose, stretchy, light fabrics, and crochet tends to be thicker and not as stretchy. But that's the point, it's a preference. I don't like the colour orange, that doesn't mean I'm going to look down on all those orange lovers out there. Why can't we all just get along?
Thank you Toni and Gwen. I have been crocheting for 40 or 50 years, I didn’t crochet all the time, I have learned a lot from Toni, I just made granny square blankets all the time and now I’m venturing out with new stitches. I have made scarves with different yarn and my husband likes everything that I make and wants to keep it, if I don’t think it’s ok he does and encourages me, that makes me to keep crocheting. Thank you for sharing.
Thank BOTH for this video!! Like Mom, I can knit and crochet (learned crocheting from my mom and taught myself to knit when I was 10). I can appreciate BOTH methods for different projects.
Ok: "stop buying yarn." Good advice? Yeah. Practical.... sure. Am I going to? Nuh-uh. Not even a little bit. Cause listen.... if I'm having a rough day, a mental health squish of my favorite soft hanks are top tier. Also good advice? Mind yo business
Hi Toni’s Mama!!! What an incredible treat to finally “meet” the Queen Mother ❤❤❤ Y’all look so much alike. I am so jealous of how Gwen can knit not only without looking, but her hands barely move!! I bet she is a very speedy knitter. I’m hoping to acquire this skill through video-osmosis 😂 I am firmly in the center-pull camp, but I do hate that last little chunk where things get floppy at the end. I usually end up making a sad little bobbin for the last few yards. As for the Great Stash Debate, holy self-control, Batman!! I wish I was that disciplined. I love the comparison to collecting mugs or vacation trinkets, and that they point out that there is a conscious way to stash. I also LOVE Gwen’s idea of having the creator sign & date the ball band!! On the topic of being pro/anti acrylic, listen. I live in a fairly large city, and it is a yarn desert! If I want yarn but don’t have the budget/time/desire to order online, I don’t get to knit. That doesn’t even get into the price aspect.
On the topic of acrylic yarn....not every country has many options when it comes to different yarns. In Kenya you'll find acrylic yarn readily available and at an affordable price. I have scoured different shops and the internet for different yarns such as cottons and wool and the price is just plain crazy (about 3-6 times higher than 100% acrylic yarns). The average person can't afford to buy 2-5 skeins without going broke also the cost of importing the yarn is pretty steep making it easier to learn different projects and techniques that work best with acrylic yarns.
This is some wisdom 👏 I LOVE my lace, super intricate laceweight nonsense that takes so long it makes me reconsider allllll my life choices... but there are so many GORGEOUS items made in bulky acrylic! There's no need to hate on each other, we're all just trying to fit all the crafting we want to do into our lifespans 😂
Weird, I'm a bi person who loves the "bistitual" joke. I even have enamel pins that and stickers that say "I'm bistitual" in bi-pride colors that I've purchased from queer creators in the community. It's the kind of representation that I really love, but I'm also mindful to ONLY purchase that kind of thing from queer creators.