This video was so helpful because I feel like no one ever shares or talks about their disappointments on social media, we only see the beautiful outcomes so whenever I have a project that flops it feels like I’m the only one. Thank you for sharing this!

I haven't even watched the video yet, but I'm so excited for the title! I wish more makers were candid about their disappointments. I always feel guilty when I finish a project and it doesn't work out, like I wasted time AND yarn 😓

@brittanygancarz2475

5 ай бұрын

Same! This is my first video of hers I’m watching, but that title is irresistible!

@caradelta963

4 ай бұрын

you can take it apart.

@martha7157

4 ай бұрын

Not always a waste. Maybe you learnt something to take to your next project

@paigeschwartzenberger3965

4 ай бұрын

Me too. It’s like oh it works out for everyone else except me. The title made me watch it too and I was very satisfied with the video

@sharimorwood1227

Ай бұрын

Superwash is very problematic for me. It seems to stretch and stretch and then does more so during the blocking process. I’m tending more toward non-superwash these days and getting better at guessing the finished project dimensions when using superwash from my stash. 20:15

New Subscriber, 60 years knitting experience. I think a large part of this video points to MEASURE, MEASURE, MEASURE. I have taught garment making - knitting, sewing etc. The first class ALWAYS includes measurements so that the chosen size will fit as expected. This includes sleeve length. Also, for the circular yokes: measure the depth of your expected division for the sleeves. Your body shape should determine where to make these divisions, not your chosen pattern. This might mean learning to work the colourwork/cable/lace around the dividing point. revisiting projects to see what did or did not work is always worthwhile - this discussion is what I have been watching lately and drew me to your channel today. Keep On Knitting On Sally from Australia

@tiinav1

4 ай бұрын

Gauge & swatch. 👍

@florenna

4 ай бұрын

Well, we all have our own different ways to do things, and I'm one who loves (and does best with) just diving head-on into things, and might not ever even start anything, if I had to over-measure & swatch everything first... People often forget that everyone's different, and you do you ;) But I 've noticed some people can be very pedantic, unfortunately.

@maryleary3308

4 ай бұрын

Are you a petite size? That seems to be my problem with sizing and everything I’ve knit is a surprise so I think I’m ready to give up on knitting sweaters. I wear petite sizes in ready-made clothing and they always fit perfectly.

@paigeschwartzenberger3965

4 ай бұрын

I agree but I’ve made projects and even after measuring, doing all the math, I’ve found it isn’t 100% the way I want it to fit. I’ve gotten much better over the years

I really like how you focus on what exactly you don't like and what you can learn from that. So I don't think this is a negative video, but more a "things I learned" video. 😊

I really think the first sweater could be blocked and stretched to a size that you would be happy with. You might not get the exact ease you wanted but it's amazing how much ease you can get with blocking. After trying that, if you still are unhappy with it, you could still take it apart and use the yarn but it's a beautiful sweater and could be a favorite with just a little effort. That Icelandic sweater is gorgeous and will make a really special gift for someone who will treasure it.

@isabellademeo9790

4 ай бұрын

Sometimes an aggressive block goes a long way!

The color work of the uppbot cardigan is absolutely beautiful. It’s a bummer that it fits large on you because it’s stunning. You should definitely consider selling it because the work you did is really impressive and beautiful. I know I would love a cardigan like that.

A quick tip for a basic yoke jumper/cardigan: row gauge matters A LOT for the fit. From the fit of the Icelandic cardigan, I will say your row gauge was off. (Your yoke depth is bigger, and your sleeves are longer) Also, you can make a provisional cast on for bottom up sweaters/cardigans if you prefer knitting top down. That way, you find the stitch count below the yoke. Start from there and knit from the bottom up, finish the yoke and the sleeves. Try it on. From that point on, you can knit the stitches from the provisional cast on stitches in the other direction and finish the jumper like a top-down jumper. That way you can change the length of the garment as you like.

@ClurTaylor

4 ай бұрын

That’s such a good tip!

As a new garment knitter this type of information is very interesting and helpful. Although I can’t afford most of the yarns you knit with I would love to see you do a video where you talk about which fibers and blends are good for certain types of projects. And more about how the construction of the yarn affects the garment outcome. You seem to be learning a lot!!

The whitmoor cardigan. I like it and I think I might make it. I would do short rows after the neckband but before the lace. For you, I would also not do the last repeat of lace pattern. I love you commentary, quite honest, and I love your content. You are very right about the difference in your types and kinds of yarns. I have learned to make superwash yarn sweaters in a smaller size. I have learned on a new yarn to make a smaller item, use it alot before I make a sweater. Love your knitting, the workmansip as well.

For those very soft, very elastic commercial superwash merino yarns you can "modify" the fabric with a second strand, silk mohair so you don't really see the stitches, or a thread of cotton/linen to add more structure and rough feel to the fabric. That's the only way I find them usable, as a cheap base to add to other strand if you choose one that can nullify the indesirable aspects.

@palakp310

3 ай бұрын

I am having this same issue. What sort of cotton thread do you suggest to carry with it? Like sewing thread you'd use for quilting? Or cotton crochet thread?

I learned a lot from this video. Yarn type is very important. Gage is important. Bottom down vs. top-down is very important. I struggle with what yarn to use when the yarn in pattern is not available.

I'm knitting a sweater with superwash merino as I'm watching this, and it totally also has the "uneven" stockinette! Looks like it's because of the low amount of twist to me, super interesting! And comforting to see that other viber artists also don't love all their makes, loved the vid!

I definitely have noticed on patterns when the yoke design seems to overtake the person wearing the sweater. It does make a difference. I'm so glad that you really have analyzed the things that you like and don't like about these pieces. 2023 was the first year that I made garments and I had a lot of fit issues. Even with matching guages etc, it's not a guarantee that the garment will fit.

Thank you for your honest feedback on each of these projects. Being a relatively newer knitter (since 2020), I too have many projects that I've learned from, but am not totally thrilled with the final outcome. It's nice to know I'm not alone. BTW...I feel the same way about commercially produced super wash yarn....I will never use again!

I knew the Whitmoor was going to be on your list 😅 it is a lovely cardigan, but I agree that the yoke is just too deep for you. I can't wait to see how you repurpose all this yarn!

I love making colourwork sweaters, but it really is a learning curve. After several failed attempts, I took a sweater that really fitted me well, took measurements and compared it to the last colourwork sweater disaster I made. I was about 30 stitches off - no wonder it was huge! I did a swatch and re-worked (ok, I'll say it - The Kaldagil) it, made notes along the way and it is perfect! The notes that I've kept is the template for all my colourwork sweaters worked from the bottom up, so my cast on stitches will be 2 stitches more or less than 166 and my sleeves will never go past 45.5 cm before joining to the body. In the past, if my sleeves were too long and let them drop over then ends of my fingers, it sat ok on my shoulders, but as soon as I scooched up the sleeves, the whole sweater would shift upwards and look distorted. Also, I always ignore short row instructions in the body before and during the charts because for me, it causes excess fabric in the centre back. Instead, I do 6 short rows at the back immediately before the collar instructions. Hope this helpful to you if you want to make a colourwork sweater again in the future 😊

I love you admitting your flops…. Makes me feel better about all the unworn garments in my closet 🙃

If you decide to frog the first sweater I might have a tip to make the repurposing of the yarn easier. This summer I decided to frog a sweater that I just didn’t wear because of the fit. When I found a new pattern I simply treated the old sweater as one big ball of yarn, frogging as I went on knitting the new sweater. This way I saved myself from getting the yarn tangled and having to frog it all in one go. It might be a terrible recommendation but it worked for me…

@kibbecapsule7571

4 ай бұрын

Sounds like a genius idea 🤯

@ldshook62

4 ай бұрын

I’ve also asked a friend to frog for me - she took away the defective WIP and brought back lots of balls of yarn for me to make something else. What a great friend!

I finally realized, that knit garments just don't look good on my short, fluffy body. Very slim, angular bodies look so cool in oversized sweater-coats, pullovers and cardigans. Over the years I've bought so many, and ended up donating them, because I just don't feel good in them. I love knitting and crocheting, but all I make is hats. I make great hats, and I wear them through all cold weather.

One thing you can do to get a better fit is look carefully at how it fits the model. See where the colorwork hits at the bust. Also hold your project over a sweater that fits you. You will be able to get a good idea of sleeve length etc. your knitting is beautiful. Good job!!

Great video! I love how you analyzed what it was about each project that led to issues in the final product. One comment about the pilling - it's not specifically the chainette, it's about the softness of the fibers and how tightly spun they are. Soft/fine fibers like merino are definitely prone to pilling, and I'm guessing that the singles that go into the chainette are pretty loose (the chainette will then give them structure and strength). The very tightly spun springy multi-ply yarn you didn't like will pill much less! The tight twist captures the ends of the soft fibers more effectively, so they don't pill as easily.

Thanks for this video Amy. Even though they were fails, you approached them with a purpose of learning from mistakes. Great life lesson for us all!

You did an incredible job on the Icelandic sweater! Mastering all of those techniques is a major accomplishment so don't be too hard on yourself. I believe had you used a lighter wool it would have turned out perfect. Beautiful piece just as well.

Totally agree with you about boxy and bulky knits & yarns, can't (or rather, don't want to) wear them either! ;)

I suggest that you buy a good fitting ready to wear yoke sweater and use those measurements as a template when constructing your own. I use this technique all the time. Also, after hearing your comments I see that top down sweaters do make more sense than bottom up. I will consider that when selecting future patterns.

The way I knit more flops than wins 😅 I go like I’m always knitting but never have the FOs to show for it…because I end up hating most of them and frogging to repurpose the yarn

I’m knitting a scarf with LB Superwash Merino and I agree it splits so much I rarely pick up that wip haha but maybe the KAL will inspire me. Loved the vid Amy!

Dear Amy, thank you for a terrific episode. This type of info is so valuable and its why I watch knitting podcasts. I learn something new all the time. Happy New Year, best wishes for happy stitches ahead

why not stretch the first sweater you mentioned (the ozetta one), reblocking it and pinning it down bigger might save it! at least that’s what i do when my gauge is off, has saved me from reknitting at least a few items 😅😊

Small round shoulders beware : find the right type of garment that will fit you . Nothing loose , well structured pieces are best , close to the body or Chanel type jackets.

I love Ozetta patterns. I only made the 1031 for my daughter! I love the construction! My daughter,Meghan loves the sweater 😊

I think "The Uppbot" is absolutely amazing ❤ As regarding the fitting, the sleeves probably are longer that you need. But still it's wonderful work. If it doesn't fit to your wardrobe style, maybe it's good idea to seel it. It could be the favorite thing for somebody else.

You talking about the SW merino wool yarn is 100% my experience with cotton, the weird elasticity, the way the stitches knit up, the splittiness ugh! My biggest disappointments were my summer garments, I realized that cotton doesn't work for me because it still feels too hot when I wear them. The Poppy Tee is one of them, the fit was so perfect on me but the resulted fabric did not feel good at all, so total bummer. Thank you for sharing your experiences, it makes me feel less terrible about my own knitting disappointments and focus more on the lessons instead.

Please keep sharing! Like you, I recently finished a sweater that I really like, only to find that after a couple of wears, it's going to pill like crazy. I've learned since, my choice of a of single ply yarn tends to pill more easily than plied yarns. I wish I had know that beforehand. I've also made projects that had that uneven stitch you talk about on your the beanie project. I also thought it was my knitting, it never occurred to me that it could be the type of yarn. There are so many factors that go into knitting and learning how to judge patterns that not only fit but flatter takes experience and people like you that share the things that didn't work and why. Thank you for sharing!

I know this was a video about disappointments, but I think all the projects are beautiful. If you are ever looking for content ideas, it is very interesting to hear your thoughts on a project (yarn/construction etc) once you are finished with a project. I think it's an engineers perspective that makes it so interesting :)

I love that your sharing your disappointing projects. I wish more people would be more candid about when things didn't work and they just didn't like the finished project.

Thanks for this episode. It is really helpful for me to know that others struggle with success on each project. Your frankness about your issues was thoughtfully done and very helpful.

I just got an electric yarn shaver from Amazon that had good reviews. My sweaters that pilled now look like new. The electric shaver just takes off the pills, it’s less damaging to the sweater than the gleaner or comb type de-pillers. Those work great on rustic and sturdy wools, but not the more delicate blown or soft yarns.

Super useful video and not at all negative in my opinion. Happy knitting this year 😊

So much of what you said resonated with me. I know that I learned this past year that when it comes to circular yolks I often need to knit the collar in one size, the yolk in another, always vary the length and sleeves are another size. It means math before starting but since doing this my sweaters have fit beautifully. I have to try this with cardigans this year as they still don’t fit the way I want (Douglas cardi 😩).

@Julia-lz8vl

5 ай бұрын

Same here with the Douglas cardigan, was about 90% done and am currently in the process of frogging the whole thing. :(For me it's too tight around the shoulder and upper arms.

Thanks for sharing! I made a few disappointing projects in 2023 and was feeling pretty disappointed, but I think it's part of the process. I made two boxy short sleeved sweaters as they would work great for the climate where I live, but have decided that the boxy style isn't a style I would buy in a shop and it isn't the most flattering shape on me. I also made my first cardigan and it is HUGE plus the yarn sheds so much that I wouldn't wear it again. Back to the drawing board to put some more thought into the choices I make with yarn, patterns, and sizing. I hope 2024 brings 5 star finished objects to you!

Thank you for sharing! Appreciate your feedback about yarn choices and fit. Knitting is always a learning experience and it is nice to see others struggle with its as well.

Super interesting. My one takeaway would be that you might want to spend time on finding your magic numbers. Ideal yoke depth, overall sweater length, width and sleeves too. Once you have these sorted - you can always catch a project before it goes awry. Good luck and keep at it! Happy knitting ❤

@neknits

4 ай бұрын

I think that would be worthwhile! Definitely looking into that :)

This is a super helpful episode, thank you ❤

This is a really good video! We learn the most from our fails, and when we knit every day we’re bound to have some fails 😅 And fails are so personal as well, related to what we enjoy wearing.

Absolutely awesome video!! Loved the insights.

love your videos Amy, but love your honesty even more! 🩵

Although you are not satisfied with the results, because of the size or other reason, your sweaters are very beautiful. What a great knitter you are!

Very relatable, i appreciate seeing this.

This was such an interesting and educational video. All these pieces are beautiful! Thank you for walking us through the fit and yarn choice issues. New follower gained :)

A very informative, great video! Happy New Year

Love this! I would love to see more makers sharing these types of things

I ove your videos, how you take learnings from each projects!

Thank you for sharing. It’s always good to get others perspective.

I'm new to your channel and I really liked this episode. Wow, that Whitmoor cardi manages to make your figure look dumpy and your figure is NOT dumpy! I agree, frog frog frog. Your Icelandic sweater is really beautiful. I bet you can find someone who it will fit and show it off to its advantage - it's a beautiful knit! You seem to have a petite figure and I believe that circular yoke designs can be *very* trickly to fit properly. I agree that the yoke is too long for you. I also have problems with circular yoked sweaters - namely, I have large boobs so fit it very tricky. It's why I haven't attempted one.

Amy - this video is excellent and super helpful, thank you so much! I loved your clear and well founded assessments.

I really do think that the body type x sweater construction combination is such a huge factor in the personal success of a finished garment and so much of it is trial and error of learning what constructions and silhouettes work for both your body type and preference. I just finished my first ever circular yoke sweater and the perfection of the fit took my breath away - but I've now had several set-in sleeve garments that I'm super lukewarm on. (and I just realized I'm knitting another one, sometimes you don't learn a lesson LOL.) You might try looking at one of the several guides out there that explain how different constructions flatter different features, but I still think trial and error is the best teacher sometimes 😅

Great and very important recap. Thank you❤

I appreciate insights into what you learned through projects that didn't work out so well

I appreciate the reflection. I think a lot of this is stuff you learn along with way, preference, yarn type, garment construction etc. It also appears as though you don't like projects with worsted weight or above yarn (5mm + needle size or so). Thanks for the video. Good to get people thinking.

You are so truthful with your beautiful works…and want to share with us with your feeling toward them Please don’t disappointed them they are so beautiful sweaters wish I can knit is good like you🙏 👌💝👍🥰

Very informative and insightful video! It is so important to recognize what didn’t work out and for what reason. It is a vital part of the design process ❤ Plus you never really know if something is as great as it looks on paper before actually putting it to the test.

You’re so well spoken. Very pleasant to listen to

Such an interesting video. Love that you don’t criticize the project design but more the yarn or the fit. Those are the things I most struggle with. So many yarns can really change the end result and make or break the enjoyment of knitting. I always do a gauge swatch but it always seems that the end product turns out larger. Very frustrating. Thank you for being so honest in your evaluations. I learned a lot to consider for future projects.

Dear Amy, thank you very much for the video, it is useful for many knitters.

Thank you so much, Amy, for being honest about your disappointing knits. Most knitting podcasters are always thrilled with their makes and it is good to hear that someone is not so happy with how a pattern turned out. Your projects are great though and you put so much time into them. Definitely consider selling them. As for circular yokes, I have a hard time with the fit of them too. I attribute that to the fact that there is just not enough shaping you can get with it. So, I have decided for myself, not to knit circular yoke sweaters/cardigans anymore. I do either raglan or saddle shoulder/contiguous method for the shoulders. That is more structured and you can adjust as you go as well.

Thank you so much - you opend my eyes about the stretch, tension and look of commercial superwash yarns 😮 To keep the tension while knitting never really worked 🙈

I absolutely agree on the yoke being too deep on the Whitmoor cardigan. You are petite and can sort of be swallowed by a big, boxy sweater, especially if it isn’t super light weight. Find a raglan you feel good in with a similar weight yarn. Carefully measure the yoke depth and that will inform your future choices on altering a yoke. I also dislike when a deep yoke makes a sweater ride up when you raise your arms or just looks droopy. I think this will give you confidence to know when to split for sleeves. I recommend the Felix cardigan as a quick knit to have success on a raglan and you can use the same measurements for raglan pullovers. Love your channel, don’t give up! ❤🧶

Thanks for pointing out the mistakes Amy .As a new knitter it was helpful. Your knitting is lovely I must say!

Lovely video. Thank you for sharing your disappointments. We can all learn from it. Better luck to you in 2024.

Maybe your disappointment projects can go right into your Christmas Box…. To gift them when you find friends/family of the right size!

Thank you Amy for sharing this video with us! It is so helpful to hear tips to consider before diving into a project, there is so much to learn . I think if more of us shared our mistakes, we all might be more successful. I made a gorgeous Zweig sweater and didn’t realize til I was finished that the colors I picked did not go with my skin tone. Might try to over dye it.

This is a great episode. I'm glad you will frog and repurpose the yarns on the projects that didn't work out with the yarns you love. I find it so bizarre when people conclude something isn't right and just get rid of the object. It's not wasted time/effort if you eventually end up with something you will love and wear by re-knitting. Yesterday, I finally wore my first proper sweater and I'm not loving how it looks and fits after blocking. It's a fairly chunky weight yarn. I will definitely rip back and alter it.

I like how you model what we can learn from our mistakes. Of course we must! No one can knit and get it right all of the time. I’m also wary of circular yokes, Aran weight yarns and super wash…. The faire isle cardigan though is beautiful. Stunning… I hope you find a worthy and happy wearer.

Great episode - so many lessons learned. I also need to be cognizant of yoke depths and yarn weights due to my body size and frame. Please keep sharing your knitting experiences!

Disappointment handled beautifully! Thank you for sharing what you learned.I’ve never knit a sweater so your insight is very valuable to me as I choose my yarn and pattern.💕

Super informative and valuable video! I always love hearing about other people’s knitting journey and things they have learned along the way. Some of your “ dislikes about your 2023 knits I have done myself, and some I hope to avoid now after seeing this. Thank you and happy knitting in 2024

Thank you for sharing!! I love your honesty. I feel guilty almost if I make a garment I don’t like. Like I wasted time. But I try to see the value in what I learned during that project. Thanks for sharing that perspective. I’m glad I’m not alone! The Towns sweater looks great though. A little snug compared to the pattern photo but I think it looks lovely! Happy knitting in 2024!

Great analysis of what worked and what didn't. Your experience and expertise are evident in your comments. I especially appreciated the discussion of how different types of yarn worked or didn't for the specific patterns you chose. Like others, this ismy first time to watch one of your videos. I'll be back!

I love your honesty. I think many knitters and podcasters are afraid to say what they really think. Best wishes! (Margaret of My Wonderful Knitting Life podcast)

Thanks so much for your analyzes. I'm always worried so much in knitting a garment because there are so many choices and unknowns. I guess only experience will help and you just have to try. Makes me feel better to see experienced garment makers can have the same problems. ❤

they make a spuni yarn which is the same weight as a lettlopi but in merino wool, might be good if you want to try icelandic colourwork that is more wearable. that wool is itchy,

Thanks so much for such a nice honest review, it was so very helpful and informative, and many of your points I shall consider before starting my next garment! Kind regards from the UK , Zillah🙏

I am so glad that you discussed commercial super wash yarn. I got so frustrated with the unevenness of my stitches in one project. I’m going to see if I get better results in non-super wash. Great vlog to hear what you learned about your projects.

Such helpful video. Thank you

How wonderful to see non-nordic knitters use Icelandic wool/Patterns, that's a beautiful piece btw

I love your Whitmoor cardigan. This was great cos if I make it, will watch that yoke depth.

I am so glad you mentioned the problem you had with the uneven stockinette stitches. I had the same problem and for months I tried to figure out what I was doing wrong. Now I know it wasn't me, it was the yarn!

Hi Amy, I love your honesty regarding these makes, I love all of the patterns and colours but ultimately it is very much down to the fit and how comfortable we feel as to whether we will wear them and we spend so long making them it needs to be right. I very much want to knit the Whitmore cardigan but will be mindful more of my measurements and the fit I want. A great lesson for us all Thank you ❤

I loved this episode and the idea, and I appreciate the honesty and analysis. It's hard to frog an entire garment you've made... but it's better to use the yarn in something you like and you will wear!

Really enjoyed this, more than all the ‘Everything I Knit’ videos that are crowding my KZread Tube I’m a pretty experienced knitter but never tried a chain ette yarn, thanks to you I’ll probably avoid them And I’ve had similar gauge discrepancies where my FO is smaller than my gauge swatch , so I can emphasise. What I’ve learned is to pull out those cords as often as possible and try on as I go, making adjustments as needed So very helpful and thought provoking video, good idea girl

Great video, Amy! I think your reviews were informative and will likely help you a lot as you plan future projects. You've inspired me to sit down and do the same for my 2023 knits. I was wondering about the first sweater, though. You liked the yarn and the intended style of the garment, but the gauge was just smaller on your FO than intended. Would you consider the extra long soaking method? Instead of soaking the garment for 15-30 minutes, letting it go for like 2 hours to really loosen up would probably easily get you to gauge as you lay out the wet garment to dry. The gauge of your yarn will likely change after frogging and reknitting, so maybe trying the extra long soak couldn't hurt before ripping it all out?

Interesting video, thanks Amy.. I too have problems with circular yokes. I am a bit taller Han you, 5’3” and have had to leave part of the yoke out and split for sleeves earlier than pattern. Always depends on yarn and gauge. Knitted the Salty Air tee in 2 different yarns, one reached gauge and had to shorten yoke, the other fit perfectly without adjusting yoke but different gauge. Good luck, it is a constant learning process.

I am taking a class from the Nerdy Knitter about how to take a top down pattern and adjust to your measurements. I believe her next class is specifically a top down yoke adjustment class. I'm sogning up the moment it is available. Lots of love from the Pacific Northwest 🧡

I can't tell from your video but if you are short waisted like I am, then we often have to knit fewer pattern repeats in a yoke. Even though the size is right in other ways, the yoke is not and for me, I also have to shorten the length so that I don't look like a kid wearing my mom's cardigan😄 Congrats on a successful steek experience. It looks great and the color work is also well done.

Yes, sell your Icelantic Cardigan. It will look beautiful on a taller person (taller people have longer arms than ours). You will make someone extremely happy as your knitting is beautiful.

Thanks for this informative video.

Yes true . its interesting to see. I make so many mistakes or make stuff doesnt work for me so ya

Always knit a gauge swatch for a garment!!

YES to the elasticity issue with commercial superwash yarn - i knit a baby item with it this year and it was a bit of a struggle, especially using double pointed needles