Just chatting about some things to consider when trying to get the most polished look out of our knitting. Remember: you may or may not agree, and that is ok. Take what you can use; leave what you can't. ❤ My cropped Felix: www.ravelry.com/projects/TaylerEarl/felix-pullover-5

@noemiorona3885

15 күн бұрын

Ms Earl i love your videos

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

@@noemiorona3885😘😘😘

@everystitchaprayer6268

8 күн бұрын

Yes to the hand yoga video please! And thank you in advance!! I so appreciate all your content. Much appreciated.❤

You could not drink wine while you knit, or…. You could always drink wine while you knit. That’s consistent 😂

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

This is an excellent point. 🍷

@sarahkelly4095

14 күн бұрын

Omg I am now realizing I need to assess whether or not having an edible impacts my knitting tension as it kicks in or wears off…

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

@@sarahkelly4095honestly though…who cares? Enjoy the edible. 😏

@therancholoco

13 күн бұрын

👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋👋

My grandmother said she couldn’t knit while watching my uncles play basketball because her tension would get way too tight if the game was a nail biter.

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Omg that’s me and hockey!! 😂😂😂

I love the idea of a hand yoga video! 🧘🏻‍♀️👋🏻☺️

I believe striving for perfection and being creative are inversely proportional. If you aren’t willing to risk things going poorly, you’re basically just “following the herd”. And that can applied to everything.

It’s refreshing to see someone who knits English style exactly like I do! Another great mid week episode! I live my handmade knits because I know they are different and not 100% perfect - like me!

As much as I love knitting podcasts and seeing peoples projects and purchases, videos like this is why I absolutely love your channel! I just find your advice so helpful and informative, plus it’s delivered in such a cosy relaxed way 😊

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Thank you so much Jody. That makes it all worth it. I’m so glad you’re here. ❤

When I learned Portuguese knitting, it was a game changer in my tension. I am stil practicing with dish clothes, but it is so much better than i could manage with any other style.

@miranta95

14 күн бұрын

That's how I am knitting it's fast and perfect

Totally agree with all these tips! Finishing touches is the one it took me longest to get right but they make all the difference. The biggest “mistake” I notice people make eg on ravelry projects is yarn choice/colour. Just cause beige looks good on the designer doesn’t mean it will suit everyone. I’ve learned to really think about the yarn + pattern combination, and not just impulsively pick a yarn that’s the right weight. The garments I get the most compliments on is based on the colour and for me it’s never the grey/beige/muted/pastel ones.

This comes at a great time for me. I'm about to knit my first sweater and I want it to look neat and polished and I know tension is key. Thanks very much for these tips. I'm also watching loads of videos about gauge and fit, because I'm really worried about getting that wrong.

Loved this!! Great video! So many awesome tips. Once I learned the beauty that is a tubular/Italian bind off, my knits started looking so much more professional, and also, way more comfortable because I didnt have the tighter "bind off in pattern" that i was so susceptible to doing. Also, is there a "Happy Whatever-It-Is-You're-Doing" mug? I would 100% make that my new mug for work.

Ok. This was everything I didn't know I was looking for. Most knitting that I do is "winging it" and according to your video I have been doing most of it right!! I learned several things I didn't know, like overdying, and now I am going to go back and take a look at your other videos! Thanks for all your hard work!!❤

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

I'm so glad Michelle! Most of us need the reminder from time to time that we're doing a great job and actually doing it right. So glad you're here and I'm thankful for your support!

Thank you! Good to know I have been doing things correctly!

If you research the word perfection it simply means to bring to completion, attain the appropriate purpose or goal. So if you like the garment/object that you have made, it fulfills the purpose for which you made it, then it's perfect! Love this podcast!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

I LOVE this definition and how it challenges the perception people have. Very cool. ❤

NO DRINKING……first you insist on waiving a mug of tea/coffee around as if to be a knitter you have to partake in this beverage….now no drinking alcohol while knitting….what has this craft come to…..35 years and never a issue (many others)….great video and a save..in the middle of seaming a linen top so the SOHO referral is a save….🍷🥂🍸🍻

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

😂😂😂 I drink tea and coffee while I have a sit&chat with you fine people. Never while knitting. It just goes cold! And in terms of wine and knitting…do what feels good. Life’s too short. 😘

@Bethene0317

14 күн бұрын

My life has been long and because I live it !

@LadyPatienceK

12 күн бұрын

​@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS I use a keep cup/travel mug. Keeps it ready for when I need a sip, and I'm less likely to have a spill. 😊

lol, I do one row continental and the next row is English. It helps me avoid pain in my hands. I knit to stay calm and relaxed so I’m ok if my tension is not perfect.

I know that you spoke of wood vs metal needles, but I can't remember if you mentioned needle size. I ran into someone at knit night (but in the afternoon) who absolutely will only use the suggested needle size on the ball band or pattern, but she's a tight knitter. She isn't happy with the finished garment because her stitches are way too tight, making her garment stiff. I guess that's part of swatching, but she blows off swatching, so we're trying to convince her to use a bigger needle size. We're still trying. But my tip would be to "read" your fabric for how it looks and feels and be willing to make adjustments.

Lever knitting (Irish cottage knitting) is another common grip or knitting style. It's an underhand grip for the dominant hand. Very popular in Australia up until the 1970s.

Weavers often weave in an intentional mistake called a weaver’s mark, to mark an item as handmade. That’s how I feel about my little mistakes. They just prove that the item is handmade.

@amyofmelbourne

11 күн бұрын

Totally agree! If I wanted absolute mechanical consistent things I would buy machine made. I want the personal tactile imperfections. It's the character and beauty of handmade ❤

@Morghena

3 күн бұрын

I like the myth that every knitter puts a bit of their soul into their projects and each project should have a mistake or two, so that piece of the soul can escape again

My biggest epiphany was simply untwisting my stitches! After a whole year knitting I realized there was a specific direction to wrap the yarn lol it was like night and day the difference how the stitches lay neatly versus “lovingly homemade” 😂

@guitarraroyala

13 күн бұрын

My first 3 knit projects had twisted stitches 😂 I taught myself to knit and I had no idea that the yarn wrapping direction mattered

GM Taylor You are such a smart little cookie Always have so many great tips for us each week Your pod is always the first I click Thanks for giving this older chick new things to learn 😊 Thanks and have a great weekend 🥰😊

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Good morning Debbie! Thank you for watching and your kind words, as always. It’s always so nice to see you in the comments. Have a really great day and weekend. ❤

Great information on this post! It will be a great one to return to for refreshing one's memory and reinforcing correct technique. Thanks for sharing!

I love how your sweater turned out. It is so GORGEOUS

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Thank you! I’m so much happier with it now. ❤

@admnerysrodriguez4633

9 күн бұрын

Can you PLZ share link/information on the pattern of sweater you're wearing?

I’m slowly learning “the right yarn for the project” is so important. I just had a sweater fail where I had to go down several needle sizes to get gauge with the yarn I had bought. I plowed ahead, but the fabric was dense and hard to knit, and I conceded defeat. Knit and learn!

I like to think that the way my hands create things is like my signature on the item. Yeah it might not look perfect but it looks like I made it and that's good enough for me :)

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

And I think that’s really important. We are human and we have nuance and our work should reflect that. I love that Chad. ❤️

Wild to see you talking about not knitting sloppily when you released that short-sleeve pattern with the rumpled up lopsided sleeve in the picture.....

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

Nice. 😏 Hope someone says nice things to you today.

Watching as I finally hand stitch a ribbon to the inside of the button band on my latest cardigan so that I can properly attach the shank buttons I picked out. Finishing is so important, but can also feel so daunting!

Because of the way my right hand was developed, my knitting style is between flicking and throwing. I often lay the yarn over my "forfinger" or twice if I need to get tighter tension. Continental knitting is simply too hard for me to do as my right hand can't really maneuver the yarn like my left hand could. I have what's called a clubbed right hand where I only have 4 fingers on that right hand. As a result, I've learned to knit quickly using the in between flicking and throwing method and keep the yarn extremely close to the tips.

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

That’s interesting! I honestly feel like this hybrid method is the most efficient. It’s my method as well. ☺️

Ma'am!! I love your videos. I love the pace and you always have such great content. I really need to work on my finishing techniques. Kitchener stitch will be the death of me. i will have to take a look at that soho site. And blocking,... I haven't even started doing that well. I have steamed a couple acrylic makes but they didn't seem to hold as well as I would have liked. But I'm working on it.Thank you for the tips. I will be checking out your over dyed video. till next time.

This is so helpful. It's my second viewing. I took so much time and expense knitting the Flax sweater. It's way too big. I could just cry.

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Oh gosh I’m so sorry about your Flax. But I can tell you, I’ve been there. I understand that feeling. It’s deflating and frustrating, but as much as we feel that way, we still have learned so much through those projects. ❤

Was going to ask where you got that GORGEOUS red yarn until you said you over dyed it! Now I need to learn another craft 😂

Great tips, as always! I think the first video of yours I came across was your guide to substituting yarn, which I diligently followed to pick out a perfect yarn for a dress for my daughter. I think it's my favorite thing I've knit. Been a follower ever since!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Ah, Meg this makes my day. Thank you. I’m so glad that that first video was helpful. So good to have you here. ❤️❤️❤️

Great tips…thank you! I love the Felix Pullover you are wearing! Definitely on my to do list!

I recently switched to the traditional Norwegian/Norsk "picking". So much quicker and much better for a relaxed handhold. Also, I put my beverages into a quality, well-insulated travel mug, with a smallish opening. My drink stays at just the right temperature, and I'm far less likely to have a spill.

Really love that red. Wish i could purchase yarn that colour! Great timing as I am reworking a pair of colourwork mittens. Frogging, washing out the kinks, drying, winding up then finally starting over. Blocking wasn't going to solve how tight the fit was so i reworked the pattern. Much happier! I am now researching bind offs each time I complete a sweater - I think Latvian is my favorite around a neckline.

@stephaniewilliams8687

15 күн бұрын

Exactly! That is why I am just frogging, washing, and rewinding a project that was on the needles for three months. I want to wear it.

@valeriehowden471

15 күн бұрын

@@stephaniewilliams8687 I finished the mittens 2 years ago and haven't worn them once!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Good for you! It’s a liberating feeling when you finally decide to just scrap it and start over. ❤❤

My new mantra: "PERFECTION IS BORING" thanks!!

With regards to light I always think of the artist studios that I have had the honour to spend time in - with the artists too. They always have north facing windows. Even if they have roof windows, they always face north, just to avoid direct sunlight. That taught me at a very young age how important the correct lighting is for anything that needs to be lit for exposure of any kind!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

Yes! Indeed. I adore my office and my HUGE window and am thankful for the patio cover outside of it because my window faces east and not north. Second best IMO. 😀

@arwenwestrop5404

14 күн бұрын

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS An east window is fine just so long as you don't want to work early in the day, when you might get sun from that direction! However, if you have no choice, east is definite second best!

I miss a lot your cozy silent vlogs :_)

Thanks for all the tips! I learned a few! 😊

All so helpful, thank you!

Great topic! Awesome tips.

I follow two creators on KZread devotedly and can’t wait to watch both your new videos whenever they’re released. Laughing at the wine comment. I learned quickly exactly what happens to my tension when I drink wine and crochet or knit. The width of my projects increase significantly 😂😂😂 As for blocking, my mom mostly crochets but says she has never ever blocked a finished item. I have discovered I love the beauty of a finished blocked piece. I guess I take after my grandmother and the patience for blocking skipped a generation. I got so much value from this. As always. I can’t wait to finish my shawl I’m making so I can try my hand at my first knit garment. Enjoy your week.

Great tips.

What an informative video. Thank you

I 😅 agree with your tips. I would suggest a gauge swatch of at least 4 to 6 inches square. If you do a tiny gauge swatch it can potentially lie to you. More places in a swatch to check gauge is helpful.

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Yes! This is great advice. Advice I need to take more seriously in terms of the size of my swatches. 😬 Of course, you know this about me Cathy. 😘

Great information here that I will definitely take on board. Thanks Tayler!

Loved it all!! Thank you!!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Thank you Jasmine! 😘😘

Regarding tension: I tried with continental and English style and I had huge problems with both, I found Portuguese style knitting, and the tension is kept much more consistent without cramping my hands: the yarn goes under pinkie and 4th finger of my right hand, then around the neck, then arrives to the work from the opposite side compared to the others: I generally have to work with slighly bigger needles to keep gauge, but the tension is so easy to keep more consistent!!

Wow. Thank you so much. Soo helpfully. I Love your vision and thanks for sharing. Kindest regards, Regina

All good tips. I also find that taking your time can be very helpful.

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

100%

This has been really helpful. I really struggle with tension and just started my first stranded colourwork project (a hat) with a very simple two colour motif which I’m a bit unhappy with because my tension has changed throughout. I’m going to rip it back and start again even though that’s a bit of a hassle at this point when I’m nearly finished. But it’s a gift and I want it to look nice.

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

11 күн бұрын

I completely understand the tension issue with colorwork, but I hope I catch you in time to tell you that inconsistencies in tension don't necessarily mean you need to rip it out and start over. Colorwork is a fickle mistress and tension issues are NORMAL. There's so much going on. I would recommend that you keep at it. Don't start over yet, especially if you're so close to being finished. In fact, I would be more than happy to look at it for you if you wanted to share a photo with me via email. Sometimes another set of eyes can lend us a little perspective. Seriously. ❤️

Once again ❤ thanks!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

My pleasure! Thank you for watching!

Love your podcast! Thanks for sharing all your knowledge of fibers and knitting! Also love the two patterns you designed!!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Thank you so much! And you are very welcome. It’s a pleasure. ❤️

My sloppy knitting was from MANY many split yarn stitches

Love from Lisbon ❤ thank you so much for your youtube channel!!!!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Sending love back!! 😘😘😘 Welcome!

Thanks I’m going to watch my tension. I’m doing exactly what you said. Holding my needles to far apart at times to get in an extra stitch ❤

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

We all do it from time to time, but I think once you hit a nice rhythm or technique, it begins to lessen. I hope it helps!

Thanks!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Thank you so much for this support Pat. 🙏❤

would you let me know the sweater pattern you are wearing?

Too funny,I was typing out to ask what pattern you were wearing...bam you were answering me! Lol. Your top looks great!

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Thank you Alisa!

This is a great video! I was wondering what you think about blocks and pins for blocking? Thanks!

Love your overdyed Felix pullover ❤

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Thank you so much!

I will be waiting for the hand yoga video!

Excellent video. My tension is still inconsistent. Had no idea about holding the tips close!! Definitely going to check out the overdye video. Got some assigned pooling disaster yarn.

@wwjack44

14 күн бұрын

My tension always changes when I have to change to the round in a project, and I just do not know how to prevent this.

I love your top what pattern and yarn did you use?

Polished look is a good term.

I have made socks that totally benefit from blocking. Also, lace often needs aggressive blocking.

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

Ooo yes. Lace for sure. And also yes. Some socks just need it. 🙂

I use Prym Ergonomic knitting needles for even tension in knitting…

This video has made me wondering,what are your thoughts on handcrafted (handmade) versus homemade? And yes, a lot of your takes on what makes a garment sloppy can make the difference between hand crafted and homemade

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

This is a great topic for an upcoming video in the very near future. ❤️

I forgot to say that that pencil sharpener really got my eye!😊😉

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Thank you! I love that darn thing and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t leave it there because it looks pretty in the videos. That sucker sort of gets in the way while I’m filming. 😂😂

Slip the first stitch and do mattress stitch to sew seams easily.

It's obvious you used to be a teacher! Great episode! ❤

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

❤❤❤

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

I don’t mention that often, I don’t think, so the fact that you remember that is really cool. 😘🥰

Can you please put time stamps

They say in the horse world: "Loud hands make loud horses", I think that's the same in knitting

Have you knit with 100% silk yarn? I have some ripening in my stash. I'm worried that it will.just sag if knitted in stockinette since it is totally inelastic. I could also weave with it as warp. It's about worsted weight. Any opinions?

@karenprovost2035

2 күн бұрын

Hi @rebeccazegstroo6786, I saw Taylor read your question on her latest video. I am currently knitting 100% Cattail Silk yarn from Purl Soho. I am making a cardigan. This yarn is much lighter in weight than yours and it is more like raw silk fabric and not shiny. The yarn itself has no stretch and very string-like but I really enjoy knitting it. I’ll be curious how this finished cardigan will be after blocking. 🤔 Check out their website for patterns, maybe they will have more info for you. 😊

@kaitlynthurman

2 күн бұрын

I recently knit up the "Poppy tee" by petite knits with knitting for olive silk fingering weight yarn... I really love it, it's very structured in the top, but drapes really flattering-ly and is lightweight enough to be a summer tee in the Pacific Northwest. I recommend looking for a summer tank with wide shoulder seams or a tee .

@Moonstone2536

2 күн бұрын

Hi I'm also coming from Taylor's latest video. I have not knit with 100% silk but I have heard of some who knit her wedding dress with silk yarn and to stop it from stretching out she held a strand of sewing thread in the same color with the yarn. Might be worth trying.

I got ladders on my sleeves when I was knitting while inebriated.

I used to use a potato for photography, but the critics whipped my style, so now I use a cantaloupe.😂 It works perfectly because I'm already married. 😂😂

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

😂😂😂😂

I feel like we're on the same journey right now? Getting back into reading, (and reading ACOTAR, how do you like it so far? I'm on the second book now and I'm enjoying it!) 20 min of yoga a day, and we have the same knitting style, what is going on here? Hahaha though I can't read while I knit, so knitting has been taking a hit recently 😅

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

So cool! I love when folks share that they’re on a similar journey. So I haven’t started ACOTAR yet, but I’m so tempted. Are you liking it?? Heard it’s spicy. I like a little spice. 😂 And yay to 20 minute yoga! I watch Sarah Beth’s videos for it. Love her! ❤️❤️

@lilit3307

14 күн бұрын

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS it's got a little spice, (I think it gets spicier lol! Like apparently the second book has some more but I haven't gotten there yet) and the world building has been good compared to some other books I've read recently in the "romantacy" genre which is great. I appreciate learning the politics of other worlds haha and also having a story that doesn't solely revolve around the romance part. I also got it and didn't start it for a few weeks, but I'm glad I finally did! And I watch Yoga With Adrienne, my cousin got me into her videos, but I will have to check out Sarah Beth too!

Huh. Seamed projects are more structured, which is the opposite of sloppy. Seamed projects are also stronger and hold their shape years longer, so again, seams are an advantage in avoiding sloppy looking knits. I hope you embrace the challenge and try one.

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

Oh, I will. You can only deny a truth for so long. 😂 I actually have my eye on a couple seamed patterns right now. ❤

IMHO, there are too many knitters who do not understand/appreciate the MAGIC of blocking.

Buying nice yarn - it doesn't have to be 'expensive', but some yarns just are not nice

I always feel like my ribs are the sloppiest part of any project

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

This is incredibly normal. I'm the same. Particularly with 1x1 rib. I've heard that knitting the purl of a 1x1 rib through the back loop helps to neaten these up. I've tried with great success. ❤

@sarahkelly4095

14 күн бұрын

I’ve been practicing how I hold my yarn when I do ribbing-I tend to really loosen tension when I do the purl stitch in 1x1 ribbing, but with practice I can keep my yarn closer to my needles even while moving the yarn to the front. Not sure if this makes sense but I just watched a lot of ribbing tutorials to see how people were holding the yarn while going back and forth from knit/purl in

No WRINGING!!!!!! Squeeze please😁

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

Don’t panic. I never have nor ever will recommend someone wring their knits. This was just a passing remark to emphasize that blocking is not as simple as that. 👍

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

15 күн бұрын

I’m coming back to acknowledge that I did indeed use the term ‘wring out’ here. And you’re right. You never want to do that. Thankfully I don’t do that myself and my videos on the subject do not recommend that. But yeah…this was just a lazy remark. 🤷‍♀️

@rachelmitchell2144

15 күн бұрын

@@WOOLNEEDLESHANDSI knew you didn’t mean it..😂

@WOOLNEEDLESHANDS

14 күн бұрын

@@rachelmitchell2144😘

While I really like and appreciate your content, I actually have a very hard time concentrating on what you say with music in the background. That makes me sad.

Accidentally fell the other day and now can’t knit for sometime. Got a broken bone in right wrist, wearing a sling

TUDaH RBaH (thank you very much, in Hebrew). // SHLM & HaB (peace & love). The Name of the Creator is Hayah Asher Hayah, as what He told Moshah (Exodus 3:14), preserved in the Hebrew Scriptures. There is a curse to the G-o-d name (Isaiah 65:11-12), preserved in the Hebrew Scriptures. All followers of the Messiah are to do the 7 appointed times (Leviticus 23), but no more animal sacrifices, following the Crucifixion of the Messiah. We are now of the order of MLK TSDQ (King, righteous), to Whom ABRaHM tithed. Ask the Messiah to be your personal Savior. He said to him, I am the way, the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). ...for all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of Hayah (Romans 3:23). The wages for sin is death but the gift of ALaHYM is Everlasting Life through Messiah Yahushgh our Master (Romans 6:23). That if you confess with your mouth the Master Yahushgh and believe in your heart that ALaHYM raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved (Romans 10:9). He Himself is an Atoning Offering for our sins, and not for ours only but also for all the world (1 John 2:2).

Very helpful. I am frogging a project that I worked hard in and spent a lot of because of the inconsistency of the stitches. It does look sloppy to me. I am not offended by the word. I will start over later in the summer. I am sure I will enjoy it better now that I know how to improve my stitches. Thanks! 🧶