Two things I do when trying to sub yarn are to look at the other projects on Ravelry for that garment and see what yarn has been used already and review the pictures to see if I like the drape etc. The other thing I do is to try to not only match the yarn weight but also the yardage. I find that if the yardage is pretty close for 100 gms then frequently the drape etc is similar. Final step of course is gauge watching, including washing and blocking.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

We follow a very similar process! Looking at the drape of other people's projects I find so important to know what yarns to also stay clear from.

As an avid knitter in Australia I often need to substitute yarns. My advice would be to take the hype with a grain of salt. Don’t automatically assume the recommended yarn will give the best outcome. Many designers and yarn providers in other countries are catering to their own climate and what they have available. In Australia and New Zealand there are loads of wonderful options that are of the highest quality(by world standards). If you start with what’s local your outlay is less and more likely to be suitable to your climate.

That red yarn combination is stunning!

Good job! Loved having you address your issues with veronika’s sweater pattern. It was helpful. I also appreciate you admitting some of your faux pas because it made me feel better. Sometimes when I make a mistake, I wonder if I’m the only knitter that does have trouble or puts their projects down, not wanting to face an issue with the garment. Thank you. You have inspired me to be gentler on myself.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thank you for such a kind comment Susan! I am very mindful of being honest about my own challenges so I am glad this has helped you in some way. Definitely always be gentle with yourself. We're all learning all the time. I do even on projects I make all the time (like my Oslo)!

@sarahcrooks6780

6 ай бұрын

I really like this, too. I'm a novice knitter and it's really reassuring to know that even the experts make mistakes. I've just had to frog a double knit button band because the Drops pattern specified the same needle size as for the main body and it was starting to flare (I'm sure I have the right number of stitches picked up). I can actually see the difference in stitch length so I'm redoing that now. What a pain! But live and learn :D

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

@@sarahcrooks6780 exactly! Live and learn. I am not even sure anyone ever truly hits expert status with this hobby. There’s so much to discover, so go into everything as a new learning opportunity and when it doesn’t work out accept that you just have a learning for what to do better next time 🩷

It looks good. I like the fit.

Your notes about the Salty Days sweater are a good reminder/caution tale, thank you for sharing! Also, the Olso Hat is perfect ❤ I need to make one myself. And definitely in green! 🌲

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much Francesca! ❤️ Definitely make the Oslo hat. You really can’t go wrong!

That Salty Days sweater is now on my list to knit. It is stunning! I don't use any yarn combo with mohair, ever. So good to see another yarn used. For me, the way the sweater fits you is perfect. I don't like my sleeves too long and I don't like a lot of ease. It looks great on you. I do agree about the neckband, though. It would also prefer a bit looser. I really enjoyed your podcast, thanks!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the lovely comment Catherine! Glad it doesn’t look too small as I realized I basically ended up with the XS size 🤣 Think I may go in and adjust the neckband as it bothers me everything I wear it

I use the great advice on Drops for information on substituting Yarns. A great video! I also like how you talk about yarn prices, which is very helpful.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Wonderful recommendation! I’m going to check this out Glad the pricing info is helpful ❤️

Thanks for this highly relatable content 😀 Very comprehensive info and so useful. And thanks to other comments which are help too. ❤️ from UK

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching and commenting Helen! 🩷

Thanks for your candid feedback on Salty Days. I have had gauge issues too, and I will wait to begin until I buy more yarn. I hate playing yarn chicken..

Just found your enjoyable podcast. Really like your Salty Day! 😊

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

🤗🤗 thank you!

Another great podcast Sheri, thank you. Congratulations on 2K subbies. 😍 As I've not been knitting for a year yet I have only substituted yarn on a very few projects. When I did I looked at said yarn on Ravelry to see the projects made from it i.e. drape, density, colour. I also swatch to check the gauge against a particular pattern. If I feel the pattern will not work with that yarn I will try to find a similar pattern for the yarn I have..

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for being here from the very beginning Gaye!

I'm thinking of doing a Salty Days and your commentary is great. I have never jumped on the Mohair bandwagon. I'm literally doing my first right now and I'm not totally sold. Even though I'm fairly experienced, I always substitute yarn, and it's a hit and miss. Would love to get others opinions on this. Thanks

I go on to Ravelry and look to see what other yarns they use to make the same garment. I will use a yarn that I have in my stash and find out what will make gave and see if the material it make if I like it. I have liked watching you podcasts. Thank you so much for

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the advice and for watching Linda!

I am strongly leaning toward the Blouse #1 after completing the Soft Spoken sweater I am working on now. I have some PurlSoho looking for some needles. ---yes, interested in a KAL.

I'm on my second Salty day sweater. I used DK weight and mohair. I didn't gage at all cause I really enjoyed and trusted Kikas tutorial videos and instructions. The second sweater is knitted with Lion brand pound of love yarn. Yes cheappy yarn. It's working though. But your honesty reminds me to not move forward when the knitting just doesn't look right. Thank you.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Lion brand makes some great yarns that are affordable! I often use DROPS here as well

Great vid. I am also doing a salty days, my first neck down. No swatch no mohair , (dislike the stuff) and would rarely need it in a sweater/jumper/pullover, just picked a big size, thinks it’s going to be ok 😊 🇦🇺

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Such a risk taker with no swatch! Live dangerously 🤣 If you knit a big size though and are looking for oversized then I think you'll be fine!

I’m over mohair doubling the cost as well. It would be nice if patterns always had a non mohair option. In Canada it can be $300 to include mohair in a sweater in size 2/M. Which is just silly and less likely to attract new knitters!

@RachelCunningham-ut9ks

6 ай бұрын

one option i used is berroco aerial and it is literally SO nice in case you are looking for a good budget option!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

I agree! Not sure how widely available it is in Canada but DROPS mohair I find to be a really good option for a budget friendly mohair. But in general I would love to just omit the mohair more easily too.

I will echo what some others have said about your honesty. We are all grateful to not be alone in our mishaps. You should start a thread wherein knitters share their blocking adventures. Your story of stretching the Salty Days made me chuckle a bit while simultaneously cringing for you. I have been there a bit but more often, have been attempting to *smush* a too long sleeve or too wide shoulder shorter.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

🥰 what a lovely comment. Thank you Suzanne. I want to continue to be open and honest here in the hopes more knitters see we all struggle. The story of blocking is very relatable! Great idea for a future video 🤗

I appreciate your reflection about the Salty Day sweater. I did it as a test knit and messed up because I didn’t practice the lace section. I ended having to frogged it twice.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Oh no! Frogging always sucks. Did you end up finishing it in the end?

I would join the blouse KAL as well, I’m eyeing Blouse no 1!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

When I sub yarns, I start by writing a list of the characteristics I want (SW/non-SW, fibre makeup, weight, availability) and plug those into Ravelry filters for the project's yarn options tab. I also keep a list of (common yarn + needle size = gauge) for yarns I like and can get easily so I have a reference from past projects in a pinch.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

These are great tips and one's I didn't have written down! I really like the list of yarn/needle = gauge so you also don't need to swatch all the time for ones you use often.

Thanks for sharing! I think when substituting yarn, you just need to be mindful of the drape the substituted yarn will produce. Knitting with a fingering and mohair creates a different drape than knitting with a thicker DK yarn sometimes.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

You are absolutely right. Changing out a yarn held double for one held single, or without mohair can have a huge impact on the final garment.

♥ Blouse number 2 is in my queue

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

When substituting yarns, there is a thing called grist. Simply it is yards per ounce but I can’t explain it as well as experts. You can compare the grist of the recommended yarn to the one you are thinking of substituting. It is helpful. Your Salty Days sweater looks beautiful. I have the pattern and will figure out which yarn to use soon.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

I’ve never heard of this term before so something for me to read up on! Thanks for the great tip

I am looking to knit my first sweater, hoping for one with plenty of positive ease as I recently had gastric bypass surgery and expect my weight to go down... and eventually fluctuate a bit. I've had my eye on the Petite Knits sweater and would live to give it a try, if considered suitable for a first time sweater project. ❤ Cheers Love your content

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

I'm so excited for you to knit your first sweater! PetiteKnit has wonderful patterns for first time knitters. She has a star rating system so look for anything with 1-2 stars. I started with the Novice sweater which was very simple to follow but I know she has a few. Also Knitatude has very clear patterns and nearly all are geared towards first time knitters. My very first sweater was her easy eyelet yoke sweater. The Knit purl girl also writes very detailed patterns but in general hers are probably better for your second or third. Good luck and feel free to reach out if you need some help!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Also I just happened to come across this video as I was looking for another of hers and I think it could help you get started. Tayler's content is always really geared towards knitters of all skills so suggest you take a look through her content if you haven't watched her before. kzread.info/dash/bejne/lImMkqSrqNqvc7A.htmlsi=yVt3tbBnX0moRzjt

❤️ blouse no 2

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤❤❤ blouse #1 ❤❤❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

I sub yarns all the time.. sticking with the same warps per inc..so fingering with fingering and if I need a dk for example I hold a fingering twice combining yarns.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Good tip to hold 2 fingerings instead of switching to DK as I think that can really make a difference. Even though Sunday and Double Sunday are the same fibers they do feel different on their own and held double.

I'm still struggling with substituting yarn myself. I always look up yarn ideas on Ravelry, always calculate yarn weight (how many meters in 100g) and compare with my chosen substitute yarn. Even then I can't always get gauge, so the next important step is to calculate ratio between my gauge and pattern gauge. Sometimes it results with knitting smaller or larger size to get recommended fit.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Agree the the meters per ball is really important, and this reminds me of a blog Knitatude did a few years ago on the topic. I should go back and find that. Not getting gauge could also just be a result of the pattern and the designer's own gauge. I have a few designers like PK and MFTK that I always get exact gauge with if I use the suggested yarns, and then others that I never do.

❤️ Blouse #1

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

For yarn subbing, i look at the weight, the type of spin, the length of the yarn per 100 gms. I almost never use the recommended yarn. I also look at finished projects on ravelry to see what people have used and how it looks.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for the tips Eliana! 🩷

❤ Blouse no. 1

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

I sub yarns all the time, because I have a huge stash of (mostly no-name) yarn. The two main points to keep in mind are a) the fiber content and b) the stitch gauge. Regarding a) if you sub a wool yarn with a plant based or synthetic yarn, or the other way around, the properties might be vastly different - e.g. drape, keeping form, etc. For example, I wouldn't knit colourwork with a cotton yarn, as it needs the strands to stick to each other to create a cohesive fabric, and only wool (and some synthetics) have that property. Regarding b) the gauge must work with the pattern, or (to a degree) you can work around this by picking a larger/smaller pattern size (some math involved). The weight per 100m is an indicator, but it can fool you, as not all fibers weigh the same and the yarn might be spun looser or tighter and therefore be thicker or thinner, despite the weight being the same. So the stitches per 10cm/4inches in a needle size that works with the yarn, i.e. gives you a nice fabric, are more important than the yarn weight as such.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Very helpful advice! Thank you so much for providing this 🤗

I practically always sub yarn. Becouse i want to use stash yarn or dont know how and where to get the recommended yarn. It is always hard. So i would love to hear hou you chose yarn for your projects. I used to go to my local yarnstore for advise. But they advise only what they have. And that is not always the best option. Later i started shopping online. I could optain the yarn and pattern at the same place (Drops and Hobbii). I recently discovered Ravelry to check other peoples projects. But it is hard to see the real color and you cannot feel the yarn. My favorite way is making a swatsh in the pattern I am planing to make. Important things to look for in search of yarn are Yarn fibers Yarn quality Gage Recomended neadle size Length per bal Wash attentions Icheness

Great video; your knits look fantastic! For your video about subbing yarns, I have some thoughts. I am also an avid sewist and have learned a LOT about choosing fabric for sewing certain garments, and a lot of the same principles apply to choosing yarns. First, I think about the fiber content. Is it going to be drapey or more structured? Do you enjoy wearing that fiber? Do you need superwash vs nonsuperwash? Next, think about the yarn weight. Does the yarn I want to use have a similar ratio of meters to grams as the yarn called for? If not, what might the potential consequences of this be, and am I okay with them? Also, think about the texture of the yarn and whether or not it will have good or poor stitch definition. If you are unsure, make a nice large swatch and hang out with it for a while to see how you like it!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thanks for watching! And this is all great advice. Perfect for the video I want to create on the topic

Make sure that you buy the drops brushed alpaca now. Even if you can’t find the same dye lot, buy at the same store. The colors change drastically from a dye lot to a dye lot, so you want to make sure that you introduce these extra balls early in the process. Otherwise it will a very noticeable color difference.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thanks so much for this tip! I wouldn't have thought of this since it seems like the type of yarn where dye lot wouldn't matter much.

When subbing yarn I like to know the ply of the intended yarn as well as the fibre. Ply helps me understand the springiness of the yarn. I never seem to buy enough yarn to make a full sweater.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

This is a great thought and one I don't usually consider but should! What seems to go wrong with getting enough yarn? Do you usually buy before having a pattern in mind?

@Arlene3M

6 ай бұрын

@@Goodknits_ buying on sale is bad because the stores will not have more wool later. Realizing that a sweater will cost $250 Canadian stops me as I can buy a cashmere sweater for that price

working on my 3rd Salty Day sweater, love it so much, want one in every color, lol, after 50 years of knitting i still struggle mostly with Drops pattern, they are written so complicated to me,

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

The salty days is definitely a gorgeous pattern! Can see why you have so many. Interesting about the drops patterns. I’ve never tried any before but you would expect a yarn brand to have pretty good patterns!

@moniquem8093

6 ай бұрын

@@Goodknits_ yes you would think so. I believe its the lost in translation problem. I read through all the comments before i start to try knitting a pattern and it’s always the part of marker placement. Once you figure this part out everything else is easy lol.

@moniquem8093

6 ай бұрын

@@Goodknits_ very addicting and excellent written pattern.

❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

I can often get stitch gauge but it has never yet matched up with row gauge. Any tips would be greatly appreciated

@Goodknits_

5 ай бұрын

I haven't faced this issue as much personally but I just did some quick research for you and I think this article from Patty Lyons is quite helpful. pattylyons.com/2016/11/5-secrets-of-row-gauge/ Have you tried using different needle materials than your current ones?

@bellajacobson506

4 ай бұрын

@@Goodknits_ thank you

❤❤❤❤❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

I look for yarn with the same or very similar yardage/meterage and then I knit a swatch. If I like the fabric I get with a certain size needle but it isn’t the same gauge as the pattern, I will do some math and determine which size to knit in the pattern.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Knitting math is something that still scares me a bit but I'd like to get more comfortable being able to adjust my size selection based on my swatch. Patty Lyons has a great overview of this in her Knitting Bag of Tricks book so I should take another read through that. Any helpful videos or content you can share around how you do the match to adjust?

@theminimalknitter

6 ай бұрын

@Goodknits_ I think I may have used a video by Sun Dragon Tips and Tricks; it was called magic math…it’s been awhile since I watched it.

Thank you for the great video. I'm currently knitting The salty days sweater from kutovakika and sadly I have a big problem. I have the right number of stitches beginning Chart C. I have attempted twice, but cannot seem to get what needs to be done on Round 5 in Chart C. To me this is the trickiest part of the pattern so far, so I am disappointed that the tutorial, which has been wonderful, does not address this step at all. I cannot figure out what I’m doing wrong. Any help would be appreciated.

@Goodknits_

5 ай бұрын

I actually talked about this in a previous episode but I also made a note for this in my ravelry project! www.ravelry.com/projects/goodknitsbysk/salty-days-sweater Basically you follow her written instructions and then do the 5 stitches after. Don’t start at beginning of chart.

❤❤❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

I am finally ready to cast on the Salty Days sweater and I honestly believe that the designer misrepresented the gauge in the pattern. 17x24 is an aran weight gauge in ribbing. I planned to hold 2 strands of lofty fingering weight wool together to meet gauge, and on 5mm needles, I only hit 3 inches pre and post-blocking. I know I'm a tight knitter, but I don't think anyone met gauge with a DK or even a worsted weight yarn with this pattern. Therefore, I have to wonder if the designer is a very loose knitter...or made errors in writing the pattern. I'm super confused...because I'm ending up having to knit a size 8 (I'm usually a size 1 or 2) with the yarn I selected based on the pattern and the Ravelry page, to get the correct measurements for my body

@Goodknits_

2 күн бұрын

Glad it’s not just me on this one. It seems people either end up with it being too big or too small. I hope yours turns out better 🤞🏻🤞🏻

@leighhuggins5030

2 күн бұрын

@@Goodknits_ Thank you, Sheri! I'm measuring as I go and doing all the math 😬

♥

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

I would participate in a blouse KAL!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

A struggle with pairing yarns and patterns is second only to tension. My tension is smooth in the round both continental and English when all knitting or purling. Working anything flat I have rowing out. I have tried combination purling, going down a needle size for purling and both continental and English knitting/ purling. Still getting rowing out with most yarns. Any help would be appreciated. Btw, goung down a needle size for purling actually makes the purl row too small.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

This is a very interesting challenge and one I haven't personally faced as I have been lucky to have pretty even tension flat and in the round. One thing I have heard before is trying different materials of needles. What do you use now? Have you tried to swap metal for bamboo or vice versa? When I read your comment I was reminded of Tayler from Wool Needle Hands podcast as she said she had a similar challenge on her stripe hype sweater. I don't recall exactly how she resolved it as it was a few months ago, but I went back and found it for you. Maybe it can give you some new tips. Good luck! kzread.info/dash/bejne/g52pktiAlrnRnNo.htmlsi=AFkrIWnMW8-5AVbE

@lindapayne9474

6 ай бұрын

Thank you. Using a size smaller woid needle for the purl rows serm to be giving much better tension

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

@@lindapayne9474 glad it helped a bit!

@lindapayne9474

6 ай бұрын

I don't have words to express my appreciation. Thank you for taking time to help❤

If you wante your garment to look like the original, it is helpful to stay with the same spin type - worsted vs woollen. Worsted have all the fibres lying in the same direction, tend to be a bit shiny. Worsted look more fuzzy and matte.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for this comment! I have never heard this before - worsted vs. woollen so I had no idea to keep this in mind. My yarn is indeed worsted and maybe for this specific pattern a woollen would have worked better.

@knittysixx5106

6 ай бұрын

I’m pretty sure gilliat is actually woollen spun(worsted thickness - there are two different meaning for worsted which complicates things. Worsted spun for how it is made and worsted thickness for what the thickness of the yarn is vs fingering- will be. It took me a long time to understand the difference between these types of wool. I started spinning a few years ago which very much aided my understanding as you can of course hand spin worsted or woollen yarn and can easily see the difference between them.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

@@knittysixx5106 sooooo confusing 🫠 I will have to read up on this more. Appreciate you pointing it out cause it’s something I’ve never known to consider

I never stretch the gauge swatch. I just trebati it the same way i would block the sweater

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

I will definitely be keeping stretching to a minimum in the future!

Hello🎉

The Salty Day sweater looks great, better than the original, which is too structureless for my taste.

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Appreciate this! 🩷

Whar is the blouse name in Ravelry?

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

There are 3 of them but here is the one I am making www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blouse-no-2 If you go to her main page you can find no. 1 and no. 1 light

@marilenasaukkosaari1627

6 ай бұрын

Thank you!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

I’ll be posting all the details on my instagram this afternoon 🤗

Why are knitters obsessed with holding expensive yarn double? Silk mohair effectively doubles the cost and it sheds! - A crocheter new to knitting

@Lorrissyoutube

6 ай бұрын

Because it make the garment warmer and gives it a fluffy look which is really fashionble right now. Mohair also stick to itself making the garment "stronger". Personally I loath mohair, but it does have some benefits. :)

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Agree with other commenter they sometimes it does add something to the garment, especially in basic stockinette projects where you maybe want that extra interest and warmth. But designers have gone way overboard the last few years. Would love to see more options in patterns for holding single or double. I think Sophie from The Knit Purl Girl usually is really great about this!

@kruellajones

6 ай бұрын

Hi, I’ve just found your podcast and really enjoyed it. I’m not from North America I’m from the other side of the Amsterdamse Bos so practically a neighbour 😂😂. Love the idea of a KAL, not a big fan of mohair and currently have the Zipper Sweater Man on time out due to gauge issues 🤪🤪 If you ever want to have a knit and natter IRL let me know 😂 Oh I had to leave a ❤️ for something but can’t remember what so I’ve done it anyway.

❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤❤❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤❤❤❤❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤❤❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

❤

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!

@Goodknits_

6 ай бұрын

Details coming Monday on my Instagram!