Grocery Girls Knit Episode 196 

The fact that the designer specifies a different ease for the largest sizes indicates that they considered what looks proportionate on those sizes. I feel that is more work and more admirable than blindly increasing measurements as the sizes increase. You guys are over the top on this topic.

I’m pretty sure Joji has said she doesn’t recommend as much ease in her larger sizes. Maybe you could ask her opinion or the original designer.’s reasoning. I just checked the Boxy pattern. The largest 3 sizes are all the same circumference.

I totally get where you're coming from with the size inclusivity but here in Denmark it's been a discussion that the knitters in larger sizes didn't feel that the bigger ease looks as good on them as on the smaller sizes. So they were asking for designers to ad as much possitive ease to the design that suits the design in that perticular size. I hope this makes sense :)

Hi gals. I think it was in a Kim McBrien Evans class where she discussed choosing less ease at larger sizes for a similar look. I’ll check my notes. The point was that you get that look on larger sizes with less ease.

I worked in a knitwear design studio some years ago and we were given the same advice when grading patterns ie less ease as you go bigger or the garment will swamp the customer.

I just put the cloud sweater in my queue. Thanks for pointing it out, it's beautiful.

If anyone is interested in hearing a knitwear designer discuss how to use her pattern to accommodate your body measurements, please watch Beth MacDonald Stones latest podcast, episode No.6, Rhum Line sweater..it's so helpful..❤

I'd wanna add something about size inclusivity: we talk a lot about the larger sizes missing but the smaller sizes are also missing in many patterns. I have a 33" bust, which is not the smallest for an adult, and I regularly come across a pattern that doesn't have a size small enough for me

I think that before you have such a discussion regarding a pattern and the designer that you interact with said person to find out why the grading was done with a graduating positive ease. This I’m sure would be the better way rather than dumping the designer under the bus and then driving over her several times. The conversation would then make sense and informed. Maybe even a taped interview would have been a good idea.

I think the grading of larger sizes with less ease has to do with people's shoulders not expanding even when the bust/waist measurements do - this affects the ease that can or should be added for a nice-looking fit that fits bodies of bigger sizes more accurately! for me, (over C cup) i have to pick sweater sizes based on my which is like 4" less than full bust. Most sweater patterns would tell me to pick a size 2-3 sizes bigger than the one that actually fits me correctly. probably the reason the designer reduces the amount of ease at the bust in larger sizes - you want the shoulders and neck to fit correctly without changing the silhouette.

Joji’s Lace and Fade Boxy has different ease for the larger sizes too. States it in the description of the pattern too…..Does your standard also apply to that pattern too? Or no because she’s a friend?

She’s such an amazing designer and people are going to continue to support her and by her patterns, no matter what

I saw a discussion about how sweater designers take extra care in the larger sizes to make sure the fit is the same as smaller sizes. Those designers spend excruciating time and effort to make sure their grading is perfect for all sizes. I was taken aback by the attack on those poor people without knowledge of the guidelines that have been perfected over time by the garment industry. Yikes.

As much as I love your podcast, I can't help expressing my disappointment on your negative criticizing of a pattern just because the "plus" sizes don't need to be worn with as much positive ease as the smaller ones. Has it ocurred to you that the positive ease is still there and maybe you don't get it right? It could help if you take a look at the famous Boxy Worsted by Joji or her Lace & Fade Boxy and I quote from the pattern page: "This sweater has a lot of positive ease built in. This means that the finished product will be much bigger than your bust measurement. However, not all the sizes have the same amount of ease built in, as larger sizes don’t need the sweater to be so oversized." Designers must be free to create and should not be subject to similar negative comments; they work hard to make a living. I always thought of you two as positive people, today you left me confused. ( I wear 2XL and I know sizing is so much more than positive ease around the bust)

A lot of patterns do not have the same amount of ease in larger sizes because experience with testers have shown that the amount of ease needed in larger sizes is less. Larger sizes fit better with less ease.

When you have the attention of a large group of people I do think you have to be careful with the message you deliver. You recognize that you are influencers and as such can change or direct the thoughts and action of a group. You are allowed you opinions as anyone is, but listening to your comments about the Cloud Sweater I come away with feeling you are designer/pattern shaming or worse feeling I’m listening to you bully a designer that was upfront in the details of their pattern about how they designed the pattern. As far as I can tell the information about the design has always contained an explanation of the positive ease the designer worked with to achieve the look they were wanting. I feel a picture of the drape of the larger sizes would also be helpful to visualize the look the designer was going for. But that’s just me… Bottom line I do like your show but I don’t like that you ignored information that didn’t seem to fit into your agenda and made it sound like you purchased the pattern and even knitted it once before you recognized what you feel makes the pattern less then size inclusive. You didn’t mention that the information was given in the description of the pattern to be understood before the pattern is purchased, at least in Ravelry it is.

Always so fun to knit and watch you both sharing all your goodness. Love it! ❤🤗

I think you ladies need to "do better". Yes it's fine to have a discussion about ease and ask questions because you don't understand but as a channel with 1000s and 1000s of followers (& that means a lot of influence) you can make or break a small business with what/how you say something. As your friend Joji has a pattern that has 29" of ease in the smallest size and 10.5" of ease in the largest size (& says in the pattern description: "However, not all the sizes have the same amount of ease built in, as larger sizes don’t need the sweater to be so oversized.") maybe get her on your channel to discuss this and the reasons behind differing amounts of ease for different sizes. Have a discussion, ask questions, "do your research", "do better", educate yourself and others but please don't "cancel" a designer for something you don't understand.

I don’t know enough about knitting but I want the fit that the designer thinks is best for my body. They are after all the designer. I don’t want so much ease. My bust size is very large but not my body. Too much ease makes me look like I’m wear maternity clothes.

Happy Upcoming Anniversary! I love you guys, I have started watching within the past few months and love all your content, your unedited style and I have learned so much! Thank you for all you do (plus I am very impressed that you both can be on air 2-3 hours straight without needing a bathroom break LOL!) ❤

By adjusting the amount of ease the designer is trying to give everyone a similar look...we expect that of a pattern and make adjustments ourselves if we wish. She has been respectful of all sizes, not the opposite.

NO! NO! NO! Pattern makers/pattern graders (ie: Sally Melville) do not add the same positive ease for larger sizes that they do for the smaller sizes in their patterns. Larger sizes do not need the same extra ease as do the smaller sizes for the same look. The look of the sweater will be the same on a larger size as smaller sizes with different + ease numbers. I am a size XL and I do not want the same positive ease that a S or M has. It will be too large and look sloppy. I will get the same look with a lesser amount of + ease. Sally Melville explains this in her sweater design book "Knitting Pattern Essentials." (Awesome book btw) It is not intended to disregard larger sizes in any way. It's intended to maintain the "look" of the sweater across all the different sizes.

Fantastic Episode. Enjoyed every minute of it! Thankyou GG! 😊❤❤❤

LMAO!! I love the “well I forgot my tooth” episodes! You crack me up. ❤😂

Happy Anniversary from a shy fan! You guys are wonderful! Thank you!!!!!!

If they don’t celebrate Advent and are woke about it being called an Advent Calendar they shouldn’t be counting down to Christmas either (which is also a Christian derived holiday) . I mean seriously. Call it an advent calendar, call it a countdown calendar , call it whatever and complainers should shut up. I am related to Hindus (another religion) who love the advent calendar and love Christmas. People should do and celebrate what they want to celebrate and not take offense to something they don’t want to do without getting the world to cancel it or rename it for them. I am a Christian who would be happy to buy a Diwali yarn bouquet without saying something stupid like “I don’t celebrate that.” Also I have many First Nations friends that are Christians so atheists can’t say that the religion should be cancelled and all things Christian based should be ignored or banned. Also my Islamic friends are happy to acknowledge Christmas to me and I am happy to acknowledge Ramadan. Not everything has to be an issue of contention. ADVENT calendars are 24 Lindt chocolates to most people anyways. LOL.

Happy Anniversary! Your gals are so fun! Love watching your videos every time- make me laugh every time😄😄

Hi girls...great to have you back. I knitted the sockhead hat with double held Urth self striping yarn..... gorgeous result....gifted it to a friend....he loved it!

LOL Tracie! I take my shoes and socks off to regulate heat as well, but it’s extra weird because I’m a school teacher and when the power surge of a hot flash hits, it hits! So I can often be found barefoot in my classroom. 😂😂😂

I wonder if you ladies volunteer to test knit the larger sizes of patterns? I have seen several times when the designers can’t find anyone to test knit the larger sizes. I’m thinking grading a pattern is a lot of work. Some have the capability to design and some the capability to work the numbers. Not everyone can do both.

Love you guys! 💕I can’t wait to try Timber Yarns. Thank you for always introducing me to new products and books.

I'm watching the replay while working on a blanket, crochet being my thing, but I've been considering learning to knit lately. I love your show, like just catching up over a cup of coffee.

Happy Anniversary!!! What a beautiful puppy!!!!!!! Happy knitting 💚🧶💚

Happy New Year ladies, that is my thing, if it doesn’t bring you joy then frog it, there is no right or wrong way. Loving your creations especially the socks. Hugs ❤❤❤

I’m not an expert by any means, but I do knit for family friends that are bigger size. If you create a sweater sized 2, 3XL and larger with 10 whole inches of positive ease, that thing is going to be WAY too large and look horrible, especially if you’re working with a pattern that has delicate details. I love watching you both, but very disappointed to hear the public shaming of designers. Research before discussion goes a long way ❤

I’ve read through quite a few comments today. ‘Every day is a school day’. Thanks all. Tracie, your pup is gorgeous. Look forward to seeing you both next time. Happy Anniversary x

Happy new year Thanks always great to see you both Made me laugh and smile I do like that pink yarn Thanks

"I didn't buy and knit a pattern that isn't designed for my size" isn't a controversial statement to make, nor should it be. We all make choices on what we buy based on what we value the most, and choosing not to buy something is perfectly valid.

Happy Anniversary you two!🎉

I have missed you guys! Yet I’m glad you had a break you enjoyed. I’m always in for the giveaways. Cheers, sisters, for bringing us the bright and the best.

I’ve had the kitty socks pattern saved for years too! Inspired to make now!

About the vest: You would LOVE to knit Andrea's Shiftalong hat! It's very fun mozaik knitting, and very easy! I'm not a very experienced knitter and I made 5 Shiftalong hats last summer! I love your cat socks!!! Happy New Year to you both! I love you🙂

From talk of Christmas sweaters, a year ago I knit a Christmas Soldotna, cream body with emerald ribbing and red and pink flecks and colorwork. I love it. Yes it does scream Christmas so I don’t wear year round but it’s still special to wear during the season for years to come.

Awesome job Ladies! Glad you’re feeling better Tracie, you sound like you still have a bit. Gorgeous yarn Jodi! Hopefully the postage will come down. 😊❤

Those little crochet hooks are amazing! I got a set a few years ago and I have gotten so much use out of them.

I'm knitting the basic beanie in the same yarn from Statement Junkie for my husband as I watch. I picked the grey colourway. It is looking great. I was inspired from seeing you show it on one of you December podcasts. It was for Christmas but needless to say I didn't finish it so he got it on the needles. (In my defense, I've been working on project for kids in a inner school class)

Jodi i'm always so impressed with the FGF speckle samples, they are so lovely. Tracy I remember chatting with you about the slog of the tessellated vest and questioning everything about it when we met at Knit city Van - but i did manage to finish it by then. I'm glad you feel more 'free' after frogging though. I also wanted to recommend Waitress the musical to you, it just became available on streaming services - the music is so great and it is funny and a little teary.

It really does work! I knit gifts year-round and put them in a box. :)

I missed you guys so much, and loved getting caught up!! I love the idea of a vest, and good for you, Tracie, for ripping yours out. That yarn will make something beautiful! My next CO will be a vest with cables that I have the yarn for already. My 2024 goal is to knit my stash--as much as I can. I have yarn for over 20 sweaters, so I need to make them!! Jodi, I look forward to seeing your Moraine!! Tracie, I made the Holly sweater in red, and I wear it all year long. I want to make the Starry Starry Night in green, but I don't have yarn for that one, so it's on hold. I do plan to make gift knits all year long. In fact, I already have some in a box for this year--Christmas or birthdays. And, I love Lisa Jewell, although her last books have not been as good as her first ones--in my opinion. Can't wait to see you in 2 weeks!!

I think not adding extra ease was done so the item wouldn’t look bad on bigger sizes. Think it was probably done as a favor really…. I don’t know why everything has to be made so controversial

I am in love with the cat socks!!!!!

Another lovely episode with so much inspiration!!!! Thank you! - Re: Judit Gummlich's book - can't wait to read it - Laine Magazine (p 28) Autumn 2021 has an article about her too. SO interesting.

Thank you., as always, for your enjoyable podcast. One reason that I enjoy it so much, is because it is like sitting down with your knitting friends. You discuss things you like and things that you dislike. We all do in our groups with our knitting friends. We all don't agree with every opinion of our friends, but we can discuss differences with our friends. You are that for me. Please don't ever hesitate to give your honest opinion about anything. Thank you for always giving me a few hours of fun and laughter everytime you both get together. Please don't let the negative personal comments hjere get you down. You both are appreciated by so many. Thank you again for all the time you put into being here for all of us.

Happy New Year Tracie and Jodi! Tracie-I totally get it about the tessellated vest. I find it surprisingly liberating to frog a project that isn’t doing it for me. If you like the pattern but want to do it on a smaller scale, try the tessellated socks? I barely got through those but I’m glad I did.

The kind and responsible thing to do would have been to reach out to the designer for a comment or invite them onto your show to discuss your concerns about grading. Instead you both spent far too much time lambasting them and repeating yourselves while not allowing them the space to respond. Your friend Joji grades her larger pattern sizes the same way as the designer you are now bullying. Why the double standard? Are personal friends exempt from judgement? Why not seek to learn and understand just the mere basics of pattern grading before denigrating a designer? This came off as a sloppy, whiny smear job, a “mean girls” personal attack on a talented designer.

Thank you for another fun episode, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY from Toronto

I recently discovered you girls I think you are awesome. I think I’m just playing catch-up on your videos. But I love the information that embroidery book for knitting. Oh my word that’s beautiful anyway as a beginner thank you so much and truly enjoy you guys.

A good thriller is The Last Word by Taylor Adam’s. Really enjoyed watching your video. Beautiful projects!

YAY! The Algae completes my 4 color dream group I have been wistfully watching on your shop!!! Thank you too for the inclusivity, the humanity, you bring every time. With love and fuzz, Samira 🧶❇✨💖🌈🦄🐑🐢🌺🍀🐲🦙

I appreciate you guys❤ Red, charcoal grey, and lime green😊

Oh my goodness, we have had 13 Dead End Drive for years and we have always loved playing it! I just played it with my 35 year old daughter last week. I didn't know you could even still buy it.

Love your show - it’s always so much fun! If you like to read thrillers I absolutely loved the Silent Patient. I’m going to check out your book suggestions too

Happy Anniversary!! Go back and watch your first episode for fun.

If you dont get it or understand..maybe understand first and not take it to a Live. Study first. If you haven’t been a size 70 bust and a 40 bust. A huge of variances in larger bodies. Not all patterns are for every knitter skill wise. Change skills are important to know if you have difficult sizing. As a large person with a xxxl bust, you need to know how to alter. As a small person with a flat bust you need to know how to alter. You are Missing something.

😂 sour cream and dill are put on EVERYTHING in Eastern Europe! I love it!

Oh and btw, I wear red sweaters all seasons... There is a need for red all year...holidays, cheer-me-up-winter-blues-go-away-red, lovey-dovey red, spring tulip reds, roses and poppies red in summer, lifeguard red, lol, smh, autumn reds, apples, leaves, harvests, berries red lol I think you get it... lol but, yes to red anytime for any reason... fingering weight lacy red boat neck loose gauge with a tan red... okay I will stop lmao. But, truly... do what you want we support it

I am so glad you mentioned Summer Lee’s new book that is coming out next month. I ordered it as well. I think it is going to be a big hit!

Oh Jodi, thanks for the laughs. Happy Podiversary, sending you both hugs. Thank you so much for continuing to advocate for size inclusivity, It's always a special treat to spend some time with you both.

You could do an Alpenglow with the Tessellated yarn! It calls for the same 3 yarns (Spincycle, main, a fluffy yarn - though much much less of the fluffy yarn).

congrats on the anniversary wow!!!!

White Mountains by Midori Hirose, pattern has both sweater and vest versions, 3 neckbands, large gauge, size inclusive, various yarn choices, lots of modelled photos on Ravelry as well as projects, very detailed pattern with a typeset you can read 😂 (this can be a problem!!) Great value €6 on Ravelry. Sorted 😊!!!!!!

Eight years and I’ve watched every one!!!!!

Tracie, the peach fuzz is beautiful. If you had it in mohair held double with your coral cloud skein, that would be sooo pretty.

LOL>....you girls are so real! Makes me feel so "okay".....gets on camera to blow your nose and say you forgot your tooth....lol....so funny!!! I haven't been here in awhile....what the heck happened to your tooth girlie ? Love you both !

Missed you! Enjoyed your comments, fun, and ideas!!!

English isn't my first or pro language and most of the time I Don't even understand or process what they're saying..0 knowledge about knitting..when they're talking about it I just do not understand it but I watch till the end cause its fun and genuine and wholesome and makes me feel real and warm

I WON one of the Indie Untangled colors of the year countdown boxes/advents… All of the colors of the year from 2000-2023 which is actually 26 colors bc there were two years they chose two colors! Sugarplum Circus is an indie dyer down in New Orleans and she is offering a line of Peach Fuzz yarns right now… I ended up ordering a couple skeins of her fuzzy alpaca yarn in the Peach Fuzz to use as a neutralish MC with all the other colors of the year!! Planning on a Charles Blouse with the peach as the mohair and all the other colors striped. I don’t know!!!! It’ll be really great or a trainwreck 🤣 I’m worried the peach will be too close to my skin tone, but I guess I’ll find out when it arrives…

I just found this podcast and I love y'all so much. I look forward to when you get an audio setup with the mic off the desk. I am sensitive to audio things and the asmr is really rough. Cheers to u both. Keep on keepin' on!

I never want coffee when I have a cold, either, although I only put a small amount of half-and-half in it. Tea only! In fact, sometimes that's how I know I have a cold coming on-- if I don't want coffee, something is definitely wrong! 🤧

Red sweaters are for Christmas, in my opinion. Best, Marybeth

Love you guys

Regarding the cloud sweater: the description of this sweater describes it as having purposefully larger positive ease on the smaller sizes and gradually less positive ease as the sizes go up.

Jodi, Morthunder has some beautiful worsted weight sweater designs using colorwork. I plan on making one.

Oh my goodness! So WOKE! Right down to knitting patterns? 🙄 If you want more ease you should figure it out!

For the Christmas sweater Traci, the one knitting for olive put out I think this year.

Tracie- just had covid for the first time. + Sunday a week ago and haven't touched coffee or soda since. And I've been eating all things soup (typically not a soup eater.

Happy Anniversary! 🎉🧶

The "listen Lynda" is hilarious, keeps making me pay attention.

Hi Tracie and Jodi. I had my son almost 2 weeks ago at 35+5 weeks. He's still in the nicu. Please pray for him

Happy New Year Ladies!! Im currently knitting socks on a plane with the uneek rainbow color that Jodi has. so far so good.

Speaking of the Golden Globes, you have to see "Anatomy of a Fall" for the amazing sweaters. It's billed as a whodunnit but really it's a knitwear movie.

I have read many of these “intelligent” comments which I think are quite judgmental towards the two of you , but can’t take them seriously while laughing at all of the misspelled words !!! I can’t even…😂

Would be amazing to have Joji on with you to explain this dilemma. I agree all sizes should be included. And should look like the pattern pic s far as ease. There is something here we are not understanding. To have a designer explain would be amazing.

I really think and hope you bring some Frankie Grey Fibres to Canmore 🤞🏼

I thought you were on Thursdays. Just jumped on to catch the live. Missed it by a day. Lol

I get discouraged with patterns and have bought many that I can't use. I have a 54 1/2 bust but am not that large elsewhere. Patterns I have to knit are usually 4/5 xl and are boxy. I would love to knit a pretty sweater that doesn't look too small because of ease or is a box.

Love a red sweater and blue jeans year round! ❤ 👖 👍

I’m the same way with coffee when I’m sick I don’t want coffee,but I’ll drink tea. Also when I was pregnant I couldn’t drink coffee and I normally love all things coffee. Ice cream, candy etc

Lucky to be so close to the mountains

I apologize if you see this twice...I was typing away and then it disappeared! :) I was saying Tracie, I totally agree with you re the tessellated vest. I got to the shoulders and ripped it all out! I love the pattern, how it looks on everyone... not on me :/ I looked liked I was dressed as a 12yo in an old lady body! lol! What about the Alder sweater by Rebecca Clow? My yarn combo was so good too... oh well. Also, my husband's birthday was 1/1 and we cooked a steak too... the exact same way too! How funny! And would it be creepy to say carrot cake is his favorite! Last thing, I live in Phoenix.. Ahwatukee area. Is your mom a knitter? Not the biggest knitting community here... I am going on the AK cruise. Super excited! :) Jodi... your yarn is so beautiful. Love them all!! You are really good at color combining!! :)