Thanks for your lovely podcast! Regarding the zip, I would not sew it in before the garment had a proper bath. If the fabric relaxes in the water you would get puckering around the zip.
Hi Lizzie!! I've been a subscriber of your podcast for awhile myself, so when my name popped up I was super excited :) Thank you so much for recommending me! Always love to pop in and see what you're creating x
On the one hand for sure it's lovely if there are some suggestions in a pattern to be able to choose which size bust/arm to knit separately, it is also the beauty of knitting that I as a plus size person can alter a size inclusive pattern in small ways (arm size or bust size, waist shaping etc for instance) to get my perfect fit. I don't expect a pattern to include every one of those things. I do expect a pattern to be graded to my size as well as a "straight" size person. I think that by making your pattern(s) inclusive you are doing a great service to everyone to make knitting and clothing available to them the same way as others. I don;t mind size 1, 2,3,--- 7, 8, 9... personally i think of them the same as A, B, C and so on, and for me personally they have no connotations. As a former healthcare worker I totally get the 'no one died' mentally, I am well acquainted with it and in reality I do find that while other may find it morbid, boy it sure puts problems and stress in perspective.
I’m a huge lurker and have been binging your podcast for the last couple of weeks. Im coming out of the shadows just to say that I’ve been loving your podcast and my favourite emoji is probably 💕
Sorry me again 🤣 I found it so interesting when you talked about the grading and sizes! I totally get how difficult it must be as every body is different but you (and probably any designer out there) would like to make the design well fitting for everyone. What of course is impossible 😊 what I love about patterns (knitting and sewing) is when there are tips or instructions on how to adapt the pattern to your needs, e.g. optional waist shaping instructions. The other point I loved was when you talked about how torn you were between your creative brain power and the scientific. It resonated so much with me! I was very creative as a child but during school I discovered my love for science and scientific working. I went to uni.and became a pharmastist, so looots of science and learning, no brainpower left for creativity. I was so burnt out after a few years in the job. Then I discovered sewing and it saved me. It was so rewarding to see a garment come together. At the beginning of this year I finally started knitting and it became my second love, it gives me so much joy and helps me with my exhausting every day life (I'm a mom of two staying at home which is also a very nervewrecking job if I'm honest and my creative hobbies really maintain my mental health! I live my children but being a parent can be so hard) Sorry for the rambling!!! I enjoy your vlog so much and as you can see it brings out my feelings... thank you if you read the whole thing 💕💕💕💕
Hi Kathi - haha don't apologise! I love hearing from everyone on here.Yes, it's an impossible task really but you want to be as inclusive as possible. I actually didn't think about adding options until we discussed it in knit group but now it seems so obvious! Maybe I'll be able to make a second one with fit alterations and then amend the pattern in future. Please don't apologise, I love a ramble. Crafting is such a plus for all kinds of mental health struggles but I too have personally found it a help for burnout. Do you still do any work in the pharmacy world?
@@HiveKnitsNatters hi Lizzy! No I'm not working at the moment. Being an employed pharmacist in Germany is very frustrating, so maybe I'll continue when my boys are a little bit older and more independent 😊
It sounds as if you have a bit of anxiety about putting the zip in. I would recommend putting it in now and then you will have a boost of confidence and can relax and enjoy the rest of the make. Love the color!
Hi Janie - thank you for watching! I think you're right, however I've seen quite a few comments now saying it might be best to block first so I know what kind of fabric I'm dealing with when sewing which is something I hadn't even considered...so I think I'm going to wait. Take care 🤍🐝
Congratulations on the first sweater! I loved following along the process. I haven't made the zipper sweater myself, but I try to make it a habit to do as many of the finishings of my projects along the way. If I don't the almost finished project might end up in some corner because I can't be bothered.
Hi Ruth - thank you so much! I think aesthetically it would be satisfying to get the zip in and make it look more 'finished'...but so many people on here have made the good point that if I don't block it before sewing the zip in, it might not fit properly when blocked, so I'm taking the advice I think! Take care
Hi Lizzie, I’m watching your podcast for the first time today and just wanted to say how enjoyable I’m finding it. You have such a lovely relaxed style 😊 Love your makes and I agree that the colour of the yarn you chose for the zipper sweater you’re making is gorgeous - I would definitely want to keep that one too! Thanks for a lovely podcast. I’ll be looking out for the next episode 😊
Hi Catherine - thank you so much for watching and taking the time to leave a comment. Haha, yes I've managed to become envious of my own sweater haha 🤍🐝
Love all the colours of the first sweater your testknitters chose! I imagine knitting it in a dark grey/charcoal and maybe in white? And petrol?? And navy?? 😅 can't wait!
The First Sweater is beautiful! I can’t wait to knit it! For the zipper on your brother’s sweater, I think you should definitely block it before you sew it on so that it’s at its finished length.
Hi Arlo, thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! Do you know pretty much everyone has said the same re: the blocking so I'm going to listen to the advice that's come through loud and clear!
It was a fascinating discussion about first-time designing. I'm considering dipping my toe in, but with crochet and blankets, so a lot of that probably won't be applicable, but getting an idea of the experience was quite lovely. 🎉👍
Hi Helen - thank you so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it, I was worried I’d rambled on a bit too much 😂 definitely give it a go! You’ll learn loads and there’s nothing to lose 🤍🐝
Hi Lizzie, I love watching your podcast! Congratulations on your first design and thank you for sharing some insights about the design process! The colour for your brothers jumper is really nice. If you want to insert the zipper before finishing the project I would recommend part blocking it first as you want to have it blocked before inserting the zipper. Otherwise the fabric might change and you end up with a wonky non-fitting zipper 😋 I guess you've been knitting Laura's headband? 😜
Hi Anastasia - thank you so much, I'm honoured you watch my podcast! I think you're right, it needs to be at least part-blocked before trying to sew. thank you for the tip! ...and yes, you're right haha my mystery test-knit was the School Run headband by lovely Laura
Ooh another knitting doctor!!! I am such a fan of Inga’s podcast too (Knitting Traditions) who is a doctor too. I was a medical doctor for 15 years but canceled my license 5 years ago. Knitting is my therapy and I just started a podcast too (What I Knit For Love). So nice to meet you. 🌸
I listened to your story and we have so many things in common. Worked in Psychiatry too, burned out, changed careers to Donor Medicine for 9 years and burned out again. I think it’s awesome that you recognized how important a creative outlet is. ❤️
Hi Willemijn - thank you for watching! Yes there are a few of us pottering around here on knitting RU-vid..! I'll be sure to check out your podcast. Burnout is real and it's so important we recognise it as such 🤍🐝
The first sweater is gorgeous and it moves me seeing you wear it, finally, with such joy and pride 🤩🤩🤩well done you!!! And thanks for sharing the struggles and challenges of the design process with us with such honesty. I suspect that your secret test knit might be Laura Penrose’s school run headband 🤔we will see if I am right or wrong 😜
Hi Daniela - thank you so much, what kind words. And you are right, lots of joy and pride flowing about over here. I'm glad you enjoyed the chat, it's so important to keep things transparent and share the ups and downs, I think. You're right! well done 🤍🐝
Thank you for a great and intresting episode🙂 Always love your natter, Lizzie🥰 And of course I stayed til the end🤩 Have a great weekend🧶☕ Love from Anne🇧🇻
Excellent conversations about grading. 👍 I've had a double mastectomy and have lymphoedema in one arm. My body size is upside down and that's just the way it is for me now. Body inclusivity has to have it's limits because there is just no way to incorporate everyone. I take it as my responsibility to educate myself and gain in my own experience to knit for my body shape. Such is life. A fisherman's rib sleeve for a lymphoedema arm is just perfect! Along with a stocking stitch body for a very low chest size is also genius... for me 😉 garment style a shape features in what suits a body shape - not everything suits everyone all the time. love what you're doing. 💕
Hi Michelle - thank you for watching and for taking the time to comment! I’m so sorry you’ve been left with lymphoedema, I can imagine it’s tricky when it comes to fit sometimes. But you’re right we can’t please everyone all the time. The more aware we are of our own preferences and body shape the better we can tailor our makes. Take care 🤍🐝
🦄 congrats on the pattern test! Your advice to always frog hits home since I mucked up a colourwork mitten gift knit and now I think I'll need to rip it out 😬😅 (can't remember if you said that this episode or the last one: been binging these while I work)
Hi Lizzie you should be so proud of your first sweater it looks amazing your brother Christmas knitting 🧶 is also looking great . Keep clicking I would prefer putting the zip in now then it’s a good job done. Take good care . Sandra
Hi Sandra! Thank you for watching again 🥰 I feel like you are an original friend of the podcast. Thank you for the love for The First Sweater. I am proud but it all seems a bit surreal still. Take care🤍🐝
Congratulations on a beautiful first design! Loved hearing about the behind the scenes of the process. P.S. for some reason I love the mind blown emoji haha it speaks to me 🤯🤯
Hi Cathy - thank you so much! I can't wait to be able to share it with everyone. Out of interest, what video tutorials would you be interested in...? 🤍🐝
Hi Lizzie, Thank you for being open about the design process and costs. I find it difficult to relate size numbers to actual size as there is no norm of what the range is. The other day I heard someone mention a pattern using a numbering system and then found out that the largest size was basically a XXL. Not sure 1 to 11 is a broader range or that this design requires adjustment more frequently when grading for the fit. For me I'd like to know if a pattern included sizes below 34 inch so that if a slightly thicker yarn is used or gauge is different you could go by that stitch count. Can save some math 😁. The men's sweater looks gorgeous already. Think you need to block it before putting the zipper in. Unless you know that row gauge will stay the same.
Thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! That’s interesting, I suppose you w would see the bust in cm/in that size number relates to in the pattern. This design is graded for 30in bust to 64in. Quite a few people have said block first and I think you’re probably right! Take care 🤍🐝
@@HiveKnitsNatters indeed. Bust circumference in CM or inches. In regular patterns and commercial clothing a bust measurement for a B cup is used with the shoulder width. So having a larger bust cup for my frame having to size up means the shoulder seem shifts and the garment fits less nice. I hope this makes sense 🙃 Knowing that you can combine instructions for different sizes per body part /section can be helpful.
I love ❤️ your podcast. I am also admitting your beautiful plants on your shelf. Do you have any tips on growing the money plant. I love 💗 your sweater btw
Thank you Molly! Oh the money plant is such a dream, although my largest one has just spontaneously died off this last week! luckily I have many cuttings....
Hi Lizzie, I watched your podcast in 2 or 3 sessions. Love your ideas on varying your jumper. Mohair great idea. Are you able to get closer to the camera with your samples as I was not able to see any difference in the mohair samples? How about a polo neck?
hi Jenny - thanks for watching and for taking the time to comment! I’m interested to see how you found my latest video with a different set up. A slightly different neckline is also on my mind….🐝🤍
🐑great podcast! Really interesting to hear about your process. I find knitting (and crochet, and sewing...) are really really good as a complement to medicine (F5 GP). It slows me down, makes me use a completely different part of my brain and centres me. Completely agree about the perfectionism too! I find I knit fiddly lacy stuff or stranded colourwork when things are going well in life in general, and basic stocking/garter stitch (or a sock!) when I'm more stressed out. Just found my lace sweater that's been on hold since the dreaded Covid came along and think I might give it another try! Do you find your project choice varies along with general mood?
Hi Jennie - thank you for watching and taking the time to comment! That's interesting you are also a medic! Are you in Australia...? I'm guessing due to you using the 'F5' terminology. Oh definitely agree with project choice and mood, sometimes you don't have the headspace for anything complicated. Although sometimes I do find following a more complex or demanding pattern can be good to take my mind off things, whereas the mind can wander a bit with stockinette.... interesting! take care 🤍🐝
🎉🎉 Here is my favourite emoji 😅 thanks for a lovely podcast, I wonder if it would be possible to set up your camera closer to you, or zoom in more as you feel very far away? I understand of course if this isn't possible or what you like. I did hear some accent changes 😀I'm the same when I'm around people with strong accents. I think it's human nature to fit in with the people around you 👍🏻
Thank you! I’m quite keen on the idea actually…would be quicker and the matching opportunities are 😍 I’m thinking maybe a merino or merino blend…to try and be a bit more hardwearing. 🤍🐝
Hi Deborah - I don’t think I can put a link in, but if you just search the # thefirstsweater in the Instagram search function you’ll be able to see all the pictures and you can follow too, then you’ll see them in your Instagram feed. Does that answer your question? Thank you for all the love! 🤍🐝
Regarding fit on various bodies, I think it’s so important to put a schematic in the pattern so people can customize a little bit of their body shape/proportions vary from “normal.” Fav emojis… 🧶 😺 🐴 (one of my daughters likes cat, the other horses, these remind me of them ❤️!)
Hi Emily - thank you for watching and taking the time to comment. You're right, a schematic is a good idea and I think seeing a photo of how the garment looks on a body as well; maybe even different body shapes if test knitters were amenable to their photos being put in the pattern. What do you think? Good emoji choices! 🤍🐝
Thank you for watching! Thanks for the feedback, I think this episode the camera work was generally not the best, partly due to the lighting. I’ll take that on board. Take care 🤍🐝
