You are cracking me up! Thank you, thank you for your complete honesty regarding books, music, TV!! I just love that you are completely yourself. There is nothing wrong with you for not liking books that "everyone" seems to like. I am reading, The Stationary Shop and I am not enjoying it either! And lots of people love it. :). Thank you for your podcast and your honesty it's refreshing and wonderful. Your sock patterns are so inspiring, the colors that you use and the designs are so appealing. Looking forward to hearing more from you.
Oh my god - I love this. Grunge all the way - Soundgarden is my fave. Also not a Taylor Swift fan... it's good to know I'm not alone. I think everyone else on the planet loves her. lol
I am new to your podcasts. I love the tip on sizing. I will be making lots of socks this year as the family will all be getting a pair of socks. I ordered your book and I am looking forward to receiving it on Monday. ❤
It’s not a book….. but the documentary on Netflix called “my octopus teacher” is a must watch! I’m currently making your hibernal dk socks in fingering/mohair blend while catching up on your podcasts. You’ve inspired/enabled me to start sock knitting again after many many years. Woohoo
I am LOVING your podcast! Thank you for talking about how to know what size sock to knit. I just finished my first fingering weight sock (as I was watching you talk about this!) and it is a little snug. Now I know exactly what to do next to figure out my best way forward. I had preordered your new book and it came in the mail yesterday! Congratulations on a beautiful book that is going to be my sock bible ;) Also, I knit a cardigan out of Lettlopi yarn years ago, not knowing anything about yarn qualities. And I live in Alabama!
I’m over here laughing over your poor lopi sweater- I live way up in northern MN and today… may 14th… I’m wearing a huge chunky sweater made with Air Drops because it’s like 50 degrees. But in the winter I LOVE lopi
I knitted a fair isle sweater out of DK (I think) about 20 years ago and have only been able to wear it once or twice a year so I know exactly how you feel about your beautiful yoked sweater. Too bad I didn't realize how warm it would be and totally unsuitable for my area (Pacific Northwest) except for the occasional winter snow. Live, knit and learn.
I know this is from a few months ago, but I also don’t tend to enjoy popular/bestseller books. It’s ok to have different tastes. Found your podcast looking up colourwork sock stuff and I love the rest of your videos too
I don't know if someone else suggested this already or not, but Let Lopi socks? Feet are far less sensitive to itch, and maybe this would make amazing warm slippers. (Send them to friends in the north - I'm in Texas. I get what you're saying about BBQ at Thanksgiving!) Loved this.
Oh my gosh, I was so excited when you held up H Is for Hawk! I loved that book so much, and I don’t know anyone else who has actually read it. She writes so beautifully and with so much emotion. It was just amazing. Love the hat pattern, too! And yes, I hear you about your 40s and fitness. Heart-healthy low-sodium diet, lots of Barre3 and nature walks, good sleep hygiene, very limited alcohol, only one cup of full-throttle coffee per day. Who am I?!? 25-year-old me wouldn’t recognize me? I sleep like a log, though, and can still sit criss-cross-applesauce on the floor happily and carry heavy antique furniture up the stairs, so I’m calling it a victory. Also, just being alive is a victory in a way!
If you love books about animals "West with Giraffes" by Lynda Rutledge. A novel inspired by the incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of Depression-era America. They were delivered by boat in N.Y. driven to San Diego, CA.
Maybe you are not dumbed down Summer!! Too many people just read fluff and think the world is great and a big marshmallow. H is for Hawk is an amazing book!!! All of Helen Humphries books are wonderful, lots to think about.
Ordered your book online a couple of days ago and I can’t wait to receive it. Also I just counted my sts per inch and I’m at 10 and that’s when I’m relaxed 😂. I once broke a needle my tension was that bad 🤣. I love music too, all types including TS (flew to London from Ireland to see her with my three kids and she was incredible) two days later I was at Rammstein in Dublin 😂.
Hi Summer, I’m really loving your podcast and the authenticity and sense of humor you bring to it! Question - is the white cabled cardigan you’re wearing here hand knit?
I love your podcast and am so excited to come to your book signing in Feb!! I have 5 skeins of that Icelandic wool (if I try to spell it I’ll butcher haha) that my MiL bought for me on her trip to Iceland. Every time we talk about knitting, she asks if I’ve made anything with it yet 😬 but 1) I live in texas, it’s too hot! And 2) even in the skein it’s already itchy to me! I have no idea what to make from it but I feel like I need to hurry up and use it lol. Maybe some fleece lined mittens or slipper socks so I can’t feel it??
I am loving your podcast - all my fav things - knitting and reading. Have you read Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt? It’s about relationships (people and octopus!). Sounds weird but it was delightful.
“Hello Beautiful” I didn’t finish it either. It was a huge disappointment for all the reasons you listed. Ann Napolitano’s first book “Dear Edward” my all time favorite book. So good.
I just rewatched the National Treasure movies too! Love some good mindless entertainment when I'm marathon knitting, especially gift knits before the holidays!
I really loved your podcast - so different from the many many other podcasts out there (I do enjoy a lot of them too). don't I think the Icelandic yarn is mant to be next to skin actually - they have something called "kambgarn" which is used for underwear - the Icelandic sweaters are mostly outerwear (and in many cases work wear). Also - when it is really cold outside, your skin is less sensitive - so you don't feel it as much if the yearn is scratchy (Iceland and Finland are not Scandinavian btw. just Nordic). Funny about the hawk - my son has a hawk, I will look up the book. To me falconering has a mystery about it - it feels like arabian or mongolian, different and exotic.
You are too funny! Love your honesty and energy. Can't wait for your book. Good luck getting to wear your sweater this week. I look forward to your next pod.
Hi Summer, I‘ve been á fan of you and your BEAUTIFUL coloful Socks for several years! And now there Isa Podcast from you, that makes me happy! I can also improve my English, how great! I'm German and sometimes live on La Palma, where you don't really need socks, but there are cold evenings too...❤️💙💚🧡💛
Good job getting on the stool without disaster! You did better than I would have. So the Hibernal is not true cable stitches? I do not get on well with cables lol. I don’t want to read hello beautiful, I read some reviews and then took it off my TBR list 😂 You’re not the problem, not everyone will love the same things. Probably a lot of people read those books and say they liked them and just are afraid to be honest.
That yarn makes for great outerwear in your climate - in the winter . I live in New Jersey and we have a similar climate to Oklahoma. I hate most winter coats - so this would be the ideal cardigan for me
Thanks for the fun, opinionated (in a good way) podcast. I also disliked Tom Lake (but I loved Bel Canto and State of Wonder by Ann Patchett) and really liked H is for Hawk. I've got two human-animal novels for you: Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt (another octopus story) and Horse by Geraldine Brooks.
I really enjoy your podcast. You are like a breath of fresh air. Just LOVE the Hibernal hat. Purchased and now just have to decide which yarn. Thank you for giving such great options in the pattern! I look forward to next week's episode❤
I knit the Seachange by Jen Steingass in Lettlopi and I purposely made it oversized to be my "coat". I live in Tennessee and I only wear it when the weather gets to 30 degrees or lower. So maybe once or twice a year So I get the not being able to wear lettlopi.
I love your podcast! Your sock tutorials and basic sock pattern taught me how to knit socks, and now I’m obsessed. Thank you! I also read a ton- audiobooks while knitting or commuting to work. Just a book recommendation, because I also love books where people connect with animals (I also find that I often dislike books that everyone else loves- often because I cannot connect to the characters). October, October was one of the best books I read last year. I might read it every year!
You're making me laugh out loud. I remember trying to like the book Untamed by Glennon Doyle and I just loathed it. You've got to do you, boo. Pre-ordered your book. So happy for you!!
A kindred spirit here in Southern Ontario where the temperatures are about to plunge. Your lopi experience is familiar. I was also that person running screaming. I now believe a tolerance to the itch factor can be built over time. Maybe skin is de-sensitizing? Or the fibres relaxing and ‘laying down’ with wear? I can do it now, I can hardly believe it. Or I’m just too old to feel anything, lol. So don’t give up on that sweater! Or maybe I could break it in for you 😉
Love your vlog/podcast! Ok I think you need to write a fictional RomCom knitting book with you as main character! How fun would that be! Thanks. OH! You are my fav sock designer! I finally got into socks last year and plan to make many more. 🧶🤍✨
I think one of my favorite books that was recommended by Victoria Magazine decades ago called, The Parrot Who Owns Me....wonderful story. I am excited about your sock book and how you love knitting socks. Sorry about the Lett lope yarn. Knowing it is from Iceland has me hesitating because I know it would be warm. Please keep being honest and yourself. To tell you the truth everyone loves the Ranunculus sweater pattern and said it was so easy and I for one found it difficult and didn't like the fabric my knitting made with fingering yarn and size 10 needles. Totally off topic but anyway.... looking forward to your podcasts, thank you.
I made a sweater with Lettlopi for my son who lives in Alaska. He wears it over a hoodie on all his outdoor adventures and just loves it. It looks good too. I chose it because it's so warm and hard wearing (durable) and could hold up to what I knew he'd put it through. (I just made him promise he wouldn't wear it while working on his truck ;). I agree it's a fun yarn to knit with.
Thank you for an other nice episode! 🤩I live in Norway, and love lettlopi and Alafosslopi yarn from Iceland. We have cold days, and this yarn is the best to regulate the temperature. I totale see your itcing problem. My kids hate the yarn 😅 I love to knit socks and really liked what you said about gage up and down in sizes. Is this different with lace patterns? For mee (tight knitter)... lace is always very loose, and the socks often get too big 🤔
It's so interesting to hear you talk about sock sizing! If you size up because of having a tight gauge, does that mean that you write your patterns for a looser gauge then your personal gauge to be closer to what is average for a knitter?
So glad you are podcasting again! I love all your socks and have knit many, including the Hibernal. Definitely will be knitting that hat this wkd. Beautiful sweater, the colors are so pretty together.
Jen Steingass had a BOGO pattern sale recently and I bought two more pattern sets. That pattern is one that I bought. I have tons on Icelandic yarn when there, and have so many great sweaters and socks from that trip and still have more to knit through. Of course I live in the GREAT state of Minnesota where these items are so useful.
I was like you - couldn’t do audiobooks to save my life! I had to train myself to listen to them, and it took…like a year? I started with memoirs, mostly comedy memoirs, narrated by the author - Tina Fey, Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, because it felt a lot like being at a comedy show, and not so much like being read to, if that makes sense. Then once it felt comfortable, I moved on to books I had already read (and loved) - the Martian, Jane Austen, Little Women. After that I’ve been much better equipped to do audiobooks while knitting/cross stitching, cleaning etc. I worked out how much focus it needed and that went a long way towards me being able to use it as a way to consume books. In case you (or anyone else) wanted to make another attempt, from a visual learner!
love your podcast and all your knits. thankyou for the book recommendations! i love the animal type books too and have a recommendation for you, Running With Sherman by Christopher McDougall.. it is *so* good.. I wanted to get a donkey afterwards! 🥹😂💖💖💖
I love your work and I'm so happy you decided to film podcasts ! You talked about your spotify playlist do you have the link somewhere ? Always looking for more music to listen to (pardon my english I'm French)
Oh my gosh this was just so good! Seriously. I’m so glad you’re doing this! 🙂 Any new home renovations on the horizon? I’m in love with your home and am always so happy when you share it with us. (p.s. National Treasure is my favorite movie. It’s the BEST!)
I have a daughter your age, so I was a teenager in the 70’s. I like a wide variety of music, but usually listen to instrumental music because otherwise I get lyrics stuck in my head! I absolutely detest big band music, though. I’ve been knitting socks for a couple of years, using the No Fear RU-vid course from Denise of Earth Tones Girl, and I’ve preordered your book for further inspiration! It took me a few pairs to find my preferred fit, so if you’re new to sock knitting, give it some trial and error time! And I adore knitting sweaters too.
Hi Summer. I really enjoyed this week's podcast. So many things you said resonate with me! I was a teenager in the 90's and loved grunge music, but I'm in the UK, so it was probably slightly different. I share an irrational hatred of Phil Collins music. Poor chap, he's probably a lovely man! I have an equal hatred of Simply Red. I love nature writing and have yet to read H is for Hawk. I can recommend John Lewis-Stempel's books, especially Meadowland. Your comment about the check engine light will stay with me for a long time! I am attending a beginners sock knitting workshop next month and am really hoping I love it as I want to knit pretty much all your socks. Best wishes, Laura
Oh thank God!!! Someone else who did not like "Hello Beautiful" and is willing to say so. I agree with everything you said about it. BTW, really enjoying your podcast. 😊
So glad you’re back!!❤ I’ve been knitting & crocheting for years, and a couple of years ago I decided to try learning how to knit socks. I found your RU-vid videos and they helped me so much. I was disappointed that you stopped them, but I have been keeping up with you on Instagram. I watched your 1st Okay Knit video last week and anxiously for this next one & I’m loving them! Like you, I am mostly a visual learner, but you also verbally explain knitting very well. (I’ve got your book on Preorder through Amazon) I love that you express your opinions & glad to hear that you aren’t afraid to not “go with the flow” just because something is popular (the book example). Most of my favorite movies, books, etc., aren’t on anyone’s top 10 list. Stay true to yourself.🥰
I'm such a mixed bag! Some books that everyone loves, I love too, and others, I don't love at all and am left wondering what I missed 😂 Glad to know I'm not the only one! And so happy to be back podcasting again!
This was a great episode. I completely are about the music of the 90s and Swift, haha! It does feel daunting seeing all the FOs on Instagram of others so it's good when someone else sees that too. Beautiful patterns. All the best! - Kimberly
That was so gracefully done, standing on a swivel seat! Love the hat, but I love knitting socks much more. I just ordered your book from Amazon, can’t wait for it to get here. Love your channel! ❤
I love your podcasts and your energy! I have always admired your socks and have preordered your book. I can't wait for it to arrive. I just finished my Telja a couple weeks ago. I love it and all of Jen Steingass' patterns. I agree with you about books recommendations. I have tried many books recommended by celebrity book clubs and could not finish them. As a bird watcher, I am looking forward to H is for Hawk. Thanks for the recommendation.
Your podcast is one of my new favorites. I also was a teenager in the 90’s and grunge was and still is my favorite. Music I absolutely hate is anything by Bruce Springsteen or Rush 😂.
Totally with you on Rush!! What is that about?! I don't get how that band is so popular!! I used to hate Bruce Springsteen too, BUT, not long ago I listened to Nebraska start to finish and I was blown away! So much so that I bought it on vinyl. And now I'm wondering if maybe my Springsteen hatred was unfair 😂
Hi Summer, I’m so happy you decided to do a podcast, you are so good at it, a complete natural and so fun to listen to. My nephew is a falconer in Ireland so I’m going to recommend H is for Hawk to him, I know it will be his jam. I love knitting socks, it’s my obsession, I always have socks going, I call it my therapy. I’ve knit so many of your patterns. I’d love to test knit for you, how do I do that? You’re so talented with the designs, I want to knit your slouch socks next, I just ❤
I highly recommend checking out the What Should I Read Next podcast by Anne Bogel to get a better grip on what YOU like reading, regardless of what everyone else likes! I loved Hello Beautiful because I love complicated family dramas with flawed characters, but I can definitely see how it's not the best book for everyone. Love your patterns and your new podcast and I'm looking forward to your book that I pre-ordered!!
I preordered your book and am very excited to work through your patterns. I knit my first pair Nov 2022 and have knit over 20 pair since, all vanilla. Ready to start doing more exciting socks.
I’m Really Enjoying your episodes, you have a great personality for podcasting. Loved your spill on the Lettlopi yarn, our climate her in Australia is similar to yours, I can’t wear any thick or itchy knitted wool garments. ❤
I’m so happy you started your podcast again. I can totally relate to you. I’m an introvert that worked as a regional sales manager for 20 years. I’m not working at the moment, and am honestly trying to figure out what I want to do. I grew up in NJ but have lived in Dallas since 2004. I started knitting 8 years ago-with socks of all things! I’ve knit several of your patterns and love all the options you include. I preordered your book and can’t wait to get it. I feel like I just sent you a resume-sorry I can ramble. Stay warm this weekend!
That's kind of exciting (though I'm sure a little scary) being in a place where you're working out what to do next! I envy you living in such close proximity to the McKinney Knittery!
Summer, you are so dang cute and make me laugh out loud. Don’t give the book you put in the DNF pile a 2nd thought! There are so many books out there just like knitting projects. The Libby app (ebook borrowing app thru the library) has helped my immensely with stopping a book if l’m not enjoying it. I just return it early and borrow another book on my DBR list. I’m reading Demon Copperhead; boy is it long! A bit slow but has gathered steam so l will finish it.
Great episode - I laughed because I’m wearing that same cardigan from LL Bean 😂 loved knitting my Hibernal socks so I’m looking forward to shopping my stash for the hat! Also - have you read “The Sound of a Wild Snail Eating”? It’s a beautifully written nonfiction human/animal account that I loved - happy reading and knitting! ❤
I think a lot of popular books are pumped by "bandwagon" where people don't want to seem like they're out of the loop. Good for you saying you DNFd it. You should leave a review at GR so others know and why. Enjoyed watching!
Another of your so fun to watch podcast! The RU-vid knitting podcast community is getting a fantastic addition with you!(English is not my 1st language, hope I'm clear) I'm with you as far as Swift and Collins are concerned, even though I love pop music..but not from them😊 now about Lettlopi...I'm knitting my 5th Lopi sweater, all gifts to my sons and wives. So far only one of my sons is concerned about the itchiness, but with a long sleeve t-shirt, he's Ok as far as the weather is quite cold...but we live in Québec, Canada, we get very cold weather. When you're hot, your skin pores open and I think you then get more sensitive to itchy wool. Finally, should we knit our socks like 1/2 an inch smaller than the length of our feet? Does a looser fit make the sock to wear more or is it the contrary? Thanks!
Love your podcast! Love your explanation of how you get "car sick" while trying to read and knit at the same time. So funny! Question for an upcoming podcast: How do you wash your socks? By hand or in the washing machine?
Hi Summer! Your videos are so fun! I get the itchy yarn problem - I've become even less tolerant as I've gotten older. Would love to use mohair and rustic yarns, but realize I've got to stick with merino now, or find some other soft to me yarns. Looking forward to your book!
I knit a lettlopi sweater a couple of years ago. I also never wear it because it's too warm. We moved from Virginia to Pennsylvania last February, so I'm hoping I can wear it more here.
I just received Hello, Beautiful in the mail today. I surely hope I like it…I will let you know. I love your hat pattern…I need to check my revelry library to see if I own that sock pattern. I have so many of yours. I love your sweater, but have heard that Let Lopi is hard to wear. So I steer clear of it. But your sweater is beautiful. I hope you get to wear it this week. Thanks for the sock info….i can’t wait to get your new book!!
Love your videos! Don’t beat yourself up over Hello Beautiful. I enjoyed it but it certainly wasn’t the most exciting book I have ever read. And yes, as others are mentioning, Remarkably Bright Creatures is a lovely read!
You are very funny. There is nothing wrong with you 😁 Everyone does NOT have to like what is popular and trending. I tend to be that way with movies and television shows (not liking the really popular blockbusters). H is For Hawk is WONDERFUL (I think, my opinion) and I am so glad you are enjoying it. It made me want to get a hawk and learn falconry... craziness. But I do have sightings of red shouldered haws from time to time and that is pretty cool. Sock or yarn request: could you do more yarn reviews or demonstrations of the yarns you either use or have used (and perhaps do not like anymore and why)? I really enjoy your channel and your spirit. I just cast on a sock while watching. Good times!!!
You are just too funny! Made socks in 2000’s (Regia mostly, DPs). In 2021 (-ish) decided to jump back into socks. WHOA!!, sock yarn is soooo different! Splurged on 9” circs (Love them!!!). Learned to get used to 10-11 sts/inch on US#0 using 463yd/100g, 80 sts for my 8.5” circumference foot. I now use light fingering doubled for socks, or make hats, shawls. Found some Kroy sock yarn deep in stash, larger needles (US#1.5), much easier/faster! (9-10sts/inch) My sweet spot is fingering to a “heavy” fingering / sport weight. Always been a tight knitter & a tighter gauge for socks = longer wear. Love changing up toe decreases, finally found best flap length for high instep. In future, try toe-up, Fleegle heel. Unless I add (modify) heel st count, short row or afterthought heels are a maybe/maybe not. Flap/gusset are second nature, so finding a fun pattern is the best. Made Broken Rope socks, Gym Stripe addition were so much fun! Very stretchy, very meditative! Thicksgiving patterns are great for scraps! Thanks for an enjoyable time!
I enjoyed and learned so much from this podcast. I have your book on order. It took me a couple years to get a decent fitting sock but now it’s fun. I love trying new sock stuff.
What a boring world it would be if we all liked the same things, right? ! My bff is a Phil Collins fan, I am not. I like some Ariana Grande songs and think she’s extremely talented, but don’t care for pop music in general. I’m a child of the 60’s and 70’s and lean toward alternative and have seen more concerts over the years than I can even remember now - I love live music. And sock knitting ! I’ve knit ten pairs, given a couple away, and always have a pair on my needles but consider myself a beginner. I just pre-ordered your book and have a few of your beautiful patterns - thank you!!
The colors in that sweater are stunning! I have to laugh as recently I also have not been able to get into everyone’s favorite books. Oh well. There are enough books out there for all of us to enjoy. I am thankful that I have gotten to a place in my life where I do not feel that I “HAVE” to finish every book I start. You are the second person that have recommended the octopus book. Will check it out. Re: sock sizing. I am a very loose knitter and generally knit a small. However if there is a cable in the sock or even a mock cable such as the Hibernals ( which I am currently knitting) I go up a size. And conversely , for me, lace socks tend to be looser so I will downsize. Just thought this might be helpful to a newish sock knitter. 😃sorry for such a long comment but I am sooo relating to you in so many ways here. NOT a swiftie either and love MAFS. Can’t do audio books either.
The Soul of an Octopus was extraordinary! (to me anyways 😂) And yes - those are super helpful tips! Lace and cables definitely add another layer to the sizing conundrum!
Lovely podcast, have always enjoyed your patterns and am enjoying seeing the designer behind the patterns! Two questions, whenever you can get to them” 1. How do you wash your socks after wearing? Do you sort by colour groups? Hand wash? Throw in the washing machine (if so wool wash cycle)? I have found that some of my multi-coloured, self-striping socks have bled (due to the hardness of my water) have bled and the lighter colours aren’t as vibrant due to the darker colours muting them. Curious to know how you manage this! 2. I am also a tight knitter, how do you avoid getting any repetitive injuries, especially when knitting for longer periods in a day? Any stretches or do you generally gravitate to 9” circulars vs dpns vs magic loop? Thanks for your time in creating these episodes and am excited for you book’s release!
Hi Summer, your Instagram account is probably my favorite, you are so engaging and fun. I don’t even knit socks anymore, my feet are quite wide and my shoes don’t fit with hand knit socks, it’s sad. I also didn’t finish Hello Beautiful either. I got maybe a third of the way through and I just found it so depressing and the characters frustrated so much that it was affecting my mood. I did like Tom Lake but I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by Meryl Streep. I do wonder if I would have liked it as much if I had read the book. I am off to buy your hat pattern because hats are my socks.
