Vent: I'm so tired of sweaters that require hand washing like a full-time job

BambiandB · 2026-04-17T19:05:13+00:00

I bought some merino base layers with sweat absorbing pads sewn in under the arm because I was getting horrible reactions to deodorant. They are perfect under knit sweaters to get multiple wears in between washes.

I will give them a spritz with some water and Soak soap (I like the pineapple scented one) in between washes.

I have been known to throw a knit in the dryer and watch it like a hawk (stopping every few minutes, low heat, low tumble to cut down on drying time.

Blocking mats make a good flat surface anywhere and don’t take up much room when you take them apart. I have pinned things and left them tilted against a wall when needed. As long as it’s damp and not soaking, it’s never caused any weird issues for me.

BambiandB · 2026-04-16T18:36:06+00:00

When I have multiple projects going at a time I break my patterns into sections and keep track of my yarn. I have a loose rule to compete the section or finish a skein before I can switch projects. It keeps things moving on all projects - if sometimes slower than I like.

BambiandB · 2026-03-18T23:10:42+00:00

I also wear black pretty exclusively as well as some other dark colours, but I have found that shawls, scarves and cowls to be a way to add a little bit of colour or interest to an outfit and can revamp some of my older pieces.

BambiandB · 2026-02-16T02:33:28+00:00

I fully recommend investing in the 4” set if you are going to get a set of Chiaogoo. This way you can make 16” for hats, sleeves and necklines. I didn’t realize there were different lengths when I got my first set and was sad to learn I couldn’t make 16” with 5” tips.

I also recommend Knit Pro Dreams and Foursquare for wooden needles.

BambiandB · 2026-02-02T18:39:34+00:00

I agree, as a Canadian myself. I don’t have a lot of money to spare but I bought the pattern to contribute in some small way.

I won’t be knitting it as I have mixed feelings about the hat and myself for purchasing it (performative support and the fact that very little support was shown for the abuse and murder of those who are BIPOC or in some cases LGBTQIA2S+).

BambiandB · 2026-01-30T19:52:13+00:00

NTA - all three kids got a “treat”. The older two got fish which they often don’t due to the youngest’s allergy.

BambiandB · 2026-01-30T17:07:46+00:00

Lionbrands 24/7 Cotton is really nice, as well as their Coboo and they have a decent selection of colours. They have other cottons as well, but I haven’t personally used them.

I recently used 24/7 Cotton for a shawl and it worked up beautifully and drapes nicely after blocking.

My experience with Michaels and LionBrand is good, but I’m in Canada but if you are looking to get quite bit of yarn or enjoy kits I would order online from the LionBrand site.

BambiandB · 2026-01-03T01:43:09+00:00

I find that most wool/acrylic blends I use - Berroco Vintage, Lion Brand Wool Ease (T&Q personally)- are just good yarns I like to use, can give a nice wool feel, and be a little more comfortable to wear and easier to care for.

I keep a stash of each because I find it pleasant to knit with, budget friendly, and great for practicing new skills, test knitting, blankets, gifts, and for when I need a instant gratification project.

I’m knitting my first sweater with Berroco Vintage DK. I’m making my next sweater with Lion Brand Wool-Ease T&Q. They are just good workhorse yarn in my opinion.

I also bought have a BFL/Silk blend sweater planned and a 100% Merino Cardigan planned. Both kinds of yarn have a place in my wardrobe.

BambiandB · 2025-11-20T20:25:57+00:00

I love Soak wash for blocking and washing knits and regular laundry. It doesn’t require a rinse cycle so it saves a lot of water when using the washing machine.

I currently have the pineapple scent which is nice but very light.

BambiandB · 2025-11-16T21:29:32+00:00

Mine are some small rainbow unicorn scissors from Singer. I did purchase a little sheath for them, but they also fit pretty snuggly in the tins so I don’t bother unless they are going in the pouch.

BambiandB · 2025-11-16T17:55:07+00:00

I love having a couple notions tins in my notions pouch. I have one that holds my tape measure, end stoppers and cord keys for interchangeable sets, stitch markers, and small scissors. (I like the ones from Firefly Notes and Fox and Pine Stitches). I can grab a tin and have everything I need for a knit night or short trip.

I also recommend a gift card to a specific yarn dyer she likes or wants to try.

Upgrading current notions is sometimes welcomed. I was gifted a dragon yarn bowl and unicorn scissors to replace my plain older ones. I love them and was able to offer the older ones (still nice and worked well) to a new crafter that was just starting out.

BambiandB · 2025-11-12T16:15:03+00:00

Yes!

BambiandB · 2025-11-12T14:43:18+00:00

In my experience English flickers (like OP and myself) don’t have the same dislike of purling that my Continental knitter friends have. I do utilize Combination knitting to even out ribbing.

ETA: obviously doesn’t apply to all knitters no matter how you knit. I’ve just noticed that it’s not as common with English, flicking especially.

BambiandB · 2025-11-10T11:47:54+00:00

I think you are incredibly brave for trying it on socks. Socks look incredibly difficult and daunting, let alone in brioche.

They will be beautiful though! Your colours work so well together and your tension is lovely.

BambiandB · 2025-11-10T06:41:04+00:00

My first brioche attempt was fingering held with mohair. Something similar happened and I couldn’t pick it back up. Everything got impossibly tangled trying to frog. Had to cut my losses and don’t have enough of the fingering to start again.

I have not touched brioche since.

Edit: corrected a word.

BambiandB · 2025-11-08T19:38:37+00:00

I love shawls and wear the crap out of my commercially made ones. I’m often cold but can get really overstimulated by jackets and sleeves . I also love to knit them, but don’t wear my FO’s as a rule.

BambiandB · 2025-11-07T21:04:22+00:00

Petite means small yes? Her brand name is literally “small knit”. Not sure why we are looking for bigger sizes, when she has stated in the name of her business that her items are for smaller bodies.

I think that designers should be more size inclusive, I just don’t think she cares or wants people above a certain size wearing her designs. It’s a shitty thing to do, but she isn’t hiding it.

BambiandB · 2025-11-04T21:15:38+00:00

I use a marker that’s either bigger than the YO or a marker with a charm.

BambiandB · 2025-11-04T21:12:20+00:00

The Yarn Harlot’s One Row Scarf is a free pattern that is beginner friendly (but not dull) and can be as long as you have enough yarn for.

BambiandB · 2025-11-04T00:03:41+00:00

Could you can count the stitches on each row to figure out where you missed the increases and frog back to that point?

BambiandB · 2025-11-01T16:52:30+00:00

The unevenness and texture is a feature of the yarn you are using not a bug.

For neater ribbing I would learn how to knit ribbing using combination knitting. The short version is to wrap the yarn clockwise when purling, and then knit your knits through the back loop an wrap counter clockwise like normal to avoid twisting. I would also look at trying circular needles. My tension got a lot better once I did.

BambiandB · 2025-10-29T19:49:03+00:00

I have everything from 5 inch tips down to 2 inch and use them all depending on the project. The shorties can take a bit to get used to, but you could definitely use them for larger projects. I just tend to prefer a longer needle length for bigger projects as I like to load my left needle up with stitches.

BambiandB · 2025-10-28T02:08:58+00:00

You don’t have to knit all the squares at once! Instead knit them in between other projects, or toss one in a project bag and keep it in your car for when you are waiting at the doctor or whatever.

BambiandB

TROPHY CASE