Uploaded March 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Questions answered 3/20/26 - Episode 256
Welcome to I’ll Knit (& Spin!) If I want To! I asked y’all to send in some of your questions (from everything from fiber arts, to designing and on!) so I could put together a little video for y’all every Friday doing my best to answer your questions!
Sign up for my newsletter here: Sign up for the DRK Newsletter: eepurl.com/diPxsr
In this week’s episode we cover…
1. I am thinking about knitting a striped version of the So Faded sweater. I have 2 yarns I am thinking about using. One is 70% alpaca/30% silk and the other is 75% alpaca/25% nylon. I know that alpaca can grow a fair amount and is not always the best choice for a sweater, but I'm wondering if the other fibers will help mitigate that. What are your thoughts? Is this yarn an OK choice for a sweater or is this just a terrible idea? Thanks!
2. This week you talked about necklines stretching out and this being a concern when using superwash yarn. I've heard/read other places that superwash yarn isn't the best choice for sweaters. But, I have a ton of leftover sock yarn in 20-40g balls, most of which is one of a kind from club subscriptions and is very special that I'd love to turn into a sweater. Do you have any suggestions on how to pick a sock pattern for this yarn? I've also wondered if holding it double with a mohair or suri would be best.
3. Hi! I love your weekly podcast, listening and knitting is my favorite relaxing thing to do and I’ve learned so much from you since I restarted knitting 2 years ago. I know you have several other crafty things you enjoy besides knitting (sewing, baking, spinning). I really love painting, but took a break from it about a year and a half ago because we were moving houses, and really dove into knitting as my main craft. I’ve recently jumped back into artwork and I’m not knitting as much. While I’m really loving getting back into painting and drawing, I feel guilty because of my WIPs and the projects in my queue that are going to take longer. I’m a busy mom so my free time is limited. How do you manage your time between all the things you love to do without feeling guilty about letting some slide to the back burner?
4. I bought the pattern and yarn for Ooey Gooey Cowl. I’m a beginner/intermediate knitter and whilst reading the pattern/chart.. is the pattern stockinette stitch? Thank you in advance and hope this isn’t a silly question.
5. I’m interested in investing in a bobbin winder and weaving bobbins for my spinning, and have heard you talk about how much you love them. I’m curious though, when you’re plying from weaving bobbins do you tension them at all? Do they fit on a Lazy Kate, or do you use a different way to hold them as you’re plying?
And one of my handspun Jaunty Shawls
Ravelry: ravelry.com/patterns/library/jaunty-6
My Website: dreareneeknits.com/shop/jaunty
March 2 May Knitalong!
Sweater forum on Ravelry: ravelry.com/discuss/dreareneeknits/4397005
Shawl forum on Ravelry: ravelry.com/discuss/dreareneeknits/4397009
Hashtag for Instagram: #DRKM2MKAL26
Jaunty SAL with Daedalus: ravelry.com/discuss/dreareneeknits/topics/4386868
Jaunty-along intro video: youtu.be/JU1eu0G4Sl8
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A:
https://forms.gle/pKM9gF9SixkdQwmS7
Questions answered 3/20/26 - Episode 256
Welcome to I’ll Knit (& Spin!) If I want To! I asked y’all to send in some of your questions (from everything from fiber arts, to designing and on!) so I could put together a little video for y’all every Friday doing my best to answer your questions!
Sign up for my newsletter here: Sign up for the DRK Newsletter: eepurl.com/diPxsr
In this week’s episode we cover…
1. I am thinking about knitting a striped version of the So Faded sweater. I have 2 yarns I am thinking about using. One is 70% alpaca/30% silk and the other is 75% alpaca/25% nylon. I know that alpaca can grow a fair amount and is not always the best choice for a sweater, but I'm wondering if the other fibers will help mitigate that. What are your thoughts? Is this yarn an OK choice for a sweater or is this just a terrible idea? Thanks!
2. This week you talked about necklines stretching out and this being a concern when using superwash yarn. I've heard/read other places that superwash yarn isn't the best choice for sweaters. But, I have a ton of leftover sock yarn in 20-40g balls, most of which is one of a kind from club subscriptions and is very special that I'd love to turn into a sweater. Do you have any suggestions on how to pick a sock pattern for this yarn? I've also wondered if holding it double with a mohair or suri would be best.
3. Hi! I love your weekly podcast, listening and knitting is my favorite relaxing thing to do and I’ve learned so much from you since I restarted knitting 2 years ago. I know you have several other crafty things you enjoy besides knitting (sewing, baking, spinning). I really love painting, but took a break from it about a year and a half ago because we were moving houses, and really dove into knitting as my main craft. I’ve recently jumped back into artwork and I’m not knitting as much. While I’m really loving getting back into painting and drawing, I feel guilty because of my WIPs and the projects in my queue that are going to take longer. I’m a busy mom so my free time is limited. How do you manage your time between all the things you love to do without feeling guilty about letting some slide to the back burner?
4. I bought the pattern and yarn for Ooey Gooey Cowl. I’m a beginner/intermediate knitter and whilst reading the pattern/chart.. is the pattern stockinette stitch? Thank you in advance and hope this isn’t a silly question.
5. I’m interested in investing in a bobbin winder and weaving bobbins for my spinning, and have heard you talk about how much you love them. I’m curious though, when you’re plying from weaving bobbins do you tension them at all? Do they fit on a Lazy Kate, or do you use a different way to hold them as you’re plying?
And one of my handspun Jaunty Shawls
Ravelry: ravelry.com/patterns/library/jaunty-6
My Website: dreareneeknits.com/shop/jaunty
March 2 May Knitalong!
Sweater forum on Ravelry: ravelry.com/discuss/dreareneeknits/4397005
Shawl forum on Ravelry: ravelry.com/discuss/dreareneeknits/4397009
Hashtag for Instagram: #DRKM2MKAL26
Jaunty SAL with Daedalus: ravelry.com/discuss/dreareneeknits/topics/4386868
Jaunty-along intro video: youtu.be/JU1eu0G4Sl8
Ask a question for next week’s Q&A:
https://forms.gle/pKM9gF9SixkdQwmS7
