The Best Method for Wrap & Turn in Stockinette Knitting by Phrancko 2026-09-21 | The Best Method for Wrap & Turn in Stockinette
So many Phrancko Sweaters at the same time! 10/04/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-10-05 | I have to admit I feel quite honored that so many in the group are currently working on their own Phrancko Sweater. Jenny started a new one while others are at various stages of their projects.Here's the page where. you can download the special Tutorial Swatch that Ron created to help people learn all the techniques required to know a Phrancko Sweater:thetwistedskein.com/phrancko-sweater-knit-alongThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
This design-enhanced Phrancko Sweater won 2nd Place! 09/27/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-09-29 | I was so pleased to hear that someone had entered a sweater in a county fair competition that was based on the Phrancko Sweater pattern, modified of course to make it her unique design. That's one of the great things about the Phrancko Sweater. It not only produces a simple plain sweater, but is often use as the foundation for a designer to modify it, like a blank canvas for painter. Here is Ron's original picture that shows the full sweater:ravelry.com/discuss/phrancko-sweater-knitters/4127272/251-275#2629 Here's the rounded toe pattern by Tanja Murray that Cindy used on her socks:ravelry.com/patterns/library/rounded-toe-2Valley Oak Wool & Fiber Mill was also discussedvalleyoakwoolmill.comAnd here's the video about it:youtu.be/Y-6mvb9hS74?si=FL_yK1Y2upnjvcTrThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. If you love to knit, do come join us to sit and chat and knit together for an hour. We meet every Saturday at 2:30 Pacific Time. The link is on the website Phrancko.com.You may also generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Dental elastics are good for what??? 09/20/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-09-25 | I'm sorry to say I uploaded the wrong video the first time. This really is the right one now...Debbie finished her husband's Phrancko Sweater. Isn't it beautiful!!!Among the many topics this week, we talked quite a bit about using dental elastics to mark your increases so to make them easier to find and to count, as recommended by Arenda Holladay, the president of TKGA and the editor of Cast On magazine. I even did a brief demonstration of exactly how to work the elastics, including a warning about how to remove them later. Cindy says you can get them on Amazon if you search for Orthodontic Elastics 1/4” medium.I'm sorry for the late upload. I've been very busy working out how to upgrade all the software driving the Phrancko.com website. I'm still deep in the weeds but making progress, so I hope I'll be done soon. This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Susans exciting trip to the Shetland Islands! 09/13/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-09-14 | Susan had a fabulous trip to the Shetland Islands which included an evening with Hazel Tindell and we were all excited to hear about it. And we talked about seeding a lawn and many other things as usual. And we also chatted about knitting, including how many stitches to pick up along the diagonal edge of a V-neck sweater when you start the ribbing. And Ron told us about judging the knitting/crochet competition at his county fair. Guess what! One entry was a Phrancko Sweater! That makes me so happy.This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Look at this perfectly fitting Phrancko Sweater knitted by Sung! 09/06/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-09-08 | In this weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater Knitters, the highlight for me was seeing the Phrancko Sweater that Sung knitted for her husband. He kindly modeled it for us and everyone can see how perfectly it fits him. Many people say that Phrancko Sweaters fit perfectly, but here you can see it really is true! You too can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com, fit to your specific measurements and using your own chosen yarn and needles.As always the discussion was both fun and informative. Here are links to some of the other patterns that were discussed or shown during the meeting:ravelry.com/patterns/library/field-sweaterravelry.com/patterns/library/field-cardigan-2ravelry.com/patterns/library/corbis-sweaterHere's the Llama Mia yarn available from Ron's LYS by mail order:thetwistedskein.com/product/jody-long-llama-mia/483?cp=true&sa=false&sbp=false&q=trueAnd here is the LYS mentioned by Sumner : The Wooly Thistle 12 Commerce Ave Suite 3 West Lebanon NH 03784
Sergios amazing design of his finished Phrancko Sweater 8/30/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-08-31 | Sergio has finished his first Phrancko Sweater. As you may know, the Phrancko Sweater pattern is for a plain Stockinette stitch sweater in one color of yarn. But it lends itself to be the base for designers to add their own ideas and Sergio has created an amazing design. He used intarsia to create a contrasting color square on the front and several on the back and he worked a Japanese cable design into the square on the front.To learn to work instarsia in the round, he watched my playlist on the subject:youtube.com/playlist?list=PL9TybNoczeMZyr4533z7NVa_XZOnC8IhP&si=BOtjGIOnK4lOYL4TThen he also found this article to help with tension on the vertical edges of the intarsia patches:yarnsub.com/articles/techniques/neater-intarsiaAs usual we also talked about many other things. Will showed us the sock he has patched a hole in and gave us this link to the video where he learned how to do that:youtu.be/CT8UkDbOCm4This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Weekly Phrancko Sweater Knitters meeting! 08/23/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-08-27 | Sorry for the delayed posting. It has been a busy week! I'll just get this out rather than try to think of something clever or informative to say here. This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
How much fun can a knitting group be? Come laugh with us! 08/16/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-08-17 | Our knitting group is alway fun and we laugh a lot. But this time we topped them all. Plus, I got some very helpful tips that changed how I fixed a problem much easier than I started to do. And we got Sumner over the most confusing part of the kangaroo pouch on my Plain and Simply Hoodie patter. The Plain and Simply Hoodie pattern is published in the Summer, 2023, issue of Cast On magazine. You can see a description of it here:ravelry.com/patterns/library/plain-and-simple-hoodieTo subscribe to Cast On magazine, go here:tkga.org/member-resources/cast-on-magazineOther patterns that were mentioned:Over Easy Socksravelry.com/patterns/library/over-easy-socksAvenue Teeravelry.com/patterns/library/avenue-teeMinipli Socksravelry.com/patterns/library/minipli-socksThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Where is knitting not permitted and where are needles not allowed? 08/09/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-08-11 | This week we had a long discussion about knitting during work meetings. Some are allowed and enjoy it and sometimes it just doesn't feel comfortable to do it there. That led to further discussion of where knitting needles are not permitted, perhaps in a courtroom and on some international flights. Which countries do not allow them to be in your carry-on bags? All of this was covered with many variations in today's meeting.Here's the pattern for the little girl's dress that Maggie is knitting:ravelry.com/patterns/library/moon-glade-dressHere's the yarn that Ali reviewed (and probably does not recommend) near the end of the video:ravelry.com/yarns/library/lang-yarns-ananasThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. My Internet started having some problem in the last few minutes of the hour but I don't think very much got missed. Sorry about that.You can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
A warm fun gathering of knitters 08/02/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-08-03 | This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. It is such a friendly group, as I am sure many other groups of knitters are. We just have a good time hanging out together, sharing our knitting tips, and, when necessary, supporting each other as we can. I did not mention it in the video, but before the recording began I informed the group that I came down with a, thankfully, mild case of Covid last week and still was not feeling my best. As a result I was able to take a backseat in the meeting and it flowed as smoothly as ever, thanks to various members stepping up to keep the discussion going. By the way, I'm feeling better every day now and just need to restore my energy and stamina.Here's the pattern mentioned in the meeting:ravelry.com/patterns/library/over-easy-socksWe also mentioned Hazel Tindel, a Shetland Islander, who has been known as "the world's fastest knitter" ever since she won an international speed contest years ago. Here is an early video showing her video technique:youtu.be/mA0nTh3dqGwAnd here's a podcast interviewing her, including her description of how she does it at 10:54:youtu.be/5kMgR66Cm_Q?si=-V3bBQuNZAxTMaqD&t=656I was very surprised to see that I hold it the same way she does, though I don't use a "knitting belt":youtu.be/RWbfchjmGDgYou can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
More info on the kangaroo pocket 07/26/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-07-28 | Last week Sumner and Ron discussed the kangaroo pocket of my Plain and Simple Hoodie pattern published in the Summer 2023 issue of Cast On magazine available to members at TKGA.org. They covered the top half of the pocket. But the pattern does something tricky to produce the bottom half of the pocket. Unlike some kangaroo pocket designs, this one has depth below the slanted openings. We spent some time looking at the pattern and discussing the complexities that make the pocket well integrated into the body.Of course that's not all we talked about. We got to see Jenny's gorgeous sweater she has just finished make for her husband. You can see here pictures here:ravelry.com/projects/crowtje/alans-cardiganAnd her is the sock pattern that Sumner is working on while taking a break from the hoodie:ravelry.com/patterns/library/finest-socksHere is the tutorial and pattern that Sung show us:ravelry.com/patterns/library/flak-workshop-tutorialThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Sergio starts his first Phrancko Sweater! 07/19/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-07-21 | Go, Sergio! We are excited you have made the plunge.Also, Sung gets a multitude of suggestions on how to design a Vincent van Gogh inspired sweater. Sumner gets help with his kangaroo pocket. And many other topics as usual in this lively discussion, mostly in my absence.Here's the book on short-row colorwork:https://a.co/d/2aPuloEAnd here is the pattern for Wally's shawl:ravelry.com/patterns/library/miss-grace-shawlThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Knitters having fun together! 07/12/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-07-12 | Welcome to another lively meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. We meet every week at 2:30 Pacific Time and we are open to all knitters, especially if you are interested in the custom-fit sweater patterns that you may generate at Phrancko.com.
Amigurumi books galore! 07/05 /25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-07-06 | These Phrancko Sweater knitters actually do have diverse interests beyond knitting perfect fitting Phrancko Sweaters. We create all kinds of things, both knitted and crocheted. Tim has led several of us into the world of amigurami, crocheted animals and other critters. In this meeting he shared some of his favorite books. Here are the links to them:Animal Friends of Pica Pauhttps://a.co/d/ish2gznAmigurimi Treasureshttps://a.co/d/gcVbzafAmigurumi Monstershttps://a.co/d/4INW3sQDinosaurs, Mammoths and morehttps://a.co/d/hcUP1zwThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Who likes to knit socks and who doesnt? 06/28/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-06-28 | I have no idea why this video is reduced in size. I didn't think I did anything differently. I just recorded the meeting as always. If anyone can comment and let me know, I would appreciate it so I can fix it for future meetings.Another lively discussion with lots of tips and laughs. At one point we compared notes and discovered people either love knitting socks or, let's say, "not so much."The pattern that Linda showed is here:ravelry.com/patterns/library/plain-yoke-tee-20This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Another day of laughs and knitting tips! 06/21/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-06-25 | Please excuse the delayed posting. I had to find time to edit this video and add a caption to correct an egregious error I made in discussing the yarn I was using. I said it was KnitPicks Cotlin, which is also a lovely yarn, but it was actually Universal Yarns' Bamboo Pop. That'll teach me to quote yarn labels from memory! LOLThis was our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters, full of laughter and knitting tips as always. If you're a knitter, you are welcome to join us on Saturday at 2:30pm Pacific Time. The link is available on the website Phrancko.com.Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Meet the owner of Anzula Luxury Fibers in todays Phrancko Meeting 06/14/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-06-16 | Kalliope Sabrina, the founder/owner of Anzula yarns, was visiting Ron in his LYS in Bakersfield, so we had a special introduction to her yarns. It is a difficult time for local yarn shops as well as hand-dyers like Anzula, so it is a good time to give them your support.This was followed by the usual spirited discussion of all kinds of things, including the final presentation of Cindy's beautiful, now-starched doily.The Anzula website:anzula.comRon's LYS:thetwistedskein.comthreadbeardyeworks.comThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Nick finished his Phrancko Sweater! 06/07/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-06-08 | Look how perfectly it fits! The pattern, being set-in sleeve architecture, eliminates all that extra fabric under the arms that many other constructions have. And because he was able to enter the gauge from his very own swatch and his exact measurements along with the ease that he wanted, he produced this lovely garment. Congratulations, Nick!This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters that meets every Saturday at 2:30 Pacific time. The link is on the website Phrancko.com where you too may generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern for your own sweater that fits perfectly.
Cats, tomatoes, eggs, handmade soap, an owl, and knitting too! 05/31/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-06-01 | I was unable to attend the meeting this week so Ron recorded the meeting. The conversation was far ranging and covered many subjects as usual. And, oh yes, there were also lots of tips and suggestions about knitting, including a discussion and book recommendation on modular knitting. And Nick shared an interesting technique for working the neckline ribbing. And as an added bonus, Cindy found spray starch for her doily!Here are some links that are mentioned...Will's quilt patternravelry.com/patterns/library/northeasterlyNick's sock patternravelry.com/patterns/library/linea-socksThe book: Geometric Knit Patternshttps://a.co/d/i8wL3LYThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. You may generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
How many knitters does it take to starch a doily? 05/24/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-05-25 | Cindy says she needs to starch the doily she made for her Level 3 submission to TKGA's Master Hand Knitter certification program. Can you believe it? This led to quite a discussion with many suggestions and a few possible alternatives. This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. You can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
From Swatches to Sweaters: Our Weekly Knit-Along 05/17/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-05-18 | We are happy to finally meet Sergio face-to-face who joined us from Spain after watching the videos for weeks (or maybe years)! Links referred to in the discussion:TKGA Annual Retreattkga.org/retreat-2025Nick's list of color apps:Adobe Color CC, ColorSchemerAlso this:coolors.coMy husband Andrew Faulk's book that we talked about at the end of the meeting:https://a.co/d/1Ey10e8This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Knit Happens — Come Join the Fun! 05/10/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-05-11 | This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. We love hanging out together every week and we are welcoming to new comers. So if you love to knit, feel free to join us next Saturday at 2:30pm Pacific Time. The link is on the website Phrancko.com.If you enjoy the videos each week but can't join us in person, please leave a comment to introduce yourself to the group.Here's the pattern for the baby sweater that Ron knitted:ravelry.com/patterns/library/dagmar-sweater-juniorYou may also generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
A new newspaper for knitters? 05/03/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-05-04 | Perhaps you've seen ads for it yourself, but I had not. Sumner showed the first issue of Knit Nation and it led to quite a discussion. Here's the link if you would like to subscribe to it:tinyurl.com/mrrdeue8The discussion moved on to other tips and tidbits as well as sharing the progress on our work, as always. Come join us some time if you are a knitter and want to hang out and chat with us. We're a friendly group!This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Come catch up with the Phrancko Sweater Knitters! 04/26/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-04-27 | Nick solved his ugly-last-stitch-of-a-swatch problem. Cindy is working the final stages of her Level 3 course to be come a certified Master Hand Knitter at tkga.org. Ron knitted a baby sweater. And so much more was discussed!Here's Alic Starmore's website:alicestarmore.comThe Kirby baby sweater pattern that Ron shows:ravelry.com/patterns/library/kirby-18This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters.You may generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Do you know why alpaca is warmer than wool? 04/19/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-04-23 | Learn why alpaca is warmer than wool and what other fibers have that same quality that makes them so warm as well. That's just one of the many tidbits you may glean from this week's meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters.Here are links to some of the things mentioned in the meeting:The book "Projects for Community Knitting"ravelry.com/patterns/sources/projects-for-community-knittingThe pattern that Wally is knitting in his reversible scarf:ravelry.com/patterns/library/reversible-diminutive-cable-stitch-scarfMyra Woods' book: Knit in New Directionshttps://a.co/d/bqKe2gdSuzanne Bryan's video on Fixing Messy Edge Stitches and Enlarged Last BO Stitchyoutu.be/Te4vdS4ri9M?si=rfc4A0OTmfTtKJxYMy own video on Short Row Wrap and Turn in Stockinetteyoutu.be/lIw8qGoEl9s?si=m_FB4ueDLgfrDKGNCome join us if you can. The meeting is every Saturday at 2:30pm Pacific Time. The link is found on my website: Phrancko.com
Another fun meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. 04/12/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-04-15 | I'm sorry for the late posting this week.We discussed Anzula for Better or Worsted which can be purchased at Ron's LYS at TheTwistedSkein.com.Here is the Raga pattern that Nick is working on:ravelry.com/patterns/library/ragaThis was our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters on April 12, 2025. You can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Llama Mia... Mama mía!! 04/05/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-04-06 | Sung raves about the new Llama Mia from Jodi Long, leading to quite a discussion about it. Apparently it is a luscious baby llama blend with merino wool. And she is going to use it to knit her first Phrancko Sweater...Yay! And as if that wasn't enough praise for a yarn, Susan applauded another Jodi Long yarn called Satiny, which she says no one can believe is 100% cotton because it is so soft and feels so cozy.This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Any thoughts about using DPNs? 03/29/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-03-30 | Cindy is working her doily for Level 3 of TKGA's Master Hand Knitting certification. She asks for help using DPNs when starting at the center of the doily. The discussion included suggestions about wood vs. metal, 4 needles vs. 5 needles, and 5" vs. 7" needles. Several other suggestions were also made.Here's the pattern for the beautiful sweater Susan is wearing used to be on Ravelry:ravelry.com/patterns/library/246-summer-shells"Unfortunately, the Summer Shells pattern is no longer in print and is not available. Sorry. It looks like a nice pattern," says Cindy.This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
So many tips for how to dye wool! 03/22/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-03-24 | Ron is the owner of The Twisted Skein local yarn store (thetwistedskein.com) in Bakersfield, CA. He is also a professional dyer and sells his work at Threadbear Dyeworks (threadbeardyeworks.com). In this meeting, he shares a lot of tips to consider when dying wool, which led to an extensive discussion with lots of information. Did you know you can dye in a slow cooker?!I also mentioned my latest video showing how to use the ladderback jacquard technique capture one single long float. (youtu.be/MDuLCBkcFCM?si=EaDiwHIRCikMjZ69)This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Come share your work with us. 03/15/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-03-16 | This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. You don't have to be a Phrancko Sweater knitter to join us. We just love to get together and share tips and show progress we are making on our projects. The group is open to all knitters. The link is available on the website Phrancko.com. And if you are interested in knitting a Phrancko Sweater, you can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want. We are happy to share tips and give support and encouragement as you tackle your first one. Here is a link to the new video I just created that I talked about in the meeting. It's called "A better way to capture one single float" and describes using Ladderback Jacquard instead of the traditional locking method:youtu.be/MDuLCBkcFCMEnjoy!Phrancko
A better way to capture one single float Knitting by Phrancko 2025-03-16 | Ladderback Jacquard (LBJ) is a far better way to capture a single float than the more traditional method. It completely avoids the peak-through that the locking method permits. I have previously published a much longer video describing the use of LBJ on the back of larger blocks of color, but we don't usually think of using it for individual, isolated floats. But it totally works, even though it doesn't produce any "ladders" on the back. In this video I show how to work it and how it looks in the fabric.My first, more complete video, on Ladderback Jacquard can be found here:youtu.be/9Pc5BK8P3kg?si=fSy-vqJOtk5wGMyAIronically, I called it "Ladderback Jacquard -- Everything you need to know and more" and yet here is one more thing you probably want to know as well.
Whats everyones favorite brand of knitting needles? 03 08 25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-03-08 | Lots of brands were mentioned, including Hiya-hiya, KnitPicks, Lykke, and my personal favorite, Chiaogoo. We discussed the pros and cons of each and agreed it is a very personal decision (though I do have to say, Chiagoo won the popularity vote).Here's the link to a pattern that was mentioned in the meeting:ravelry.com/patterns/library/lorindaThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Our varied experiences in the knitting community. 03/01/2025 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-03-02 | In our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters, we had a discussion about the various responses we have had in the knitting community, whether as a person who has "social anxiety," as Susan put it, or as a man entering the community largely comprised of women. Some have been less than pleasant but on the whole the community has embraced us all. Here is the link to my video on my "Improved Magic Loop Technique" that I mentioned in the meeting. It is by far my most popular video with over 150,000 views: youtu.be/DdXbUiF9tyA?si=HVRV9fhFva95RAPQThis gathering occurs every Saturday at 2:30 Pacific Time and we are an open group for knitters. Come join us and share your work. We can also share our experiences knitting the Phrancko Sweater patterns that are generated at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want and fit to your measurements. The link is available on the website Phrancko.com.
Want to know some DK yarn suggestions for your Phrancko Sweater? 02/22/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-02-22 | Among the many topics we touched in this week's Phrancko Sweater Knitters meeting, I shared some of my favorite DK weight yarns that I have used for my published sweater patterns. So if you've been wondering what yarn to use, watch for the suggestions. I have no idea why this video is so constricted in size. I didn't think I did anything differently. Hopefully I'll figure it out and will have it go back to normal sized next week.This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
A glimpse into designing and documenting short-row colorwork 02/15/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-02-16 | Among the many topics we covered in this week's Phrancko Sweater Knitters meeting, I shared a bit about how I plan short-row colorwork and write the pattern for working it. Starting first by designing a chart, I then color code the chart to show the order of knitting the various sections. Then I denote the back and forth movement across the stitches by numbering them and recording pairs of stitch numbers, the first is the stitch to knit to and the second is the numbered stitch to purl back to. Here are the links to the patterns that were discussed:ravelry.com/patterns/library/my-dear-lambravelry.com/patterns/library/eun-sweaterAnd the yarn winder stick, called a Nostepinne, can be found here:https://a.co/d/acidx0FAlso, this is a page of yarn holders by Artowell that has been mentioned this week and last week:amazon.com/s?k=Artowell+yarn+holder+for+knittingEnjoy,Phrancko
Look what Ron knitted for his play! 02/07/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-02-09 | This week’s Phrancko Sweater Knitters meeting was packed with fascinating topics and tips!Ron shared his newly knitted nightcap—and his freshly shaved chin (!)—as he prepares for his role in Pride & Prejudice. Sung introduced a simpler method for the Italian Sewn Bind-off (also known as the Invisible Ribbed Bind-off). And Sidra earned the title of “Queen of Double-Knits,” officially crowned by yours truly.As always, there was plenty more fun, laughter, and knitting wisdom. Don’t miss it!Here's the video where Sung learned about the alternative method to work the bind-off:youtu.be/OzHgm6Gmhyc?si=e7eRjt9GJzn6CXcCHere's a website about Bohus Stickning patterns and yarn that we discussed:angoragarnet.com/enAnd here is a link to the yarn holder that was mentioned:amazon.com/s?k=Artowell+yarn+holder+for+knittingThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. You can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
What a fun group!! 02/01/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-02-03 | This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. This group started during the pandemic and is still going strong because we have so much fun together. And that the cherry on top of all the tips, and help, and encouragement we give each other. Come join us if you want to be a part of the fun. I tell you how at the very beginning of the video.Here's where you can find the journal template that Sandra showed the group:eliserosecrochet.com/get-organized-in-2025-with-your-free-crochet-and-knitting-journalDid you know you can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com. I will show you how to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Many way to use removable stitch markers! 01/25/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-01-26 | One of the many topics we hit in this meeting started with a suggestion to use removable stitch markers in the lifeline holes of your knitting needles as a better alternative to point protectors that often fall off and let stitches fall of the needles. This led to even more ways to use removable markers that you might not have thought of.We also spent a considerable time talking about (and defining) the Fibonacci Series, which is often used in design.Will's dramatic sock pattern can be found here:ravelry.com/patterns/library/three-dee-socksSuzanne Bryan's video on 'Long Tail Cast On in Pattern' is here:youtu.be/bsQlgGuSPP0?si=C37gr6r4IW1EEiJZThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
So many knitting tips in the Phrancko Mtg 01/18/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-01-20 | I was enjoying the final day of my Caribbean cruise so Cathy recorded the meeting in my absence again this week. I'm home now so I'll be back in the meeting this coming Saturday.As usual the group discussed many tips and tools useful in knitting. Here are the patterns they discussed:ravelry.com/patterns/library/arched-gusset-mittensravelry.com/patterns/library/starter-sweaterThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.Phrancko
Heres the missing meeting! 01/11/25 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-01-20 | I was just starting on a Caribbean Cruise (it was a great time!) when Cathy opened the meeting on Jan. 11. The wifi on the ship did not support the transfer of large files so I could not upload the video until now. Now, here is the video nine days later. Btw, I have not even viewed the video yet so I'll be watching it for the first time just like you are, from YouTube.This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
What yarn to choose for your first sweater? 01/04/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2025-01-05 | This meeting of Phrancko Sweater Knitters devoted quite a bit of time to discussing tips and suggestions for choosing a yarn if you have never knitted a sweater before. What should you consider for your first one? Did you know the Phrancko pattern is designed especially to help people knit their first sweater? The pattern is designed to teach you everything you need to know, including how-to videos on some of the trickier aspects of the process.At Phrancko.com you may enter the measurements of the recipient of the sweater, along with the gauge that you yourself have knitted and measured. The website then generates the pattern to match your measurements and gauge, custom-fit for you or the person you plan to give it to.One yarn that was suggested, Andeamo Light, is available at Ron's LYS, The Twisted Skein, and may be purchased online here:thetwistedskein.com/product/jody-long-andeamo-lite/384This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. You are welcome to join us to ask questions, share tips, and chat and laugh with us as we all knit together. We meet every Saturday at 2:30 Pacific Time. The link is provided when you login to Phrancko.com.
So many tips...see description for links from the Phrancko Mtg 12/28/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-12-29 | Here are the links to things we discussed in the meeting. Running Markers Hack That Will Change Your Knitting Game! On YouTube by Knicoleknits Knows Knitting:youtu.be/db5zciHFDlI?si=hgwXklj9_w4Q8OfJThe little crochet hook/knitting needle tool that Sumner was talking about is the Susan Bates Silvalume Handi Tool (link goes to Amazon):tinyurl.com/y33duwksFish Lips Kiss Heel pattern is $2.49 on Ravelry.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fish-lips-kiss-heel"Stone Tavern Trail" sock yarn gradient set six pack I am using to knit my socks are on this page:marianatedyarns.com/collections/gradient-and-mixed-marianade-setsAnd this is the "pseudo-gradient" pattern I created on StitchFiddle:stitchfiddle.com/c/sf97ax-dlx1guThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
When the cats away, the mice KNIT and chat! 12/21/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-12-22 | I was traveling on Saturday and could not participate in the weekly Phrancko Sweater Knitters meeting. But never mind, the group was as lively and cheerful and amazingly creative as ever. See Sumner's mystery baby blanket ready to be seamed and much more!This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. You can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Come Knit With Us: Share Projects, Ideas, and Fun! 12/14/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-12-15 | This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. It's an open group that anyone may join, especially if you are interested in knitting a Phrancko Sweater pattern (Phrancko.com) or just want to meet people who have knitted them. Come share your tips, show your progress on whatever you are working on, and enjoy the company of fellow knitters.The book Cindy mentioned is Deborah Newton, "A Finishing School: Masterclass for Knitters".Here are the links to my teaching videos that we referred to:An Improved Method of Carrying Yarn Up the Backyoutu.be/CUrOLslD51A?si=jw_qDdWlrUOSpfKZLadderback Jacquard -- Everything you need to know and moreyoutu.be/9Pc5BK8P3kg?si=82i2_foQBhtglnFQYou can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Tips on handling pilling 12/07/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-12-12 | I'm sorry for the late submission of this video. Time got away from me this week.Pilling can be annoying for some types of fiber. We all gave our best option for removing the pills.Here are links to the patterns mention in the video:ravelry.com/patterns/library/monkey-jacobusravelry.com/patterns/library/mystery-baby-blanket-2023ravelry.com/patterns/library/snowflower-kalThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. I try to post them within 24 hours of the meeting. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Ladderback Jacquard for lice stitch pattern and many other wonders! 11/30/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-12-01 | As usual when our fun group gets together, we talked about a wide range of topics. But more importantly, everyone shared their incredible creations. Among them, Jo Ellen showed her vest created by modifying a Phrancko pattern, Maggie finished her lap blanket, Wally is making great progress on his crocheted blanket and has started a Phrancko V-neck, Jenny shows bed socks for her dad, Cindy completed her ranunculus, and Ron is working on a pair of slippers. I gave a sneak peek at my now finished yoke sweater to be published in Cast On magazine's next issue. I also showed my sample of the lice stitch pattern worked using ladderback jacquard to trap the contrast color on every row on the back of the fabric, not just the rows with the color showing on the front. Here is the link to the slippers pattern that Ron is using: ravelry.com/patterns/library/mens-knit-loafer-slipperThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Did you know you can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Knitting tips, tech tips, cooking tips, and more! 11/23/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-11-24 | We started with a discussion of the TKGA Virtual Guild meeting held earlier today that featured knitCompanion with creator Sally Holt. The recording of that meeting will appear on TKGA.org in a day or two. From there we visited our various favorite topics and then everyone shared their work. Jenny's mittens that she designed to match her hat are truly spectacular and we discussed in some detail how she accomplished that. This is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters that was held on Nov. 23, 2024. You can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Sweet Meadow Yarn Club? How exciting! 11/17/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-11-18 | Several in the group are participating in the Sweet Meadow Yarn Club, a monthly subscription, and they all love it. Check it out at sweetmeadowknits.com/pages/yarn-club We also spent some time talking about taking the Phrancko Hoodie pattern from Cast On magazine (Summer, 2023, issue) and using it to modify a custom-fit pattern generated at Phrancko.com .Here's the link to the elastic thread that Cathy recommended to Sumner to add knit into the cuff of his sock.tinyurl.com/4emp8p4aThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Meet the owner of Anzula Luxury Fibers 11/08/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-11-10 | Some of us, including myself, have had a rough week since the election and that had to be acknowledged at the beginning. But we managed to shift the focus back to knitting and then had another wonderful gathering of friends.Ron was being visited in his LYS by Kalliope Sabrina, the owner of Anzula Yarns. We were happy to meet her and hear about her fabulous yarns.Here's the link to Anzula Luxury Fibers: anzula.comSumner showed his beautiful Phrancko V-neck sweater, which he finished this week.And Cindy reviewed the new book, The Doodle Knit Directory, which is available here: pacificknitco.com/pages/doodle-bookThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. Generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
Estonian Roosimine colorwork technique was discussed this time. 11/02/24 Knitting by Phrancko 2024-11-02 | I'm in Minneapolis for the annual TKGA Knitting Retreat where I took some classes taught by Beth Brown-Reinsel. My class this morning was to experiment with an Estonian colorwork technique called Roosimine. Coincidentally, Sidra has been working on a sweater that uses that technique and was able to show how beautiful it can be (as opposed to what my little sample swatch was like). Beth also taught a class on the Cowichan sweaters produced by Coast Salish people, one of the First nation tribes of Canada (knitwithpurpose.com/). Sumner told of us a documentary about them and Cindy, as usual, looked for it and found this video:youtu.be/4yy5NUu5KFw?si=1RLpnG3-hOqlNnUzThis is our weekly meeting of Phrancko Sweater knitters. You can generate your own custom-fit Phrancko Sweater pattern at Phrancko.com to create your own sweater that fits perfectly using whatever gauge you want.
