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143 Purple Triangles
about
I’m a serial maker of podcasts, and many things that are not podcasts. I love playing with yarn, fibre and cloth. I will never accept that furniture in my living room only goes two ways. Almost every night, I dream about houses.
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Cast On
Cast On began on Monday, 31 October, 2005, founded on nothing more than the desire to talk about knitting to people who get it. Since then, the podcast has evolved to focus on finding inspiration in the ordinary, using it to kick start the process of making stuff, and finding ways to carve out the creative time and space that allows you to work your ass off on the projects that matter most to you. Like knitting a sweater. Or saving the world.
205 Big love and secret pajamas
byBrenda Dayne
It’s been a week of finishes and new beginnings. Off the needles, I’ve completed a Malabrigo hat and love the color pooling. You don’t hear me say that very often.
I’ve finally finished my Amande socks—though I must say I rather hated working both the nupps and wrapped stitches techniques. Sometimes you have to try things to understand what you decidedly do not enjoy.
My new obsession is Big Love by ANKESTRIK, a top-down cardigan with fascinating construction that I’m knitting in gorgeous Gilliat yarn. The pattern begins with a provisional cast-on at the shawl collar, and I minimised the inevitable ribbing alignment issues by using a Turkish cast-on and knitting across the first row rather than working the ribbing pattern.
For the shoulders, I chose Chinese Waitress cast-on, which creates a lovely firm yet stretchy edge perfect for shoulder seams. The Ravelry community provided essential modifications—working the fronts two inches longer than the back prevents the sleeves from rotating forward due to the unusual construction.
Many knitters went up a size or two for the sleeves, so I did my own spot-checking for sleeve pickup. Remember: Your measurement x gauge (stitches per inch) = Number of stitches you need for your desired size.
This sweater connects to larger work I’m doing on a capsule collection based on my Changing Clothes manifesto. I’ve been thinking more intentionally about getting dressed—not for others’ gazes but for my own comfort in what I call “Secret Pyjamas.” The goal is creating sustainable, perfectly fitting garments made by hand, including finally tackling my Everest of well-fitted trousers.
Behind the scenes, I’ve moved podcast hosting to Substack after twenty years with Libsyn. Yes indeed, I’ve been podcasting since 2005. Where has the time gone?
Music: “Who Knows” by The National Parks
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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit brendadayne.substack.com
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6 Comments
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Hi Brenda,
I found you through Kristy Glass and Patty Lyons and am so glad! I love your voice, your sharing of the knitting adventures and the music! I have made a playlist of the songs you use on your podcast and listen to it on repeat.
Lovely greetings from snow-covered Czech Republic. Adéla
Thank you, and thanks to your listener who asked about hibernated projects that won’t fit any more. I too have a sweater I started 3 Springs ago. I’m halfway finished with the 2nd sleeve (and everything else is done). I don’t think I misjudged – I’m pretty sure I gained weight (and probably should have made it a bit bigger). And now I will finish it, log it into my Ravelry project page, and pass it on. Thanks again for helping with that decision.
You’re welcome, Lessa. I think donation is a great way to go.
Listened to your podcast and was interested in joining clubhouse. But says you need an invite to join from an existing member
There are two ways to join Clubhouse. You can join via invitation. Users are given two invitations a week, so ask your friends or family to keep you mind. Or, you can download the app, and create an account, and you’ll be added to a waiting list. I hear it takes about a week or ten days for approval.
Hope to see you there soon!
Hi Brenda- where can I find the lovely music from this episode- especially loving the Romeo and Juliet arrangement
Trish