Finishing socks, saving the yarn, new projects from old, planning the perfect colourwork sweater, plus a bit of theoretical physics to prove what knitters already know: knitting is magic. Links and references:…
Cast On
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In this episode: Rediscovering the simple pleasures of knit and purl stitches whilst filling the sock drawer; the best damned sock heel ever; a vexatious pattern; and where the hell…
In this episode: Off the needles and on; Tour de Fleece wrap up; notes from the production line; a new bag; a new spindle; good materials; and Bennet’s Boiled Potatoes.…
The slowest sock in the history of sock knitting. Touring de Fleece, slowly. The merits of taking small steps vaguely in the direction a goal. I’m thinking about style again,…
In this episode: House projects have broken me; the summer of socks continues; the red that bled; Tour de Fleece; and a return to Clifford Byway. The long shelf. I…
The weather. Men in shorts. The run down. Ta Da moments. And the moments before a plan comes together. The Red Edge is complete! The chart for Red Edge was…
In this episode: The party dress; picking up threads; a project round up; and the big idea. The High School Art Teacher Dress by Vogue (V1410) And my own version,…
IN THIS EPISODE: Stash enhancement; hat boxes of joy; the rug of sorrow; knitting memory lane, letting it go. Repeat after me: It is okay to rest. Thank you, past…
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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