The Yarniacs: A Knitting Podcast: The Yarniacs Episode 75: Hitting a snag

The perfect yarn.

Does such a thing exist? Every knitter has a favorite yarn. But every knitter knows that their perfect yarn is not perfect for every project. So we knitters tend to hold dear several favorite yarns. We have a perfect sock yarn. Or a perfect wool blend. A perfect yarn for outerwear. Sometimes even one skein of too-precious-to-use perfectly dyed yarn. (You know you have one!)

Once you have the perfect yarn though, you need an accompanying perfect project. But the perfect project is a dynamic concept--always changing and occasionally slipping away. Varying styles, colors, and seasons come into play. So the search is always on.

But we are willing to accept the challenge. The constant search for the perfect yarn, matched with the perfect project.

Who are we? Two knitting besties in search of the perfect yarn. Bring it!

Our website
Find our podcast on iTunes.
Links to individual episodes can be found here.

Sharlene’s Instagram: @yarniac
Gayle’s Instagram: @gayleywayley

I call this time of year "the slippery slope." Once Halloween is over, there is unabashed Christmas and winter holiday advertising in stores and in the media. Yes, I know there is some advertising before Halloween, but before Halloween they try to sneak it to us, as if really ashamed to be doing it, but just can't help themselves. Post Halloween we get the real deal snowmen and elves and wrapped packages galore. Most folks I know try to resist it for a few more weeks, but as any parent of school age kids knows, this is indeed the slippery slope to the winter holidays. Like it or not, plans need to be made, shopping for necessities becomes unbearably crowded, and everyone's life seems to be busier than usual. I always wonder who are these people filling up the grocery store and don't they shop for food the rest of the year?

Despite the slippery slope, in episode 75 Gayle and I get back to basics with our regular segments and a short discussion about snags and repair in your knitted garments. If you have a good resource or a great repair technique, please share the link or info in our Ravlery group. We'd love to hear from you!
- Sharlene

What are we wearing?

Nanook by Heidi Kirrmeier
Monomania by Ann Weaver

What are we stalking?
Sous Sous by Norah Goughn
Definitely Susan by Josee Paquin
cowls by Hilary Smith Callis
Skiff by Jared Flood
Indie gift-a-long on Ravelry
Fuego by Justyna Lorkowska

What are we knitting?
Magnolia Cardigan by Joji Locatelli
Fickle Heart by Justyna Lowkowska
Yowza Weigh It Shawl by Susan B. Anderson
Monstermitts by Julia Allen
Ease by Alicia Plummer

What have we finished?
Sharlene's test knit for Elizabeth Doherty (pattern to be released soon)
Sharlene's stockinette socks
Cupido Cowl by Hiroko Fukatsu
Sharlene's Cupido
Raveling Rose yarns
Inner Peace by Joji Locatelli
Monomania by Ann Weaver
Gayle's Monomania

Discussion on snags and repair

Snags

- using a tapestry needle or a dpn to "ease" snagged yarn back into place

http://www.marthastewart.com/307188/how-to-fix-a-snagged-thread-in-a-sweater

- knot the snag inside the sweater

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWGtvznk11s

Holes (one strand broken)

- weaving in new yarn in place of broken strand (duplicate stitch)

Holes (multiple broken stands)

- weave in several strands if enough of a foundation left to duplicate stitch

- woven patch

http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/daily/archive/2010/04/07/darn-there-s-a-hole-in-my-sock.aspx

- sew closed

http://ladyott.com/2012/04/18/how-to-mend-holes-in-woolens/
- many help videos on YouTube

Sock darning

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yPBSmDN3b24

(video on darning socks from Knitpicks)

http://cookiea.com/news/2012/07/repairing-socks/

(blog tutorial from sock designer CookieA

Your type of repair will change depending on the garment or item and the location of the repair. (For example, is the hole or damaged area located on a highly visible area of the piece?)