Encourage Better: Knitting Adventures In Alaska Melissa

Join the start of Season 4 of Encourage Better Knitting and discover some tips for making a cardigan, or anything, in a thoughtful way to bring you joy and satisfaction!In this episode, I share how I *really* take accurate measurements for my garments and my super secret, and sometimes slow, method of evaluating yarn substitutions for a project. I share with you my entire journey knitting a wooly wardrobe staple (yes, in summer!)--- from the twinkle of an idea to cardigan drying and awaiting ...

Ever had a moment where you're humbled by simple wisdom? That happened to me and it hit me - much like our passion for knitting, love is boundless and abundant. This epiphany transformed my approach to knitting, sparking an exploration into the world of color I'm sharing with you today.Together, we'll navigate the language of color, and qualify terms like 'value' and 'color combinations'. Our trusty companions on the journey are our swatches—I know! I know! swatches!?! But seriously, th...

Imagine knitting with a color palette that resonates with your own personal experiences and connection with nature. It sounds magical, right? Well, that's exactly what we'll be exploring together in this episode. I share my own journey of finding color inspiration in the beauty of the world around me. You'll hear about a unique knitting project I worked on using a color palette which was a departure from my usual color choices, and the reactions it garnered. So, forget the traditi...

Ever wondered what the secret to a beautifully knitted linen piece is? Join me, Mel, and let’s venture together into the captivating world of linen, unveiling its historical richness, strength, versatility, and how it lends itself to knitting. We'll dissect its journey from the flax plant origins to your knitting needles, offering practical advice on care, winding, and usage. We'll also draw parallels to other fibers, particularly bamboo, and cotton, highlighting distinctive differences and s...

Have you ever found inspiration in the most unexpected places, like the fog and mist of Kodiak, Alaska? I invite you to join me here in my cozy home library as I share my journey of transforming this space into a creative haven for knitting, reading, and connecting with others. Let's dive into the art of organizing! From Agatha Christie mysteries to yarn stashes, discover how I categorize my books and ponder the best way to sort my collection of yarn. I'd love to hear your thoughts on this to...

This episode is designed around 3 key strategies to help anyone who has ever been torn between “Should I do the dishes or Just One More Row?” (And let’s be honest, I have skipped a shower or two in my time just to get through the sleeve decreases or the ribbing on a sweater!) There are moments where trade-offs need to be made, and other times a bit of discernment would be helpful. This episode is here to help a specific listener who sent an honest question that many other listeners have proba...