Live Chat with Jared Flood

Vogue Knitting live chats are online conversations between VK staff members and YOU, our online community. The conversation appears in a chat box much like instant messaging, and it's super easy to participate. Our live chats generally last about one hour. Join the next conversation—we're waiting to hear from you!

PREVIOUS CHAT: Designer guest chat with Jared Flood

WHO: Cover mitten designer Jared Flood

WHEN: Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 12 p.m.

WHAT: Are you knitting our Fall ‘08 cover project or thinking about it? Talk to the man behind the mittens in an exclusive live chat with designer Jared Flood.

Live Chat Transcript

[Heather K]: No question, Jared, just a thank you for the beautiful mittens. Living in Canada, I will surely have a use for them, especially with Christmas just around the corner. Smiles, Heather

[LynnP]: Jared have you any plans to write a knitting book.I hope so .Love from Lynn

[PattyK]: Hi Jared, I'm a big fan of your work. I enjoy seeing your projects on Ravelry and marvel at your skill! I especially like the way you choose colors which complement the patterns you use. Patty

[PattyK]: What are you working on currently?

[JARED]: Hi everyone - so glad you're here! We're going to be starting the official chat at noon (Eastern Time)

[nickyj]: Hello everyone.

[Marilyn Mc]: How did your design process work for these mittens? Did it start with the yarn, or did you play with the

[Sue P]: Hi, Jared - please add me to the list of folks who would love to see a book of your designs! Thanks, Sue.

[Marilyn Mc]: cables first? Thanks. I have a friend that made them and they're beautiful. I'm still trying to find the best yarn for mine.

[JARED]: Hi Marilyn - most of the time my design process starts with material. Certian yarns inspire design ideas upon first touch

[bicabah]: Ditto on the vote for an entire book! I own a LYS and would love to have a book fromy ou on the shelves!

[JARED]: It's somewhat of a combo other times - I'll have an abstract idea of a motif I'd like to use, but it won't come into 'reality' until I find a yarn that seems a perfect match

[JARED]: Thanks, SueP

[JARED]: Deep down, I'm inspired on a material level in most cases, wether I'm designing something original, or knitting someone else's patterns. The fiber and yarn construction hold a lot of inspiration and motivation in all cases

[LynnP]: would you ever knit a niebling lace cloth

[JARED]: Hi LynnP - I'm not familiar with niebling lace, can you fill me in?

[MarkO]: Love seeing your work, Jared. As a guy who knits it's nice seeing you designing things that I'd want. Ditto on the book! :)

[tamarajo]: Yes on the book idea, filled with your original patterns, pattern adaptations, design ideas, and use of special techniques. Your work is beautiful and amazing.

[emjayknits]: Your photography is outstanding - are you taking those pictures? If so, what is your camera and how did you learn to take such great pictures?

[JARED]: Hi Emjay - yes, I take my photographs. I also work as a photography aside from my knitting/design work

[Scout]: how did you come up with your design idea for the mittens?

[LynnP]: will email you with some info later

[JARED]: I shoot my blog photograpy digitally with a Nikon D200. I'm a big Nikon fan!

[JARED]: Thanks, Lynn - I'll keep an eye out for you!

[dorriem]: I have a pattern that calls for yarn over at the beginning of a row on dp needles. I cannot seem to do this. Can you help me?

[JARED]: Hi DorrieM - it's helpful to shuffle your sts on the needles so that the beginning of a round doesn't fall directly between two dpn's. That way you can secure your marker and yarn-over in the middle of a needle and not worry about losing the stitch

[JARED]: in general it's helpful to keep yarn overs away from the space between needles, especially for new lace knitters

[JARED]: Does anyone have any specific questions about the Vogue - I've received some questions via e-mail that I could answer, but would like to open it up to anyone here first

[Scout]: yes! Where did your design for the mittens come from? What inspired you?

[Marilyn Mc]: How long did you work on developing the pattern for these mittens and how did you work out the gauge so they would fit?

[JARED]: Originally, I wanted to design a pair of mittens with an intricate and beautiful cable pattern - something on smaller needles with fingering weight yarn.

[JARED]: Spindrift is one of my favorites for it's warmth and rustic quality, let alone it's incredible palette

[dorriem]: Have you ever used the magic loop instead of db needles for your projects.

[JARED]: When the opportunity came to choose a color like "Leprechaun" the design really flowed out of that color choice

[Scout]: did you do a test mitten or just sit down and write the pattern?

[JARED]: Hi Marilyn - the pattern was developed over the course of 3-4 weeks. As far as sizing, I design with percentages in mind - I find it helps in getting accurate fit despite switching between yarn weights

[JARED]: I write a pattern 'draft' - then knit it. After the first mitten is knit, I re-assess the design and make changes to the pattern for things I think can be improved

[Scout]: are mittens your favorite thing to knit?

[JARED]: I continue with this trial-reassessment process until I think I've settld on something that I'm happy with. Once that has happened (and it's a really great moment of relief) I knit the final sample

[Marilyn Mc]: Could you explain a little bit more about percentages?

[JARED]: I feel great about mittens, especially from a knitters perspective. While I don't prefer them over gloves to wear, they are much more intuitive to knit, which I like. And there doesn't seem to be a shortage of folks who do like to wear them... so that's nice also

[bicabah]: You seem to be heavily influenced by E.Z. (great choice of mentors!). Where else, or from whom else you do find inspiration? Your work melds pattern, color, form, and fit like very few other designers can pull off.

[Flowerdancer]: How do you determine if a yarn is really soft enough for mittens? I purchased a lot of Farmhouse Yarn recently (mostly worsted weight) and am not sure if it'll soften up enough to be comfy. Definitely rustic and lovely though

[JARED]: Hi Dorrie - great question. I rarely use DPN's at all! I'm a big fan of the magic loop for many reasons. Probably mostly because you don't have the spaces between needles that sometimes causes a looseness in gauge

[scarface]: Do you have any tips for photographing your knits if you just have an average camera?

[dorriem]: Thank you soooo much. You have just saved my project.

[JARED]: Marilyn and Bicabah - EZ is a huge influence for me as a designer, and I like to use her percentage system (EPS) in the conception of all types of garments. If I know a certain measurement works for woman's med hand circumference and a certain measurement works for the wrist - I find how these measurements relate to one another and use that ratio for other sizes

[tikru]: Hei! :) What will be your next bigger project?

[bd]: How did you celebrate when you found out you were going to be on the cover of Vogue?

[JARED]: Flowerdancer - I'm a HUGE proponent of good swatching, which includes washing your fiber. Washing your swatch will tell you everything you need to know about your yarn choice - the final relaxed gauge as well as the true softness and hand of your particular yarn

[JARED]: wash it... then keep it in your pocket for a few days and keep checking the scratch-factor. If you can deal with it, I'd say it's a good yarn for your project

[Flowerdancer]: Ah, I do swatch, but I haven't washed mine because I'm disabled and it's hard, but I will try that...good idea...they recommended a hair conditioner rinse. Do you know of any fragrance-free shampoos or wool washes to use for the swatch-washing?

[JARED]: Hi Tikru! Next big project? Well there seem to be so many in muliple stages of completion. I'm on a big cable kick in all my garments, so we'll see how it pans out

[Scout]: who taught you to knit?

[tikru]: Ah... so shh.. where do you get your inspirations for your designs?

[JARED]: bicabah - as for my other influences, I look at sculpture and architecture a lot, which is more of an abstract influence but definitely one that is worth mentioning. As for other designers, anyone who uses clever shaping but still maintains a certain level of intuition during the knitting process is someone I'll keep my eye on!

[JARED]: Scout - I learned to knit as a child: the basics from my mom. As for garment constrcution and design I'm self taught

[JARED]: Mostly because I couldn't find any good patterns for men that I wanted to wear!

[Scout]: mom must be proud!

[JARED]: flowerdancer - I think "Soak" may have a new unscented version of woolwash, but I'm not positive about that.

[JARED]: I like Eucalan, but it is scented... so may not be the perfect fit for you?

[Flowerdancer]: Thank you. Yes, I think I heard that from someone else, too. No, cannot do scents at all due to illness.

[scarface]: Do you keep most of your knits, or give them away? And who do you give them to?

[PattyK]: Yes I think your excellent color sense and skill at a meticulous fit make your masculine knits look especially authentic.

[JARED]: Hi Scarface - its a mix of both. I knit most sweaters for me, but also have knit some for family and friends. When designing accessories I'll often knit several versions - when that happens I dole them out to anyone who's willing to wear them!

[MarkO]: 'Tis a problem for us male knitters. That's why most of us are please you're designing. Any other recommendations for patterns for men? Or any other inspirations for male knitters?

[ldfull@yahoo.com]: How many needles do you usually have going at one time?

[bd]: How did you celebrate when you found out you were going to be on the cover of Vogue?

[JARED]: Thanks, PattyK. I think fit and ease is one of the most important, and difficult things to master - it's something I'm continually exploring and working to improve

[JARED]: ldfull: I'm embarrassed to answer that. More than 10 for sure!

[dorriem]: Your mittens are beautiful. I have never seen any other patterns you design. Where can I obtain any of your patterns?

[JARED]: Hey Mark! I always tell knitters who want to knit sweaters for men to start with a Seamless from Elizabeth Zimmermann. Its classic and can teach the knitter a lot about making a sweater their own.

[JARED]: BD: I went out an had a drink (or three)

[bd]: Good for you jared

[JARED]: Dorrie - if you're a member on Ravelry, you can sign into see my designer page with a list of my designs and where they can be obtained. Thanks for your interest!

[JARED]: Thanks, BD! It was a total honor

[bd]: do you guys like the patterns out of Tara Manning?

[MarkO]: excellent. i have yet to do a sweater in the three years i've been knitting (no clue why) but mostly hats and socks. i'll take the advice!

[bd]: it is the only men's patterns any of my men in my life will wear

[bd]: from a book

[dorriem]: How can I become a member on Ravelry. Never heard of that.

[tikru]: omg :)

[scarface]: You can sign up at ravelry.com

[JARED]: I got a few e-mails asking about my 'start' as a designer - so I think I'll speak to that right now: It really came about organically, I was knitting things for myself and sharing them through my blog and eventually started getting requests from magazines for submissions. I thought "hey I'll give it a try, why not?" and was really honored and grateful that many of them have been so well recieved!

[Scout]: how did you go about getting a design in VK?

[scarface]: How often do you knit things without blogging about them?

[Flowerdancer]: I'm running a charitable endeavor in which we knit gifts to thank donors to contributing to two local nonprofits in CT. May we have permission to make your striped scarf (on your blog) for this project. No profits are made, only donations going directly to the charities.

[JARED]: VK, like other magazines has submission guidlines and deadlines on their site. Designers can submit designs for review and publication for any issue

[JARED]: Flowerdancer - sounds great - can you send me an e-mail about it?

[PattyK]: Do you have a current favorite yarn?

[Flowerdancer]: sure, shall I do that via Ravelry?

[Tam]: What it like starting to be famous?

[kristi]: Hi Jared- Finishing cobblestone made me feel like a "real knitter"!! It's the finishing techniques on other projects that get me down! Any tips on finishing?

[JARED]: I definitely go through yarn obsessions - as I mentiond before, Jamieson's shetland yarns are a staple. I also love farm yarns - Beaverslide Dry Goods is a particular favorite!

[LynnP]: Tam. He is famous I live in the UK and I am a big fan

[JARED]: Congrats Kristi! Yes - FINISHING - a huge an important topic!

[ldfull@yahoo.com]: Do you still have time for your photography or has design and fiber blended with photography?

[JARED]: The most important thing for any finisher is probably your blocking method and figuring out a clean method of dealing with yarn tails and loose ends

[knithound brooklyn]: hi jared have you ever knit with black water abbey yarn, what do you think of it?

[JARED]: As for blocking - I'm a big proponent of the full immersion wash/block for everything I make (with the exception of large blankets, for obvious reasons)

[Harper]: Is it weird to blog about a project and then see that lots of knitters knit the same project -- I'm thinking of the Hemlock blanket and the Noro striped scarf.

[justdebbie]: What specifically do you use?

[JARED]: Washing your knitting not only relaxes the fiber and 'sets' the garment, but in almost all cases (with animal fibers) creates a cohesive, even and beautiful fabric. Makes almost any handknit project look that much more professional and polished

[bd]: I love BWA

[JARED]: As for weaving in ends, it's also an important skill to become comfortable with

[PattyK]: Could you go into more detail on how you do the wash/blocking? Please?

[JARED]: this link from an old Knitty article details (with photos) the methods that I prefer for all standard stitches:

[JARED]: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall04/FEATfall04TT.html

[ldfull@yahoo.com]: What are your favoirite non wool fibers for those in a warmer climate but still enjoy knitted garments

[JARED]: Always weave in your ends on the WS of the fabric and do your best to mimic the stitch pattern to hide it as best as possible. highly recommend that link I just posted!

[justdebbie]: Thank you, Jared

[LynnP]: I have always had trouble sewing up sleeves . Have you a favourite method

[JARED]: knithound - yes. Blackwater abbey yarns are incredibly gorgeous and I love them from an aesthetic point of view. Wearability is limited to only the most scratch-resistant folks though! recommend it for outerwear (jacket like cardigans or warm pullovers for use over other clothes)

[JARED]: Lynn - one of the reasons I almost always go seamless! ;)

[JARED]: There are a lot of great tutorials for grafting - I like Monste Stanley's Knitters Handbook for every conceivable way of joinging fabrics with invisible seams.

[Flowerdancer]: I just got that book and it's great

[knithound brooklyn]: hi jared one more question. what's the secret to getting sundara yarn because i can NEVER get any - she's always sold out. ;)

[kristi]: Thanks a million! I have realized I am not putting enough effort into the details of my knitting!

[JARED]: Patty - for immersion blocking - soak your knits in a sinkfull (or tubfull) of lukewarm water with a dash of woolwash for at least 10-15 minutes. Gently squeeze out excess waters (folks with machines can use the spin cycle, but I don't have that luxury!) - finally roll in a towel to get rid of any excess moisture. Lay flat on a dry surface, pinning to schematic measurements and air dry. It makes for a beatifully finished garment!

[JARED]: Ot

[JARED]: It's all about the details!

[LynnP]: Could you point me to a tutorial about seemless sleeves

[JARED]: knithound - at this point, it's a gamble. Check the site every 15 minutes!! ;)

[PattyK]: Thank you!

[JARED]: Lynn- seamless sleeves and seamless yokes are covered in detail in Knitting Without Tears by Elizabeth Zimmermann, as well as most of her other books, but I recommend that one as a first

[Flowerdancer]: If a conditioner rinse has been recommended, do you have to go through the squeezing out step twice?

[LynnP]: Thank you

[JARED]: as for Scout's earlier request regardng design submissions for VK the links is here: http://www.vogueknitting.com/frequently_asked_questions.aspx#16

[JARED]: Flowerdancer, I prefer (and highly recommend) non-rinse wool washes like Eucalan. Usually they'll be advertised as such.

[JARED]: If you are using conditioner or delicate dishsoap detergent, etc, you will need to do an additional rinse process to get out the remaining soap

[JARED]: just don't forget to treat your fibers gently when they're wet as they're much more susceptible to felting upon being agitated!

[bd]: i have started using the HE version of woolite and like that; not soapy

[JARED]: Kookabura makes a nice one too, I've used it in the past

[Flowerdancer]: Okay, yes, the Farmhouse yarns is supposed to be washed and then conditioned, so I guess two rinses will be needed. I've heard that Woolite can cause colors to fade.

[dorriem]: When joining yarns in the middle of a row, what method do you us.

[bd]: i think you are right about the old woolite but the one made for dark colors is great

[bd]: eucalan is best though if you can buy it where you live

[JARED]: Great questions dorrie - i use the wet splice (also known as the spit splice) which basically involves felting the two ends togther. Only works on animal fibers and is so wonderful because it means the only ends you'll ever have to weave in are those from you CO and BO! And I'm loving that

[dorriem]: I have heard of the russion join for non-wool fabrics. Is this effective?

[LynnP]: I would be afraid of a hole

[Flowerdancer]: If a person who's never designed before wanted to start with a small project, what single project would you most recommend to foster the most creativity?

[Joan]: When you block do you use blocking wires and will blocking remove the "stretch" from ribbing? Never sure what to do with the ribbing when I block. Thanks

[JARED]: Yes dorrie, the russian join is nice, although a slight bit bulkier - if you're using cottons though, it's sturdy and definitely worth learning

[Flowerdancer]: So, that method won't work with a single ply yarn like Malabrigo worsted, right?

[PattyK]: Huh! Clever!

[JARED]: flowerdance - difference projects work for different people. Hats are a nice 'blank canvas' for stitch patterning, etc without requiring too much previous construction knowledge

[JARED]: It will work for a singles yarn like malabrigo, just loosen the fibers and pull a few of them out to think it up. It definitely works though!

[kristi]: Has your success and "fame" changed how you feel about knitting - pressure or still as relaxing and enjoyable?

[JARED]: Joan - if you'd like to keep elasticity in your ribbing, don't pin it out. Pin the stockinette portions out to measurments and leave the ribbing untouched. You may want to also 'bunch' the ribbing slightly back together to keep it from any additional stretching. For 100% animal fibers, ribbing can often be blocked to lose most or all of its stretch, depending on the yarn. For certain project, I like the look, for others I don't. Mostly a taste thing I think

[knithound brooklyn]: what's next for you Jared, what direction are you going in knitting and life?

[JARED]: Kristi - the falct that everything happens online helps me keep knitting a very personal and relaxed thing in my life. Everything that happens through the computer screen is like an imaginary world, which thankfully, keeps a lot of the pressure off - even if it is just in theory!

[Marilyn Mc]: Are you able to make a living at knitting design, or is this a fun past time?

[dorriem]: Thank you for this chat. It is wonderful to hear form such an experienced knitter. I am so glad that I participated.

[knithound brooklyn]: that is so fantastic because i think you will have success in achieving dream job - knitting and photog. good luck!

[JARED]: Thanks, dorrie! Glad you stopped in!

[JARED]: I hope so, knithound! Keep your fingers crossed!

[Flowerdancer]: Thanks from me, too. I will email you via Ravelry about my charitabl work...same ID as this one. Bye!

[LynnP]: You have a great career ahead of you. Good Luck

[ldfull@yahoo.com]: Thanks I learned so much, today and as a newbie I need as much as I can get.

[JARED]: One more good questions I just received via e-mail regarding the mittens: from Anshan - asking how to avoid a gap between mitten and thumb when you're working.

[Sue P]: Enjoyed the chat! Thanks for sharing your insights with us - I'm looking forward to more gorgeous designs from you!

[PattyK]: Thanks for sharing your knowledge. You have much talent!

[JARED]: This is a common occurence with thumbs that are worked later, or armholes for seamless sweaters that will be worked afterwards: often there is a small hole or gap where you joined in your yarns. I like to leave a generous tail when I join in, which I'll then use during finishing as a thread to close up those pesky holes. It's easy to camouflage them if you try to mimic the stitch patterns surrounding them, and be sure to work primarily on the WS

[dorriem]: Just one more question. I have trouble with getting my projects to fit. What is the ratio between the knitted measurements in the instructions and the actual measurements of your body.

[JARED]: Thanks for all the kind comments! Are there any other questions before we wrap up today?

[bd]: I will be reading your blog!

[MarkO]: Thanks for the advice today (as one bloke knitter to another). Good luck and can't wait for the next blog entry and your additions to ravelry.

[tamarajo]: Thanks for sharing your knitting with the world via blog, and not keeping it secret. Looking at your work is always an inspiration to me!

[JARED]: Dorrie - ease and fit have a big learning curve. Trial and error teaches a lot, but to give some advice - the relationship of ease and fit has to do largely with the weight of yarn you're using, as well as they style you're going for. The heavier weight your yarn, the more ease you will want to leave for a comfortable fit, generally. For classic fitting garments at a worsted weight for example, any where from 3-6 inches of ease usually is a nice fit that doesn't look too baggy. Knitted fabric is forgiving too, so you don't need to split hairs between fractions of an inche when planning your garment!

[dorriem]: What wonderful advice Hope to hear from you again.

[Marilyn Mc]: As a wanna be knitwear designer this has been sooooo helpful. At least I know I'm on the right track. Thank you so much for this live chat.!!!!

[JARED]: Thanks everyone - one quick note about the GreenAutumn/Druid pattern: there is a small errata regarding the thumb portion of the chart on VK's site - here's the link as a heads up : http://www.vogueknitting.com/pattern_help/corrections/2008_fall.aspx

[JARED]: Keep with it, Marilyn!

[JARED]: Thanks everyone - it's great to get a chance to chat a bit, and I really appreciate all the support!

[JARED]: Happy knitting!

[tikru]: :)

[ldfull@yahoo.com]: Happy Knitting!!