Amy Herzog says You Can Knit That, and goes to prove it with a new book by that name, sharing it with us today on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.
Amy Herzog says she can’t remember a time she didn’t knit, it may have been in Kindergarten or a little before. She says the story goes that she was very active when she was little was taught as a way to slow down. As a kid, she did sweaters, hats, blankets, mittens and gave up all her making hobbies as a ‘cool’ teenager. She does say her family was a maker family, sewing with grandma, including her prom dress …. a Maker Centric Community. In her early twenties, she picked it back up again. She says she has a couple of knit challenges that make it more fun to create clothes than buy. Modifying patterns to fit herself was a short bridge to designing. Of course, with a technical and computer science background (good at math) it may have also contributed to her making that leap. Amy says she was a fan of Rowan Knits, she often found that she had to size things there to fit herself from those collections.
Amy’s desire when designing is to make it more accessible to more sizes of people. It began with a Rowan design that was a wrap, Tulip, by Marie Wallen, that she loved but certain elements needed fixed (‘I am not a capped-sleeved person’) so she drafted set-in sleeves. This incorporated the sewing education she received from her grandmother, and her techie smarts to accomplish. Her first design from scratch was for ‘Knitting It Old School’ who needed someone to design for their Sci-Fi chapter, so she created Apocalypta. (There is another sweater attributed to her, Lady Speedway, in that book.) She felt she knew at that point, she knew what she wanted to knit/create/design.
At about that time, there were lots of bloggers discussing Process Knitting vs Product Knitting, many sharing that they were knitting to create something they weren’t going to wear. Amy acknowledged that was not who she was, her upbringing created in her a need to be useful, to make things to be used. Wanting to wear the garments we create means that they need to fit. Knit to Flatter came from that, not so much about making things fit because there were many resources that did that at the time, but to think about why we like what we do. She wanted to share, not so much size, but shape and what might make you happiest. In fact, the pieces were photographed on ‘Real People’ not models! She also created a Custom Fit Sweater Pattern Generator, which may have been a natural project for the techie person who can show each of us what makes for successful sweater patterns. It begins with a free membership, compiles your measurements, gauge and type of fit then offers to write the pattern for a small charge. There is also the option to create your own which allows you to capture whatever pattern is floating in your head.
The next big project was her Make. Wear. Love. Retreats to focus on being sweater inspired, with craft demonstrations and vendors geared toward clothing. The registration has just opened for the West retreat happening in April 2017. It has been so popular both West and East coast, so it won’t be long before it’s filled.
Now, we have You Can Knit That (I want to type CAN, in all caps! To view the patterns click this Ravelry Link) To 
answer questions students had about how to change things to follow the trends. Different ways to change how to attach the sleeves, what kind of yarn creates a fabric that does what, how to choose a size correctly, where it will constrict, how to add a stitch pattern, how to read a pattern…. She feels her early books went really deep into the tailored clothing, and this goes back to making clothes we like to wear.
Marly loves the way Amy’s brain works, and suggested that Amy should write a book on how to design, which Amy says she’s currently working on…. We’ll have to have her back when that happens!
Amy Herzog can be followed in many places, first her website is AmyHerzog.com, complete with a blog, Ravelry Designer page and Fan Group. She also has a Facebook page, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest. Amy also has Craftsy classes, but Marly’s links are unavailable today, as soon as we have access I will get back to share those…. Also we love sharing them on Facebook, so that’s a good place to watch for those links and other things that support the podcast.
If you missed getting to hear this live it is still available as an archived episode where it aired originally http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2016/11/01/amy-herzog-says-you-can-knit-that or you can listen with your favorite podcast catcher like iTunes or Stitcher Radio. Also Marly has been creating behind-the-scenes video in her Facebook page and sharing them in YouTube as well.
I haven’t been knitting for a long time, but enjoying learning new things. What I’m learning is “I can knit that”
I can Knit I Sweater for myself. I have never tried to knit a sweater for me but I think I can now.
“I can knit that” would be a great way for me to learn more about knitted garnements. Love learning new skills.
I really enjoyed today’s Podcast! I am definitely going to start the class I already signed up for just so I can say “I can knit that!”
I have been an Amy fan for over a year now. I took a fabulous design class with her at Vogue Live, have her Craftsy classes and all of her books, and am currently working on my first Custom Fit pattern. I’d follow her anywhere, like a kid following the Pied Piper. I now for the first time, after almost 60 years of knitting but with no math sensibility, can say “I CAN KNIT THAT!”
Exactly what I need! I can knit that! Thank you for the wonderful words of encouragement on the podcast today.
I am a fairly new knitter and am ready to move beyond scarves and hats. The podcast encouraged me to try a sweater in her book, “I Can Knit That” !
Yes, Yes, Yes
I CAN KNIT THAT … I can, I will, and I do 😀
Oh how wonderful if I win the price
I´m a freelance designer from Denmark
My favorit things to design is toys, baby- and kids clothes.
I wish you all a wonderful, creative and happy autum
Love Amy & her Craftsy classes. She does make it seem so easy to custom fit any sweater design; so I believe that “I Can Knit That”……someday I will
My knitting philosophy has always been “I can knit that”. I love the 2 color work sweaters in your new book.
I’m a crocheter who wants to knit also. I’m sure with your help “I can knit that!”
With a little more knitting practice “I can knit that” beginners sweater by Marly!
I really enjoyed the podcast. i have only completed one sweater so far. So it would be nice to pick up some new techniques. I specially like the cardigans. I can knit that.
I am a huge fan of Amy’s! I have taken her Craftsy class, have some of her books and have knit a custom fit sweater! She is a genius. You can knit that has some wonderful sweaters in it – several look like everyday wardrobe pieces to me.
My problem is that I look at patterns and constantly say “I can knit that!” And I can. But what I need to learn is how to make it fit the body I have and not the body I want.
I’m a new knitter and Amy is very inspiring and she has encouraged me to believe that I can Knit that!
Amy has made me a believer that people of all body types can knit things that not only look great on them but also make them feel great. The Blaze Cardigan is beautiful and “I can Knit That” with Amy’s help.
Loved the show! I CAN knit that. Amy makes it so easy. I’ve tried knitting a few sweater and they all came out too big until I knit one of Amy’s from her custom fit website. I wear it all the time and get lots of compliment on it. Love the new book.
I loved listening to this podcast. I have avoided knitting fitted garments because of my distinctive “curvy girl” bod, but maybe (with the help of a good book) I can knit that!
I love your title “I Can Knit That”, it exudes confidence and desiviness.
Listening to this podcast was almost as good as being back in Amy’s weekend workshop. I Can Knit That was the mantra for the weekend!
Looking at the patterns, I not only know I CAN KNIT THAT, But I am pretty sure that I CAN WEAR THAT also. Does your book give me any more knitting time to knit all the pretties?
Amy said “You can knit that” sweater
“I Can Knit That” ….so many choices…so little time! Beautiful choices in this book!
Loved this podcast. My favorite is The Entangled Raglan – I can knit that!!
Wish you could see me wildly waving my hand and saying “pick me, pick me.” Amy’s designs in this book are fabulous. I love all the mini’s for grandchildren but for myself the Blaze Cardigan!!! I really think “I Can Knit That.” You two had so much fun during this interview. Happiness is contagious. Thank you.
Love the podcast with Amy because of the confidence she installs. Yes, “I Can Knit That”- a sweater that fits & that I love to wear.
I never thought of myself as a knitter but lately have been putting a toe into the water. After hearing Amy, I’m’ looking at that Woodcutter Vest and thinking “I can knit that!”
It’s true, I can knit that!!! I love your work and the help you give us in making our sweaters better. I LOVE knitting sweaters!!
What a great name for a book! I Can Knit That! Really makes a person feel like she/he can be successful.
Really enjoyed this episode of the podcast. Amy really gives everyone the confidence to say,”I can knit that.”
I can knit that, definitely! Love Amy’s positive attitude.
I’ve taken Amy’s fit to flatter class on Craftsy and I know that with Amy’s help, I can knit that!!!
After all my trail and error learning to crochet (including sweaters) my attitude toward knitting is totally: I can knit that!
“I can knit that” is Great…I just have to do some more convincing me of that with sweaters. GREAT interview.
What a great podcast! It makes me think I can knit that!
I can knit that and I can knit anything, as long as I have the time! Thanks for the great podcast Marly and Amy!
I love Amy’s patterns! Everyone leaves me saying I can knit that!
“I can knit that!” Is definitely the best mantra! You really can knit everything if you have enough time.
“I can knit that”! and that, and that, and that, and that. I love knitting everything, and am completely self taught. I used to follow patterns blindly and was always disappointed that the sweater did not fit the way I thought it was going to. Lately I am completely reading the patterns through before starting and working on how to knit specifically for me – tough as I am petite. Receiving Amy’s book would be wonderful!
It was great to listen to your podcast with Amy Herzog! I attended her class, Knit Your First Sweater the following weekend at Vogue Knitting Live in Minneapolis and I now feel more confident that I can knit that!
Awesome podcast again. I believe in “I Can Knit that” as I have done some sweaters on my own, but nothing super fancy. I love that I can learn that insight into garment construction from Amy and maybe experiment with different construction ideas. Thanks again.
Thanks for a great episode. If Amy says I can knit this then I guess I can!!! I really enjoy the way Amy teaches and I can’t wait to get my hands on a copy of this book.
Both you Marly and Amy have been my knitting gurus. You have both showed me that ” I can knit that”
I can knit that sweater and wear it!!! Thanks for the podcast and I plan to use the Custom Fit.
There’s a sweater in the Star Wars Episode 1 movie which I thought was really cool and thought, “I can knit that!” I haven’t yet but it’s still in the back of my mind.
My first sweater was made fory husband and it fit fairly well until It got wet to be blocked. Then it grew and grew. Someday I will re knit it. Being a super large woman, I am afraid of trying to knit a sweater for me. Now I know about blocking your swatch and listening to Amy makes me feel like I could say, “I can knit that”.
I really enjoyed the podcast episode with Amy. I love the idea of having a custom-fit sweater pattern. I might just have to convince myself that I can knit that!
After looking at the pictures on the cover, I bet I can knit that came to mind for several of them. Another interesting show, Thanks Marly and Tami for keeping all of us in knitting land up to date with the latest.
Great interview! With Amy’s help, I always know “I can knit that”
I’m glad I could look at the rigging sweater and say ‘I can knit that’. I love all of Amy’s work. Can’t wait to check out this book.
It has taken me years of saying I can’t knit to change my thinking and say “I can knit that”. Thanks for the inspiration.
Amy’s designs are great, and looking at many of them I think “I can knit that.” Thanks for another great interview.
Loved this interview and Amy’s positive attitude. I can knit that should be every knitter’s motto!
I can knit that, especially if I am lucky enough to win her book!
I worked my way slowly into knitting after being a lifelong crocheter. I am getting to the point where most of the time I can say “I can knit that!” but fit is still a challenge.
It was so fun to listen to Amy on the podcast. I can’t decide which of her books I want to get first – “I Can Knit That” or “Knit to Flatter”. I definitely want to try the Custom Fit Pattern Generator. Thanks!
With her book I’ll be able to say ” I can knit that!”
I love learning about new resources that give knitters the confidence to say “I can knit that!”
I just started listening to your podcast. I really enjoy it. I learned that I can knit that!
I have been following Amy for a long time and have a couple of her books but now I need the new one so I can say “I can knit that” Great show, Ladies
After listening to Amy, and with her book I know that I will be able to look at any pattern and say ‘I can knit that!’
Since I am more of an accessory knitter, it’s nice to hear someone tell me “I can knit that” when it comes to garments! Thank you!
I want to drink Amy’s koolaid so I can confidently say, “I can knit that!” I have had mixed results with my sweater making and I would really like to have more successes than mediocre finishes. Thanks for such a wonderful podcast.
I really enjoyed this episode. I am a HUGE Amy Herzog fan. I have her other books so this would complete my library. I recently had a last minute opportunity to go to Rhinebeck so I had to get over my fear and make a sweater but I just jumped in, found a simple pattern and thought “I can knit that!”
I can knit that, Because Amy will guide us through step by step on our journey.
I am in the process of attempting to knit my first sweater using Amy’s method and pattern. I have to keep telling myself that ‘I Can Knit That’ all the time. So far it has been an easy start. Loved the podcast today and thanks to Marly, Amy and Tammy.
I was so excited that I was home and able to listen to this podcast IRL! Plus, I now have three of Amy’s books, two Craftsy classes, and I’m taking two of her classes at Madrona. I know I can knit that – that being a sweater.
I am afraid to knit more than hats and scarfs. Would love to read your books so I can say I can knit that.
I’ve been expanding my knitting repertoire this past year, and it’s been so nice! For so long I stuck to basic knit and purl, but learning some lace stitches and getting more confident with color working really has me feeling like “I can knit that!” when I look through patterns.
I love Amy Herzog’s patterns and ideas. Amy and the “I can knit that” is empowering!
I can’t wait to find out how I can knit that from Amy’s book. If I don’t win it I am for sure going to buy it!!
I am so happy to have seen this podcast on your you tube channel that I subscribe to because # 1 I have learned many things from you Marly but I am a self taught knitter and crocheter and have been doing both for many many years making and designing for my loved ones but fearful to actually make something to wear for myself (also a plus size woman) So; when I hear of Amy’s book I am so excited and do believe that I will be able to create a sweater that I can actually wear! I CAN KNIT THIS! Thanks Again for the podcasts. I will be looking for more of them.
Every sweater in this book are ones that I would say “I CAN knit that” and I would actually knit all of them. The styles are right up my alley.
Hi Marly and all!
What an amazing mind that Amy has! With her new book I know that “I CAN KNIT THAT” and anything else to come across my needles!
Thanks for having such great guests on your podcast.
Rose.
Hi! I am a big Amy Herzog fan. I love her positive attitude and approach to creating sweaters that compliment our bodies. I picked out a sweater – big move for me! With Amy’s guidance and encouragement, I know that I can knit that!
I know ” I can knit that” cuz of all your beautiful patterns and wonderful information!
I am confident that “I can knit that”; however, I am not confident that my family could figure out how to do their own laundry, errands, food prep, cleaning up after themselves.
I’m hoping someday to have the confidence to say…I can knit that!
I can knit that!
I can knit that! My best advice to friends is stop wearing bags to hide your shape. Now we need to learn how to shape our knitwear.
I can knit that (but perhaps been leaving replies in wrong spot!). Great show Marly and would like to learn more from Amy Herzog
Fell a little behind on episodes, but I just wanted to say that Amy gave me the confidence to say “I can knit that!” I’m currently working on my first CustomFit cardigan with high hopes that it will be my first sweater that fits! Thanks Marly for the great podcasts!
My mother always said “Can’t, can’t do anything”. So true a positive attitude can make all the difference in the things we accomplish. I Can Knit That! Should be every knitters battle cry! Getting caught up on m listening…..you know I would hate to miss anything!
I can Knit A Sweater. That is my goal for 2017. I have never made myself a sweater and I think it is time that I do.
Love hearing Amy on the show again. And can’t wait to dig into I Can Knit That and learn more about kntting garments, there’s always more to learn!
I had the joy of taking a class with Amy last year. I don’t think I could ever get enough of learning from her. She does gives the confidence that “I can knit that”
Yes, I can knit that. It’s the attitude I take as I knit any new knitting project.
I think “I can knit that” is a great knitting motto, right along with EZ’s “Knit on with confidence and hope.”
I am so behind on listening to your podcasts. I hope I am not too late for the Amy Herzog giveaway. This was a great interview. When I looked through her patterns, I kept telling myself, “I can knit that”.