38: The Yarn Didn’t Change. The Knitter Did.

In this first Stranded Thought of 2026, Anne reflects on something she noticed while working on a long-awaited new design – the Eternity Sweater. Using the same yarn, the same needles, and the same techniques she worked with five years ago when designing the Eternity Shawl, Anne discovered that the fabric had changed. Her gauge had shifted – quietly, consistently, and without drama. This short episode is a reflection on experience, awareness, and why knitting doesn’t stand still – even when we think we’re doing everything the same way. In this episode, Anne talks about: Working with the same yarn across different projects and years How gauge can change over time, even for experienced knitters Why swatching isn’t insecurity – it’s responsibility How experience shows up in the fabric before we name it as growth A grounded reminder that the yarn didn’t change – but the knitter did.