How have the first couple weeks of January been treating you?
Our holidays were pretty good here, but I'm happy to be past the get-togethers and "big" holidays because my introvert soul needs alone time.
In this recharging period, I've been sifting through crafting patterns and Pinterest boards to find focus for yarn crafts, my small business, housework, and gardening. I think I've come up with some attainable plans for them now, too.
Let's start with the yarn-related ones.
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Diving Into Wearables
I've probably been influenced by Knitty Natty and Alt Knots for this, but I'm interested in wearables beyond hats and scarves this year.
I got a taste of it with the first pair of socks I made for Sockmas 2022 (see that wild ride unfold here and here) and now I want more. I want to improve that skill and branch out into making things like sweaters. Yes, socks and sweaters are two different creatures, however they are similar in their repetitiveness, you know? One sleeve needs its identical counterpart like a sock needs its mate. You end up practicing your new methods twice through to get a complete set.
My idea is to start simple and build upon my capabilities with every pattern. That way, I'm challenging myself but also keeping things doable instead of trying to do my Big Fish projects right away.
"Big Fish Projects?" You say. "What are those?"
I'm glad you asked.
Big Fish Projects
I'm unofficially naming "I desperately want to make this" projects for the year Big Fishes. These are the projects with techniques I know nothing or very little about. They require lots of practice before confidently taking them on. They also require patience and an investment in special yarn. Granted, every project building up to them will need patience, but the complexity of the Big Fishes will make those seem easy...ish.
Now, let me show you those Big Fish:
The Holly Sweater for Adults by Knitting For Olive (paid pattern)
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Dolly Sheep Sweater by Hobbii Yarn (free pattern)
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Lobster & Crab Socks by Pia Cooperman (paid pattern)
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You may've been expecting more than three projects, but I'm keeping things realistic for me. Since this is a new skill, I don't think I'd be able to complete more than three colorwork projects within the year. I'd rather keep my plate small than try to do too many all at once.
You may've also noticed a trend to these projects: colorwork!
I love the way people use yarn to stitch gorgeous scenes and quirky characters. It's fun to see a variegated yarn become a sunset behind silhouetted trees, or when multiple colors stitch up to make rows of ducks on a sock. I've done very little colorwork in the past, and definitely nothing as structured as the socks and sweaters above, but I'm up for the challenge.
Each of the Big Fish are for a certain timeframe, by the way: Lobster and Crab Socks for August, Holly Sweater for winter, and the Dolly Sheep sweater is up for debate. I'm not sure when I'd like to have that sweater done, so it may float throughout the year. The other two I know for sure I'd like done by those times, especially the Lobster socks.
There is an annual Lobster Festival that takes place in a town not far from our family cabin in Maine. It takes place around the second week in August. There's a parade, pancake breakfasts, lobster dinners, and a craft fair. I'd love to be a vendor this year with Eleventh Month Design. Wearing lobster-themed socks would be a nice nod to the event, and I feel like they'd give me extra courage to apply.
As for the Holly Sweater, I've been on the hunt for a subtle holiday sweater pattern to try. When I saw this one by Knitting For Olive, it was perfection. The holly yoke is just what I was looking for, and the fun bonus? There's also a children's version you can buy! Eee! Maybe one day I'll match a little one. For now, I'll make it for myself.
These won't be the only pieces I make this year. I'm going to be building my skills with progressively more complicated patterns before doing my Big Fish. This is where my practice patterns come into play... which I'll share those with you in my next post!
If you follow me on Instagram, you'll have seen a sneak peek of the yarn I'm using for one of them. If you're not, be sure to click that "Follow" button!
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