The beginning of 2022 started off really great for knitting projects and then for some reason it all grounded to a halt. I completed quite a few really great knits that have been in the wip basket for quite some time and then started some completely new ones too, but I wanted to share here what I did complete through 2022 along with what I want to do this year.
- I completed the Simply the Vest pattern in Emerald from Lauren Aston Designs (LAD). Unfortunately, I completed this a tad too late to enjoy it in the remnants of winter last year but I’m really happy with how it turned out.
- I then went on to make the Dreamy Oversized Cardigan, also from Lauren Aston Designs. I made this in Ruby and it turned out great but I have only recently unpicked it all. Strange as that might sound, I didn’t get as much use of the pattern as I had hoped. It was heavier than I had thought it would be and it would continuously catch on things as I wore it which then made me not want to wear it. On top of that, it was super bulky to store so I had to cut my loses with it. Not entirely though, I am hoping to knit either the Knit me Right Round or Bobbie Bomber pattern from LAD with the Ruby yarn that I have unpicked.
- I completed a Miffy stuffy pattern which turned out better than I had thought -I can’t really elaborate further on this as it turned out to be a relatively painless project for me.
- I finally completed the Bubble-stitch cardigan by Paintbox yarns! After a lot of mistakes, I completed it in the correct sizing, colours and not a single mistake on the final product; which I am really proud of. I completed it in the Simply Super Chunky yarn by Paintbox Yarns, in colours Red Rose and Bubblegum Pink. I will say, it’s quite a chunky thing to store but it’s so cozy and because of the colours I feel like it’s a piece I can get away with wearing all year round.
- This was a rushed one but my mother requested I make a crown for the jubilee so I adapted this pattern and got to work. Like I say, this was a total rush but it turned out okay-ish.
- I finished this Beaded Summer Knit top by Kendall Rose. I think I used a Midnight Blue yarn by Paintbox yarn for this which really helped keep it colourful and make the beads pop. The only problem with this yarn for me is that I wished I’d figured out the spacing of the beads a bit more as I personally think there are too many beads so it screams summer holiday and I think that makes it a bit less wearable.
- I made this little pumpkin man by Sarah Louise Read. I do want to try make him a companion but it’s not something that I’m in a rush to do.
- I did try out a pattern for a baby cardigan but started experiencing some wrist pain which caused me to pause the project. This is something that I would like to keep trying out and make some cute little items but for now I have my heart set on other things.
- Hoods! I made my boyfriend the Lewsky hood from the Moon and Turtle: Knitting Patterns with Variations book. This turned out really well -although, I did have some issues wrapping my head around the pattern to begin with. I actually ended up making myself one too which has been a lifesaver during this winter. It took me awhile to get used to how it looks -I’m convinced I look like a thumb when I wear it, but it’s ever so warm and I love it so much.
2023 knitting
- It’s really hard to predict what I will want to knit this year but I’d like to try a mohair/lace pattern of some kind. I’d really love to get Kika’s book, Knit This! 21 Gorgeous Everyday Knit Patterns. I have always admired her patterns and knits -they seem so practical for everyday whilst remaining cute and appealing to the eye. I would like to knit the perfect longer jumper. One that I can wear with leggings or trousers, and that could potentially go with anything; so it needs to be just the right length and in a tone and shape that makes it super versatile.
- This year I really want to focus on more practical, everyday knitting that I can utilise in day-to-day life. The hood that I made myself last year has come in so handy and I absolutely love it. I want to make more pieces such as this that I’ll reach for regularly.
- Not an everyday wear as such, or at least not out in public but -I want to make these checkered pants by Lisa Harvey. I have been thinking about them since last summer when I got lost down a knitting-rabbit hole on instagram. They make me so happy just to look at and I can’t help but be reminded of Elmer the Elephant. I couldnt find the pattern anywhere but got in touch with Lisa through her instagram handle (greenrainknitting) and she sent over the pattern. I have already begun this pattern but I have to admit I am taking my time as I really don’t want to make a mistake with all the colours I want to use.
- Last but not least, there’s a scarf I want to make. I haven’t seen it but in my mind I know what I want. I want it to be reminiscent of Piet Mondrian in shapes and grids but more so Andy Warhol colours with pinks and turquoise’s. It’s hard to explain but I know what I want in my head so we’ll see how that comes out.
That’s about it for now. I may add a few things along the way -I do typically knit what I want as I go so we’ll see how things go but for now I think that is it. Stay tuned.
Cheerio for now!
withsomejam 