I’ve been slowly knitting on and off for the first three months of this year. My elbow was bothering me and I knew it was because of knitting, so the only proper thing I could do is rest. So instead of voraciously knitting, I’ve been reading again. My friend Kiki got me to read Rebecca Yarros’ Fourth Wing and Iron Flame books and then immediately turned me on to Sarah J. Maas and her fantasy world. Since November I’ve been all about the fantasy + romance series, even switching over to audiobooks while I knit (Kindle’s Whispersync function is beautiful, it automatically syncs where I read and where I listen to audiobooks of my texts without me having to do a thing). But even though I felt like I wasn’t knitting, I quietly have been!
So far in 2024, I’ve finished seven projects! I started Kendell’s Montrealer in December but finished it in January and made Kiwi a coordinating version. I’ve made myself two cardigans so far, the Baseline cardigan that I’ve talked about and I just finished the Rosemary cardigan. And I whipped up another Boxed Pullover while my bestie Jessica started one, along with the Geometer sweater I wanted to make just to use that really bright boucle. I also made a vest with some yarn I’ve lovingly held onto for a few years and decided I needed to knit something that would make me smile with it. I just haven’t taken any real finished object pictures to share, just a few dirty bathroom mirror selfies LOL.
This year I have two goals: 1. Knit myself more cardigans because they’re really what I want and need most in my wardrobe. 2. Use up a lot of my yarn and patterns I’ve been collecting over the years. Of course I am a yarn hoarder, my collection of yarn is insane and my collection of books and patterns is even more monstrous. But this year I’m trying to be more intentional and not impulsive about what I make and what I buy. I have more yarn that I can knit with in a lifetime, but I need to start knitting more with what I have and stop adding on to the pile. It’s so hard to do when all the yarn is just so pretty! My girlfriends and I did an overnight in Philadelphia for their yarn crawl and I bought yarn and I bought yarn on a recent trip to Boston. I’m going to try to restrain myself during MD Wool and Sheep too and hopefully only buy something if it really screams my name and I know what I want to knit with it.
I’ve already cast on a new cardigan, the Corran cardigan, and I’m knitting it in a Cotton and Wool blend from Lamb and Kid called Cottage Worsted in the French Hen color. I haven’t knit a lace pattern in a while and it’s an easy pattern to knit on in the evenings when I want to unwind. I’m also in my transitional yarn season and have been pulling out the lighter weight yarns to knit some lighter weight tees and tank tops for myself. I’ve even got some cotton boucle yarn I’m itching to find the perfect pattern for so I can make something with it this summer.
So yes, I’m still here and knitting. Just taking my time and enjoying every stitch. What great patterns are you working on right now?
Yards of Happiness 
I’m always happy to hear what you’re up to 😊 carry on and knit…after all it’s a happy place to be!
Souvenir yarn doesn’t count does it? It falls in the outside-the-stash column as if it were a Starbucks Boston mug or St. Patrick’s Day gnome/leprechaun or something. After more than a decade in my stash some yarns have finally bubbled up to the top of my knitting consciousness enough to suggest themselves as garments, mostly vests (sweaters that will be vest-ified by leaving off the sleeve directions, and then reimagined as slip-ons). And all those single balls are perfect as cowls (I’m done with hats). Great lap and airplane knitting. So by my death there should only be enough yarn left to make, say, about 5 dozen sweaters. And about 50 cowls. So you, being younger, should be ahead of my game, Dana.
I have to laugh because I just got my husband the Boston Starbucks mug 🤣
That is funny. I’m working on a Juneau mug, but would have to take a cruise to get it. Such a sacrifice. Love your boxed pullover, particularly those shorter sleeves. Climate warming:).
Wow, you HAVE been busy! Love the hoodies — both Kendell’s & Kiwi’s! And your Boxed Pullover is a “first cousin” to the Fibonacci sequence pullover I just finished (only mine’s in shades of teal).
Always love to see your FOs and read about the process. And it’s good to know I’m not the only knitter seriously trying to use up that SABLE. Keep us posted!
My, you’ve been busy, Dana, and making beautiful pieces!
I’m on my second sweater this year and hope to finish this weekend. Both are the same pattern—a plain scoop neck pullover with a (new to me) English-tailored set-in sleeve. Probably it was the mild (temperature-wise) winter that prompted these. The first is made up in Kelbourne Yarns Camper (blue heather), and the second is in John Arbon Yarnadic (Les Fleurs). For both, I had to go up in size to accommodate the gauge I preferred. And I’m teaching a friend to knit! That might be my most fun project!
You are smart to take a rest from knitting and allow your body to heal. Meanwhile, enjoy the bliss of looking through your patterns and stash. So many ideas will surely bubble to the surface!
Hugs, my dear!
Doesn’t all yarn scream ????
I love these!!! . I have didnt knit much this quarter because of other obligations. I so identify on the stash. I need to spin too. I have amassed a stockpile of life time fleece. I love your sweaters. I have a pile of books on my shelves I will give attention to. Seriously love all of your sweaters. On a snowy day today in NY sweaters Rule!
Wow, you have gotten a stunning number of projects done!! I’ve been knitting lots of hats for donation, but seeing your sweaters makes me want to cast on a couple right away. There is a big yarn festival in my area next week (Interweave Yarn Fest) and I’m pretty sure that the yarn of my dreams will be waiting for me there… I am trying to get lots of yarn out of the stash this year (see above, donated hats) and I gave away stacks of knitting books, but it is so hard to resist the great stuff that appears on the Ravelry feed. I’m working on Joji Locatelli’s La Prairie right now and dying to get to the final color in the fade as I work down the body.
🧶🧶 so good to hear from you! I also am knitting cardigans 🤩
You are SO prolific! I just started a “sleepy kitty” for my daughter’s friends, whose new baby will probably arrive when we are there in a few weeks. And I’m knitting a Traveler shell (which is more of a cardigan) as well.