A friend taught me to knit when I was 16 or 17. I enjoyed it, but all I ever made was lumpy stockinette scarves. Still, I enjoyed knitting from time to time. In my first semester of college, a professor told the class that she would never want her daughters to be "the kind of women who knit." My creative hobby was transformed into an embarrassing, antifeminist activity. I put down my needles for the next seven years.
Then in 2015, I decided to knit a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles blanket (similar to this, but knit) for my nephew. It turned out nice, but the project didn't spark enough joy for me to knit regularly again.
A couple years later, I came across the How Cold Is It mittens and gave them a shot. My project was a mess, but I really wanted to perfect them. It took several more years before I finally finished them in 2022. Now confident that I could learn techniques beyond knitting and purling - and aware of the world of beautiful yarns beyond Michael's - I began knitting more and more.
I have lots to learn, but I'm excited about it!
The same friend from high school also drug me to a weaving class in 2023. We used SAORI looms, which were fantastic. I ended up buying an Ashford Knitter's Loom later that year. I'm not great at weaving, and I don't have a ton of patience for anything other than the most basic projects. But it is fun to play with color and texture. I have some ideas for new projects that I'm excited to try.
Mindy's Socks
Yarn: Fathoms Below by Cashmere and Coconuts (main), Wintergreen sock mini by KelliInTheMiddle (contrast)
Pattern: Library Socks by The Kitchen Sink Shop
Finished: May 2024
Notes: This was my second pair of Library Socks in a row. I liked the variation in the pattern. Somehow, K2P2 botthers me a lot less than K1P1.
Self-Striping Socks
Yarn: Regia Arne + Carlos Lofoten in Roest (4011)
Pattern: Vanilla Socks on 9" Circulars by Crazy Sock Lady
Finished: March 2024
Notes: This was my second-ever pair of socks. I tried to match the stripes. Not perfect, but I'm good with it. Really like the yarn - I had a mini shopping spree at the Mall of America and bought it at a yarn store there. Also bought some Malabrigo that I tried (and failed) to learn brioche knitting with. Maybe one day!
Wishmaker Mitts
Yarn: Knit Picks Palette in Majestic (MC), Hyacinth (CC1), and White (CC2)
Pattern: Wishmaker Mitts by Erica Heusser Designs
Finished: December 2023
Notes: I made these for Kayla, who loves dandelions. The pattern was fun yet challenging. Look closely, and you'll see a few mistakes in the pattern on the palms. I'm a lazy knitter, and I don't like going backwards. I don't mind it, though. If I made these again, I'd probably figure out a way to go up in size.
Birthday Cake Scarf
Yarn: Hobbii Candy Pop in Regular Rainbow (warp), Knitpicks Hawthorne DK in Confetti Speckle (weft)
Pattern: None
Finished: June 2024
Notes: This was the first weaving project I began with an actual plan in mind. It was inspired by a woven scarf I saw on a Facebook group where someone used a novelty ladder yarn for the warp. The Candy Pop isn't ladder yarn, but I liked its texture and primary colors. I'm happy with the way the yarns worked together, though overall the project is not what I envisioned. The scarf is quite stiff and not quite long enough. If I don't use it as a scarf, I'll use it as a table runner or something.
I have a lot of the Candy Pop left (it took less than I thought to warp my loom), so I might try this project again with the Confetti Speckle in fingering weight. Not sure if it would help. I will also figure out a way to make my warp longer (I'm limited by the length of my table). And I'll make the fringe look less ugly!
Halloween Scarf
Yarn: KnitPicks Palette in Kumquat Heather, French Lavender, Limeade Heather, White, Black, and Semolina.
Pattern: Haunted House Cowl by Stephanie Lotven
Finished: September 18, 2024
Notes: This was so fun to knit, and it used up a good amount of the KnitPicks Palette yarn I have stashed. When I first opened the pattern, I was put off by the new-to-me stitches required for the first couple of sections. But the video instructions made it easy, and I'm super happy I learned them.
The colorwork sections were larger than any I've done in the past. But because there was a pattern to them, it felt easier on this project. There are still some bumpy sections even after blocking, so I guess I still need to work on my tension.
I did block the project to the dimensions in the instructions, but it still seems a bit small. I was hoping for a more voluminous cowl like the example. But still, it's wearable and cute. Now I just have to keep my fingers crossed that the weather cools down enough for me to wear it!
New Zealand Souvenir Hats
Yarn: Brushtale Upcycled Merino in Azure
Pattern: Classic Cuffed Hat by Purl Soho
Finished: October 5, 2024
Notes: My husband and I traveled to New Zealand this past February. It was a lifelong dream for both of us, and we had an amazing time. Of course, I had to buy some yarn to bring home with me as my souvenir. That included two 50g balls of this Brushtale yarn. The fabric makeup is 70% merino and 30% brushtail possum fur. The possums are invasive in New Zealand, wreaking havoc on the native wildlife. I believe the government has some initiatives to eradicate possums and other predators.
This yarn is a byproduct of those initiatives. It's super soft and knit up beautifully. It has a nice halo that adds good texture. And the Azure color is gorgeous. The pom pom on the left hat is also made from possum fur. I would not typically gravitate towards fur, but I felt this was an ethical choice given the environmental destruction possums are causing in New Zealand.
Anyway, I love how these hats turned out - one for me, and one for my husband. My only regret is that I don't have more of this yarn in all of the colors. Sadly, my suitcase space was extremely limited. Shipping from New Zealand is quite expensive, so I'm not sure if I'll ever get any more. If you're a kiwi who would like to do a product exchange with an American, hit me up. I'm also dying for some Whittaker's Hokey Pokey Crunch! :)