And so the days are filled...
If it is a last minute decision (most of them are because I just finished something and need something new) then I just look at what I own already, pick something that suits my mood and then go find a pattern for it. If I'm planning something, like a sweater, it usually waits until I find the yarn I want on sale somewhere.
I used to generally knit whatever I felt like knitting at the time, but then I got frustrated that there were too many socks, not enough sweaters, and too many random things. So for 2008, I made a list. I'm free to cast on for other things as they appeal, but it turns out that the st st sleeves of my husband's Dale sweater are easier than many socks, and just as portable. Since that's on my list, why not work towards something larger?
great post! as you know i am definitely not the right person to ask questions such as these as i have been known to occassionally wile away an hour or two discussing future projects with you.
btw - arisaig will hopefully get finished one day...maybe in autumn when the weather cools down and i can think more clearly!
btw- i forgot to add that these projects in my/your/our combinded heads are always perfect because not only do i find the perfect yarn and pattern combination, but also when i finish them they fit me wonderfully and i look drop dead gorgous in them of course.
This is an excellent question. Most projects I have mulled around in my head for an age before I actually start them (many of which are projects I have the yarn for). And then there are gift knits, which I try to start well ahead of time to avoid the rush to finish deadline that makes knitting far less enjoyable. Weather is a factor but fortunately I have a cool house and a fan! Might have to post on this myself once I've gathered my thoughts more!
These are my favorite kinds of posts. I would have to think hard to formulate a true answer - it might be easier to go through what I've knit in the last year and why, although that is a blog post in itself. Lately, I've been driven completely by my own imagination and designing things from the yarns in my stash. That is probably the best feeling that I can have when knit dreaming. I'm trying to be ever more mindful about what I knit and why, although that does not in any way exclude the spontaneous. I think the best projects are often completely spontaneous, whether from patterns or designs. Have a wonderful New Year!
Excellent observations on the "project in my head" situation, and some very good questions about how to decide what to knit next. I think you've managed to summarise all the potential reasons why a particular project may be the one you pick, but that still leaves wide open the whole question of which project will you start next!
I guess it's going to be whichever you feel the strongest desire for (although if the one you choose doesn't match your mental state, then in my experience it will only be a fleeting knit excursion before you come to your senses and start something else).
Happy decision making (and cricket watching)
I mull over projects for ages and ages and then end up being quite impulsive about what actually gets started. Eg: I have wanted to knit pomotamus socks for so long and really do think i will but I never seem to get to it because new socks are generally cast on with three criteria:
1. Is it a gift? Got to be a quick knit (often)
2. What suits the yarn?
3. Need instant mood enhancement so choose something pretty and offering immediate gratification.
None of these are criteria that allow for what I think of as difficult sock knitting. So I think this is why I haven't knit pomotamus yet.
But I will.
Great post. Very well thought out!
I have no real answers for you but what a great and thought provoking post Meg!
I have a long queue of "somedays" and basically it's whatever strikes my fancy that comes next. I must add tho that I am a 2 project only knitter with no UFOs (I gave that blasted FPS away so it doesn't count!)
Oh I really enjoyed this post!
I spent today at one of the local (-ish) yarn stores with my fellow river stitchers for the year-end sale. What to buy? What projects did I want to do?
Honestly, I cast on what appeals to me at the moment (unless I have gift knitting deadlines) and I always have at least 5 projects on the needles anyhow. I am starting to think about knitting ahead of the season, so I have items to wear that year.
Thanks for this post - well written and thought out indeed.
Great post! Last year I had a goal (will post on this soon) to have no more than 2-3 projects on the needles at a time. That way I can finish something in a reasonable amount of time; the goal seemed to help. I just finished all of my longstanding UFOs with that pesky camisole, LOL, so I'm at an interesting place...nothing hanging over my head that I feel I have to finish. It's been that way for the last two knitting years, pushing to get the difficult projects finally off the needles.
I've got 2 projects going now, both pretty easy, and when they are done, I'm going to knit a few projects in my mental queue for which I've already bought both yarn and pattern. And depending on how long they take, I'll go through the patterns and choose what I'm in the mood for at that time and go buy yarn. I don't have a big stash, so anything larger than a scarf requires some shopping.
Of course, when July comes, I'll be starting something new regardless!!!
My knitting usually consists of a combination of projects; some that are needed for goals, some because I love the pattern, and some because I want to try new things. I try to keep a cap on my WIP's so they don't out-man me and take over my house, but I knit what interests me. If I'm bored, I usually don't finish it.
I can completely relate to you and KAL's. I am reluctant to join--but I gotta say the Mystery Shawl #3 was one that I enjoyed... loved the lace project and the yarn that I was using, as well as the mystery aspect of the project.
What's next? The designs in my head. I need an extra pair of hands and more knitting time.
Thanks so much for your comment on my Sydney design. It means a lot coming from someone in Australia!
Hi Meg! What a carefully thought out post and relevant for me as I need a new project. I have 2 yarns in my stash. I'm not a big stash person. I bought 3 different yarns last year in Feb and one set in June and I think that's it. I've now finished up two of them, so just have 2 left. I've been looking on Ravelry for a pattern. I don't know if you'll remember me from the tour de France kal, but that was when I started my Norwegian sweater, which I just finished. you can see it if you check my blog again.
Happy new Year!!!
Cecile
Ever watched West Wing, seasons 1 and 2? (It's so amazing in those 2 seasons--even season 3 is good, but 1 and 2 are near-perfect.) Anyway, the president does a "What's next" think that's one of his quirks.
You're going to do great things this year, whatever you choose! Can't wait to see it.
Commenting by HaloScan
