First, admin stuff. A small note on comment moderation on fiction posts: all the comments are read, so if the comment has been left up, that means we are cool with it.
I keep starting and dropping various creative projects. I was going to paint in photoshop, so I made a planet to put in the sky.
Cool, huh? Apparently, that’s as far as I got. There is no painting, just the planet. I have 3/4 of a sweater and 1/4 of a shawl, both now abandoned in a knitting basket. I have 70% of a watercolor painting, which I decided to drop because it is not turning out the way I hoped.
But now I also bought this.
It’s fingering yarn with shiny. There is awesome shiny. I got it on sale, mostly because I was drooling over it and Gordon told me to buy it. And I said, “But what will I make out of it?” and he said, “Yarn makes you happy. I want my wife to be happy.”
Since wife word was used, I bought the yarn. And I already had some of the same type of yarn. Here is my loot artistically displayed.
So now for a very important question: what can I do with this awesome yarn that I will actually finish. The finishing is an issue.
I thought of changing it up and crocheting this pattern by CJ Brady.
But what would I do with it? Would I ever wear it?
I also thought of doing this pattern from Yarns at the Border.
But I don’t know if it would with estrellita as well.
I also could just do this Garndling, which will be basically mindless.
But again, will I ever wear it?
It feels very important to finish something. I need to accomplish something besides baking. Thoughts?
I always think when making something do I know someone who would like it. That way I’m making a present for someone and it gives me motivation for finishing it. If I’m just making something for myself I can always wait. and I don’t really NEED it so eventually all projects become “why bother”. If after I finish it, I want to keep it no one will know that I started it for someone else.
You are absolutely a genius.
Thank you for giving me fuel to get a few projects finished.
I wonder if I could figure out a similar solution to unfinished home improvement projects.
I do this as well. It’s a way to be creative without cluttering up the house. You can do blankets for babies at hospitals with is so internally rewarding. You could do a scarf and take to a nursing home after the epidemic. But do what you want and what makes you feel good.
The color palette that you have chosen is one that I really like. Personally, I love the pattern from Yarns at the Border. It seems more versatile to me and something I could use year around. When you finish it, feel free to contact me for my address so you can send it to me. Thank you!
I adore your yarn choices. I like the mindless option but it may be the middle pick would be more fun and thus keep you going until done. Have fun deciding!
All of the options are beautiful, but these days I would choose mindless. With all the change, mindlessly making something with soft pretty yarn is so soothing.
Wait, people finish yarn projects?
Also, baking is an accomplishment.
If you’re going to make a shawl, I vote for the second one….
If you’re looking for something quick to finish, how about a pair of fingerless gloves? Or those half-mitten things I forget the name of…. recently I bought some nice part mohair yarn with sparkly bits and make a pair, it’s quick and easy to finish, and without fingers you could wear them while typing 🙂 I’d offer a pattern but I crochet, not knit. And someday I will finish a matching scarf….
Make a dozen of those planets and you can sell them as a set of assets on Unity, that one is great!
The yarn is pretty enough that what ever you make could be a nice wall hanging. It doesn’t have to be something you wear…
Yarn makes you happy Gordon is a smart good man who wants you happy.
Go with that. Make what makes you happy. Then gift, give or giveaway what you make (friends, family, readers, shelters you’re getting the idea right).
Share your joy.
+1 That was my thought too! I vote for a pretty sparkly lace wall hanging. That way you can see it frequently and be happy, not just wear it infrequently. Or, you could back the lace with a nice contrasting color (or even a similar color for more blending in and less pop) and make a gorgeous pillow with it. ????
+1
Would it help to approach it as a gift for someone else rather than something for you to wear? Then you don’t have to worry about ‘if’ or ‘when’ you would wear it. Let it be someone else’s problem and just a pleasant way to spend your time. It a accomplishes your need to finish a project and gives joy. I am sure Gordon can use it in his wardrobe. 😉
Good luck. I’m a quilter, and my fabric stash is sooo much bigger than my stack of finished projects. I see fabric in the store and say, “It’s pretty.” Then I say, “What will I do with it though.” Then I buy it, sometimes several yards, and say, “Well I can always pull it out and look at it.” That’s always a valid option.
Make something that will make you smile wether you wear it or not. Gordon’s loving comment has already imbued the yarn with his warmth. Go wrap yourself in it and enjoy
Sorry, my dear, I am no help. I also have several projects cluttering up my work bags. (Of course, I am just starting to be able to use the broken right wrist…) I can’t get excited about any of them, even though I still like them and do plan to finish them.
Unlike the – ahem, mumble, mumble – year old cape that I should just bind off and make into a cat bed…
I know the idea is to use your gorgeous new yarn. However, if all you need to do is finish *something*, you can always find some cheap yarn and make a hat or some coasters. It might break the ice and get you working again – or the very thought of it may horrify you so much that you’ll skip the crappy project and figure out what you *want* to make.
I am so jealous of that yarn. It’s beautiful and almost certainly wool. All the prettiest ones are – and stupid me is allergic. I live in Houston, too, and wool is too warm for the climate here. Sometimes cotton is too warm for Houston – Hah!
Whatever you decide to do, let see the end product, please. I am always interested in how things come out.
If you want to finish something, then pick something small that won’t take much time, like a hot pad. Just make sure to use cotton yarn.
Whatever you don’t make you can always give away. You have lots of friends, perhaps one of them would be a good fit for one of these patterns. And making stuff for others does add a bit of incentive to finish.
The Ocean Breeze wrap is lovely, very “Missoni”. I would do that one, if I actually knew how to knit.
I’m utterly drooling over your yarn, but… totally useless on that. I’m just happy I managed to get my department meeting project back home, because it’s a good TV project, too. (Such pretty colors!)
I was really productive the first few weeks, but this last week I’ve been a mess. I mean, there was the thunderstorm / power outage / repair trucks in the middle of the night / another thunderstorm combo (and my cats turning into demon children) but that explains maybe one day of it? Though the cold snap makes me feel a little better about being a little behind on the garden… (Ugh, please, just call me up to help with running tests already. Mindless benchword and feeling useful would be awesome.)
First off, I love the yarn!! I crochet and have tons of unfinished projects because I get bored. I do finish them , it just takes a while.
I think the sparkle yarn would look awesome in the crochet pattern. Let us know what you decide!
I cut the grass and hung a door bug net today. Really can’t get my head around only being able to walk the dogs once a day.
I hope everyone keeps safe and we come put the other side.
I like the purple wool btw????????
Yep, I can relate to that dilemma. I’m awful about finishing projects. I have a mermaid blanket (crochet) that I started in September. It has a tail that feet can fit in; those blankets with a decorative tail attached to one side bother me. I’m ALMOST done – have to attach the tail to the blanket now. It’s a graduation present, which is why I started in September so it could maybe be done by May. First big project I will have finished in years! But working on things makes me happy, until I get bored with a given project or excited about a new one. I don’t make things for myself, but I like the scarf and yarn combo that you have. So pretty! It’d be perfect for a convention where temps are never predictable. Once I’m done with this blanket, I’ve got thread bookmarks to make and mail to various friends in other communities. Lots of reading going on right now!
Well, you would actually need a few more colors but have you thought of a temperature scarf?
I am going to make my 35 year old one for the year she was born. You can look them up on Ravelry. Basically, you break the temperature into 5 degree groups and knit one row for each day, 366 rows. The hard part is I need 18 colors. If we would have lived in MN or WI that would be 22 to 25 colors. And you don’t need that much of any one color. I think I will knit mine in a tube and then seal the ends (maybe!)
As far as wearing, maybe donate to a church raffle? Homeless raffle? My friends and family have much knitted stuff and like you I can only wear so many.
I am working three projects at a time due to boredom. Three seems to be a good number for me.
Hang tough everyone and be kind! Thank you both for the great books!
Only 2 unfinished projects? I think I have 8. I have a project that is over 20 years old lol. I don’t wear orange, but I made an incredible soft shawl because it reminds me of orange sherbet. Make what makes you happy, Authorlord.
Well that’s an easy answer. Make the most beautiful shawl. While you are working plan a small party maybe for staff? With Tonight In Bahar-Char (fighting with auto correct but you know) as theme. Wear your gorgeous shawl and be delighted we got thru to the other side.
Go with what makes you happy…..everything you pictured is cool. I don’t knit but my fingers start to twitch when I see cool yarn pics. I’m in the same boat regarding books ….. I’m craving something different. I’ll find it eventually’. Have a great weekend!
I love your shiny yarn, especially the three to the left.
I crocheted two like the last you posted, two triangle scarfs, one white, grey and dark grey, the other one (different pattern) in greens, blues and burgundy.
Don’t know if I ever wear them (often), but I had fun in doing so and I needed it to do at this moment.
Still have a unfinished blanket to knit, but I’m getting there.
Hope you have fun with your yarn also! Love from germany.
Where do you buy your yarn from? I have been getting into crocheting recently, and I think I want to branch away from the big box stores that I have been sourcing my products from. I would very much prefer to go to independent sellers, even moreso given our current situation as I am sure they must be hurting for customers.
The yarn she is showing is from Miss Babs, you can order online at http://www.missbabs.com. Her hand dyed yarn is lovely!
I’m a big fan of her yarn ????
Thanks! I appreciate the reply!
Love all of them but the 1st pic is my favorite. I make straight scarfs that’s all I can knit but I give them away cause I don’t have room in my closet for more and I try to make socks for my grands not very good at it but try
Knit, crochet or weave a small oval to put under your planter that’s shown in your picture. Will probably leave enough yarn to make something else, shouldn’t take much time, and will show the pretty shiny colors even if that’s a flowering plant.
Just an idea.. Make it as a present for a fan? ???? Or a lucky draw kind of thing?
+1
with a smile, we’re a greedy bunch eh
I guess it’s more difficult to figure out wearable knits in warm climates, in scandinavia you can do hats and shawls and scarves forever. Here’s a model I’m building up the courage to try to make: http://mestvirkat.blogspot.com/2012/10/stickad-och-virkad-halsduk.html?m=1
I’ve picked back up on making an Afghan I started when I was a few months pregnant. I only had five strips done of the mile a minute pattern. My child is now 19 months old. I needed something to do when my son is asleep and my husband has us watching yet another random show or series at night with very little light on for me to see my hands. I like that pattern. I’m not yet to the point where I could do any of the patterns you mentioned above. I only make afghans. I do want to say I love the yarn though you have picked and and I like the second pattern the most! I may have to buy some of the beautiful yarn you have been posting one day but I have no clue how many skeins I would need for a decent size blanket in that! Will be a project for another day perhaps. Good luck on finding your next project!
Use large knitting needles, just knit the yarn up (no fancy stitches just a garter one), and give it to someone. I’ve been there with should I make up the yarn, if I do, do I keep what I made or does it go to someone else? This is what happened with a crocheted afghan I made out of Coats and Clark Parrot Stripe yarn. I wasn’t sure if I wanted to keep the afghan or give it away, so I didn’t finish it. Until one day a friend came over to see my place, noticed the afghan, and said “this is so pretty”. I finished it up and gave it to her as a housewarming gift (they moved to Fort Worth from another part of the Dallas area). 🙂
I’m working on a hunter green, tea leaf and green tones (variegated) Coats and Clark afghan. This one I’m thinking of keeping since I don’t have a green of any kind afghan.
I crochet and currently I have a temperature Afghan started with just January done. I have a sports team two color throw started for a kid, I have a red/white/black blankie i started learning Bavarian crochet stitch. I have 1/2 a crochet baby yoda. I stopped and made a dozen face masks. All of these projects and Im just re-reading Hidden Legacy while doing laundry. I should finish something. Your yarn looks beautiful and the wrap would be perfect. Keep it somewhere convenient to grab and throw on.
Unfortunately, I’m not creative or adept at anything crafty, but I love the yarn colors. My mother, however, used to crochet all sorts of things. Since she was more productive than the family would use, many of her works were given to local nursing homes, where the fruits of her labors were not only appreciated, but needed.
I use wraps or shawls frequently. When I go someplace and it’s hot outside but cold inside. My personal go to is cashmere I have a thing for cashmere.
I have to admit to also being bored with the projects I currently have. At first I was excited that I’d have (maybe) a couple of weeks to catch up and get cracking on the perennial “to do” list. Now, almost six weeks in, I can’t get up any enthusiasm. Awesomely beautiful yarn – IMHO it would be gorgeous done as that shawl pattern.
I knit for my own pleasure and relaxation. I don’t worry about what to do with what I knit mostly because I do wear it or perhaps give it to a close family member – if they honestly would like it. That said I’m drooling over your yarn 😉 I have my own wips – (about 3 currently with a backlog of 2 other projects I really want to start).
So if you want to knit to enjoy the colors, tactile sensation of beautiful yarn and have something to do that lets your mind just be – then maybe the last pattern. And enjoy. One can never have too many scarves. 😉
I love these.maybe it gives you some ideas…although im sure there are better pictures you get the idea.
Cao????
Dear Ilona, finishing is awesome. I, myself, find it easier to finish my small projects. Perhaps you could make the easier shawls for gifts to your local charities. Or simply frame the beautiful yarn. It is art just as it is. Thank you for all of your writing.
Nothing wrong with doing something ‘mindless’ or ‘ without purpose’ because it has value in freeing you,allowing your mind to relax. In the end you may end up creating something you seem useful,but if that wasn’t the goal it is refreshing. The writer William Manchester, sick and unable to work on his magnbum opus about Churchill , did some reading on Medieval times, took notes on things that interested him, toyed around with it, for the fun of it, and ended up writing a book he had no intention of publishing for his own enjoyment..that ended up as The world lit only by fire as a published book.
On a related note,they discovered recently yarn used by someone during the age of Neanderthal, shows how long back your question is????
Ooooh pretty! All look like excellent choices, but probably choice number 2? Whatever it will be, it’s going to look awesome. ????
I completely feel you on the knitting front. I LOVE those skeins. When I see cool colors like that, I itch to do socks so I knit socks. I’m not sure if you like to wear socks in Texas so….
Anyway, just saw this cool little shawlette that looked fun and easy to wear: Augustine: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/augustine-shawlette
As to socks, I just knit two different patterns b/c I wanted new heel patterns: Vanilla is the new Black and Sokid. So fun. Just some additional ideas.
And yes, if the colors make you happy, buy them. Happy knitting!
I can sympathize. My knitting mojo was in seriously short supply these last few weeks, mostly as I stressed about, well, everything while also scrambling to help the LYS I work for adapt to stay afloat (have learned more about taking good product photos, photo editing, social media engagement and website upkeep than I ever dreamed possible). I always have a few projects going but I couldn’t really get motivated to work on any of them. Then I said “to hell with it”, went stash diving, and cast on Stephen West’s new Painting Bricks shawl. My color palette is not-quite-rainbow and is bringing me so much joy right now, I honestly don’t care if it ever gets finished. Sometimes it’s just the act of knitting we need (and I’m a pretty dedicated product knitter). I think Painting Bricks would be perfect for that Estrellita; it’s a nice combo of mindless with the interest of changing colors. Whatever you decide to cast on it’ll be gorgeous!
I never wear shawls. I feel the need to start with that statement because I’m about…. 1/4 of a skein away from finished my third shawl of the pandemic. I’m picking super mindless shawls, barely more complicated than a scarf, and I figure I can try to wear them in the fall or maybe everyone gets a shawl for Christmas and birthday. Or maybe I just … have a few shawls.
What are you baking?
Also: Gordon is a wise man.
You know, I vote for finishing the watercolour. You are most of the way there with it anyway. Sometimes I start something and it does not turn out the way I planned so I adjust things part way through – but I have usually been happy with the end result. I am a great believer in serendipity! And unless you have a specific purpose for the painting, then it doesn’t matter exactly how it turns out. It’s not like a jumper or a shawl where you have a pattern to follow. Let yourself be creative!
Start smaller.
This probably sounds ridiculous to a woman who literally writes novels for a living, but the current situation is a stress that few of us are actually prepared for. So, be gentle with yourself and lower the bar. A series of small victories can set you up for a much larger one when your soul is a little more settled. Until then, try something sweet and small and fun. Not being a knitter, I have no idea what that might entail, but I’ll bet you do.
Wear black under your project so that the colors and craftsmanship shine. I do like the idea of giving as gifts, as well, as an incentive to finish. Stay safe. Will be doing a reread of some of your books next week and laughing out loud. Thank you both so much for working so hard to give us intriguing stories with amazing characters we can love and care about.
As a person who owns at least 8 patterns for coats, not to mention all the dress patterns and shorts and pants and split skirts and … well… I want to remind you that seamstresses say, “Whoever dies with the most fabric wins!” My mother used a lot of yarn over the years, and her motto was the same, except it was “yarn” instead of “fabric”. Actually, she had both, but the yarn was far more plentiful.
I have no clue how much yarn is really there, because I can’t hold yarn tension steady and ended up unraveling everything I ever tried to knit or crochet, so I never learned how much it takes to actually make something, but when my mother had piles of yarn left over from other things, she’d make an afghan of it all, spreading all the colors throughout it, and toss it on the back of a chair, couch, whatever. She made a LOT of blankets that way, too. Until you decide what to make with your new yarn, I suggest you do that. My mother used an old pattern that made a zig-zag, then crocheted or knitted around that to make the edges straight. When the pattern you want to use comes to you, you will know it. In the meantime, you can clear out your “scraps” and empty that container full of yarn that’s not enough to make anything and have a fresh start when you figure out what you want to make. The fun part of making a very colorful thing is that you can gift it to anyone and it will “go” with any environment. You can donate them to charity to be sold for money. And they will keep you busy with something totally mindless to suck up your time as you while away the days and weeks in isolation.
BUT! The fact that you named those posts about Julie going to Atlanta tells me that while you are not promising us a book, you are most assuredly writing one. Just as with a stray animal in the yard, if you name it, it’s yours. Since you’re not under contract to write it, take your time. I like what you’ve done so far.
I like the last pattern, for the fact that it is pretty and you will find it easy. I find that it helps me to make easy patterns when there is a lot of stress. I get to finish projects without being stressed by the project itself. I love the colours you have.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/grinda-shawl-mal
I’ve seen examples of this in different colors, and it looks beautiful. (Says the girl who made it in a solid color. )
I just finished the Nightshift shawl. It’s asymettrical and uses slipped stitches. A really fun knit.
I’m currently working on Stephen West’s Pierre shawl. It’s crescent shaped (my preferred shape) and uses multiple colors. That’s a possibility. The shawl calls for DK weight yarn, but you could use fingering and it would just come out smaller. It’s a large shawl.
I think either shawl would work great with your yarn. Either way, happy knitting.
Oh I like the ocean breeze shawl it is just lovely and I think either yarn would work with it.
Just my opinion but I think you should do what makes you happy even if you don’t finish something. Right now things are bad and we all need some happy.
Ooh new yarn…dreamy. I vote for the second pattern.
I have a stash of yarn that I don’t use but just like to look at the hanks and skeins to make myself feel better. Then the “too special and nice stash to knit” just got bigger. My husband was getting worried it may decrease his closet space. ( not mine of course????). So I need to start a few projects too.
Oooo….pretty. I’m the same with cross stitch floss. I just love the colors. Right now we are trying to find a nice, but cat proof way, to store all my daughter’s yarn. She crochets. I have no talent for knitting or crocheting, but I love the colors and textures.
I’ll take one of each patter. LOL And so what if you make one of them? Wear it around the house just to make yourself feel good.
This was not supposed to post on reply. Ugh. Sorry
Mom and I have a large yarn stash and store them in translucent plastic bins. She knits, we both do plastic canvas needlepoint.
If you crouchet the first scarf with the yarn on the left and you do not waer it… I would buy it. So you would have an income even when you are brain death ????
I’m having a hard time focusing on my more intense project so I’ve been making amigurami… Lots and lots of amigurami…
Thank you! I was scrolling this post for advice myself, and I had to google amigurami. And they are so perfect! As doable projects. BDH are the best people.
What about a blanket? Habitation throw by Helen Stewart is in fingering weight yarn. Its baby blanket sized I think, but you can make it bigger if you want to use all that yarn in one project.
I’m with Katie! If you roll your yarn into 24 mini skeins, then you’ll mimic the advent calendar effect, that makes it fun to finish. Or separate into 10gr balls, and work itwork it baby????
Don’t worry about where you will wear it, just wear because it makes you feel good! Beautiful colors, if only I could knit more than just a chain????.
I think this (pattern#2) would look stunning in Estrellitta. Ang you would stunning wearing it as a wrap with a shell or a tank. Playing two color ways off each builds such drama with little effort!
Happy knitting!
Sorry, I am running into this problem with all the cross stitch/embroidery patterns and kits…and don’t get me started on my fabric stash. I must admit, gifting finished cross stitch pieces done as pillows or in embroidery hoops is how I get them out of the house. Good luck!
I am an creative person as well. When I can’t bring myself to finish or even to start a project it’s because my creating power is empty. I have no advice to offer. I try to relax and do nothing and just do some extreme couching and watching a series or try a new audiobook ???? and after a while I can start / finish my projects.
Sometimes you just need a break mit creating ????♀️
Make it! Finish it – the process and result are important. You can always gift them or raffle them off, with proceeds going to a worthy cause. Those look like beautiful shawls.
And the projects that are not turning out as you hoped? Finish them anyway or go crazy bold and make an attempt at something completely different. You almost always learn something new that way, feel better about yourself … and sometimes you end up liking the new thing.
Ok, both of those scarfs are very pretty. You have two daughters, so I wouldn’t worry about them being used. You could get 3/4 done and one of them could fall in love with it. It’s cool at night in the spring, fall and winter. Someone will want one. I wish I had more of my Grandmothers stuff she knitted or crocheted. There are five of us, and that doesn’t count the cousins. Seriously, make what you want, if your girls don’t want it, your future grandkids will.
Others will already have suggested it but — how about a throw blanket. The color palette is beautiful.
Totally abstract in concept…
The dark blue shades could be the forest floor segueing into the browns of the ‘forest’ and shading up to dusk and the night sky where the shiny would be.
You could mark off the gradations by using a different knitting stitch for each level of your ‘landscape.’ Just to keep it interesting. Like making embroidery samplers but knitting or crocheting it instead.
I basically started making afghans and throw blankets in self defense ,just to get rid of the yarns I had bought because they were so pretty. I feel guilt about all the money spent so make blankets that end whenever I feel they are large enough with the length and width balanced. Then I send it off to a sister , niece or married nephew (for the baby or the wife).
Good luck!
I do needwelepoint and quilt. I started a T-shirt quilt in Baghdad in 2007, worked on it a little more in Kabul in 2011, then finished it on a treadle sewing machine in 2016. That is all just bragging. For some reason, I have no skills for knitting and am in total a
also can’t spell. Currently sitting out quarantine in Texas.
One of my friends posted on Facebook that she crocheted herself an African violet plant, and it immediately made me think of you. Not sure if that’s something you are interested in doing but it would be different.
If you are anything like me. I like to have a blanket on my lap or over my shoulders when I type at my computer. Maybe make something that will always be at your desk? That way it gets used and having it made of yarn you like will cheer you up every time you have to sit down to work.
I don’t knit or crochet but am a tactile person. Touch the yarn, touch the yarn, squeeze the yarn; love it, and hug it, and call it George . . . rinse and repeat.
Haha love the Looney Tunes reference
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jPdHaNr0OAY
No suggestions from me – everything you listed was lovely ????
+1
I have the same issue.. so I end up doing scarfs and giving them away 🙂
How about a tree wrapped in yarn as a decoration? You could then decorate with whatever struck your fancy (including small lace doilies). There’s lots of pretty images, but I didn’t want to infringe on any copyright and I don’t have 1 of my own yet to share (but I’m thinking about making 1).
Or maybe you could apply the principals of a granny square afghan to a scarf? Make smaller squares in a variety of patterns, then stitch them together. You’d get the feel of accomplishment for finishing each square, but it wouldn’t take as long. Also, if you decide that you don’t like them together or don’t want to finish the scarf, you could frame each square (or perhaps a square of 4 squares) or set them out as doilies. They could also be stitched together, backed, and turned into a pillow. (Yes, this is a bit of a repeat from my earlier suggestion, but that was for lace and I thought the granny squares deserved to be mentioned too. I love granny squares.) ????
Ooo! A tea cozy! ????
Hello, I will try to make constructive solution for you. I hope it will make you smile at the least.
If you don’t want to make clotehes do something different. Mayby blanket. It is spring here in Europ so weather changes really fast. It is sunny one moment cold dreary and rainy next. I have blankets on my brain :). You can wrap yourself in a blanket during cold day. My plan have additional merits. You can change the pattern if you don’t like it. Or if you are bored with it. That way it will be beautiful whimsical multipatterned blanket. Or it will be really really ugly one. Unless you show us some photos nobody will know. Also the size of the thig is entirely up to you. It will be done when you say so.
Happy quarantine to all. Stay safe.
You could always make a shawl type thingy and auction it off for charity. It gives you a goal to work on that you can do at your own pace. The only thing I wear that is knitted is a scarf that was given to me by a friend. Whatever you make it will be exciting to see.
You can make it, and hold a raffle to raise money for a charity close to your heart. I for one would entered, love to say I had a piece made by my favorite author.
You can always make a a pair of socks with one skein. I keep a couple pair going all the time and Miss Babs’ Estrella is in my queue for a future pair. And I am also impressed you only have 2 unfinished projects. I believe I have 9 or 10 sitting in time out right now.
probably silly idea, but have you ever croched bags? as soon as I saw that greyish green yarn, I thought I would kill for a cross-body knitted bag in those colours. a rather large one, like a tote? I know nothing about knitting, so no idea if I just blasphemed ????
I bounce between afghans (crocheted) and counted cross stitch (made into Christmas stockings). Whatever I make seems to end up as a gift for weddings, births, or just because.
Make what makes you happy or buy a pretty basket or tub and use the yarn as a decoration, at least until inspiration strikes.
Maybe a quick amigurumi would work with cheaper yarn and save this super nice yarn for later?
My favorite yarn item is always a blanket. I realize it’s not romantic or exciting, but it’s comfy. I tend to sculpt with a blanket over my knees, and my crocheted blankets are fabulous. Never mind reading or tv watching, a crocheted blanket is soft and warm. Shiny would just be a bonus, imo, but I Iove glitter. Enjoy whatever you decide!
Just this morning I started to clean out my crafting stashes. I made room in my (now) work from home office. I apparently have a yarn problem myself. I love all the pretty colors, but I have no idea where to start with some of the projects. Guess I will be hunting for patterns as well.
I’m about 90% done with one one shawl (2+ years after I started. It’s the “crochet between the lines” shawl and it’s now enormous), 30% done with a very simple knit shawl (probably 1.5 years into that one…), just over halfway done with the Baby Henry blanket, and keep eyeing new projects because I have a massive stash of very pretty yarn just screaming for me to do something with it. So I don’t have any advice, just a lot of sympathy.
Good luck! For what it’s worth, I think the yarn world go beautifully with any of the patterns you posted.
Love the colors. I don’t know if it is the right type of yarn but you could always make a blanket for Project Linus or some other organization. Or make keepsakes for your daughters. I have a blanket crocheted by my Mom that always makes me smile when I see it.
I’m leaning towards first two patterns, pretty. (That’s a wonderful bunch? Clutch? Pile? Of skeins)
When to wear? Solid thin shirt with such a colourful accessory works most times.
Sorry can’t help, have the same problem. BUT I knitted mask to go food shopping (we are not yet foraging in Paris but maybe one day…) AND I did it four times so that everybody in the family got one. So now I’m socks mad (no link but I just learn to toe up knit socks and it changed my life !
take off the tags and arrange them artistically in a basket and leave them there. enjoy cooing over them.
you don’t have to make/finish/wear anything if you don’t feel like it. ❤️
although maybe your daughters might like one of those projects, then that is a different story…
lovely yarn. I always find it’s easier to make something for someone else. Maybe one of your kids needs a shawl?
Personally I think an entrelac pattern would work very well with the color gradients you have going on. It looks silly when you start it but it’s actually very fun (and uncomplicated my favorite kind of knitting).
Well obviously, dear, you would wear the lovely shawl to a book signing, where those of us in the know would be thrilled for you and admire it profusely.
Ditto!
I think the second pattern is versatile and pretty. The chevrons are flattering.
All the colours are fab. I vote the 1st pattern without the tassels. You would definitely wear it. ????????
Your Gordon is a good man.
Puahahaa, I do know. I haven’t done much either. It seems like this shelter in place is the prefect blooming ground for procrastination. When days don’t matter, it’s easy to just leave it for tomorrow. I like all those projects you showed, but I wouldn’t wear them either. Not my style. But if it makes you happy, maybe Kid 1 or Kid 2 would wear them.
1. Looking at that yarn makes ME happy & I abandoned the craft 5 years ago when I failed to finish a baby blanket for my firstborn.
2. “Yarn makes you happy. I want my wife to be happy.” brought tears to my eyes! Way to go Gordon. Can you give my hubby lessons?
3. If finishing is the goal, I would definitely recommend going mindless, especially given current conditions. The yarn is pretty enough you will wear it or you could give it to someone in a nursing home to cheer them up. A complicated pattern is not necessary for the yarn or the goal.
I have some yarn I bought at a thrift store, approximate colors as the blue greens you have but thicker and soft, so pretty. No idea what I’ll use it for but for $5 I could not resist! When this is over I’ll make a trip to the yarn store with skein info and see what they suggest for the amount. My crocheting runs to stripped up sheets for rugs. Maybe try rotating through projects for variety and shifting your brain pathways.
I keep a shawl in my car in the summer for when I meet friends for coffee and it’s too cold inside.
How about a french knitted top?
https://www.katia.com/FR/mod%C3%A8les-patrons-printemps-%C3%A9t%C3%A9-femme-haut-8031-490.html
Cute!
I recently learned how to knit because I found a shawl and I want it. Before I decided I wanted this shawl I didn’t know the first thing about knitting. I am still far from being able to make the shawl but it is my end goal.
This is the shawl: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/wingspan-3
I also just found a beanie that I need in my life and now I need to learn how to crochet.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/twisted-kraken-hat?fbclid=IwAR2DO1oq0W0I9v72xO8s9CXLJHmNYDjxpmNLvumUN-l-hwhfY9IHNDYVq48
Wingspan is cute.
God! It is good to hear I’m not the only one (I know it is not nice, but “a sorrow shared is a sorrow halved”). I cannot finish anything these days – not a book, not a drawing, not a movie. I thought something was wrong with me, it’s a relief to think it is not me but this whole mess. Thank you
I like number 2 of the 3 listed, but have you thought of something like this? https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/estrellita-hat
I don’t knit,buttheyarnis very pretty. It must be nice just to have to look at. Maybe you could make some stylish face masks out of it?
Whoops,sorry, I have a wonky spacebar. The comment should have been:
I don’t knit, but the yarn is very pretty.
Observational comment:
As much as I enjoyed knitting when I was young, there’s zero evidence that I’ll ever do it again. At least not in the near future. However, since I am ridiculously smitten with all of IA writing, I eagerly devoured every word of the above post. SMH
How about cute little kitty and doggie sweaters? Or berets? We could have another west side story cat re-enactment with a French twist.
Self trapped in California. Thinking about venturing outside for the sun. Take care all.
Mom makes afghans by knitting blocks with different patterns. Then crochets an edge around each block, sews the blocks together and finishing with a final crochet border around the whole thing. Maybe making a small project or two, like placemats, pot holders, etc would help get you back in the mood. They would be small enough to do in a day or two, and would be easier to finish.
I think your yarn is gorgeous! I have found it very hard to finish anything at all during this time of isolation. I have all the time in the world but lack the motivation. I am allowing myself to grieve and feel but I also set out 1 thing every day to do that is self-care. Maybe a 30-min exercise video or baking or reading or gardening. It doesn’t sound like much but has helped with my mental health and well being enough that I am finding the motivation to complete projects, slowly:) Have grace with yourself and maybe just make something you think is pretty even if it isn’t very useful:)
I love knitting norwegian patterns like sweaters and vests, maybe that’s for you, too. Something new?
Why not make something for your kid – 1 or 2 (I might be wrong about how many you guys have). Even if they put it away for a while, someday later on she might really appreciate it – kids change as they grow.
Make a hat out of one of them. They’re a little interesting because in the round, but depending on the pattern (just ribbed?) can been super simple. And regardless of pattern complexity they are super fast and complete-able because small total area of fabric.
What to make with pretty yarn…such a dilemma! I’m in somewhat the same spot. I just finished a huge shawl for my Mom for her birthday and am not feeling like starting anything that is going to take a long time to knit. I want a project where I can finish it in a short period and have the nice feeling of accomplishing something – anything! – creative while house-bound. I started teaching myself to make socks, something I’ve avoided for quite some time. However that doesn’t help much for a project with your sparkly yarn, unless of course you want sparkly socks. That is a nice lightweight yarn in pretty summer colors, you could try a tank top/camisole for either you or one of the girls, or maybe a lightweight, tunic-length vest to layer over a t-shirt with jeans, which could be accomplished with three basic squares knit in any repeating pattern you like and sewn together at the shoulders and side seams. I hope you find a project that makes you happy and satisfies your soul. Happy knitting!
You could do this pattern! https://biscotteyarns.com/products/the-unpredictable-shawl-knitting-pattern
It is a game. You roll dice at the start of each section to choose which of 6 stitch patterns to use and which of 6 balls of yarn. Some of the stitch patterns are complicated, some are easy. Its unpredictable and exciting. Might be fun.
Don’t worry about if you will wear it, as long as you enjoy making it. It can always be a gift.
You should look into loom knitting and make socks! Or make a table runner using whatever crafty thing you like best. Those are beautiful.
Shawl or very big scarf
Useful for
– inside in summer with AC
– outside is spring fall
Makes you happy to look at
Draped over chair / couch for other people who are cold
—
I dunno.
Beautiful yarn!
I don’t knit, but I learned two simple crochet skills so i’ve on and off tried to make a lap blanket. But once I actually had babies suddenly it got difficult. But I recently got it out again and my kiddos immediately wanted to try! In that moment I thought of different things we could do that they could possibly finish and thought of the little pot holders a friend gave my mother when they bought a house for the first time. My mother bakes and cooks and uses those pot holders all the time. They may not be as fancy as the scarves, but they get used regardless of what she is wearing. Also a lacy curtain, just for fun!
Of course, I really like the above comment regarding a knitted/crochet plant. As someone with a black thumb having a cool knitted plant I don’t need to feed or water would be really nice!
Maybe this picture gives you inspiration?
https://blij-dat-ik-brei.blogspot.com/2020/04/eindeloos.html?m=1
Or you could search on expression fiber arts website. They have shiny silk and glitter yarns so they have designed a couple projects with glitter yarn like these. And they have a lot of free projects too. Very easy to download. No need for creditcard if your card is zero.
I personally hate websites where you have to fill in creditcard stuff just to download 1 free pattern ???? I don’t have a creditcard…
Do you have to take a project through to completion? I mean for your own mental calmness? I had a pyschologist once try and get me to leave things undone because they don’t ‘have’ to be finished apparently. Luckily my psychiatrist overturned that psychologist. But I still don’t like any I’ve ever had and it was because of the dumb stuff that one tried on me. However his point was technically valid for the normative personalities and non autistic spectrum. If you don’t have to finish projects, don’t. Start as many as you want. But if it will make you feel or do seriously bad things then finish it obviously. But otherwise I can’t see a reason anyone would have to finish a fun project. Have 10 on the go if you want, whose business is it whether they will ever be completed or in a month or a year or fifty years or never. Do what makes you feel good now.
Don’t feel bad. I had a hand injury a couple years ago and still can’t knit or crochet… but I still buy the yarn. So next time you feel bad about your unfinished projects, just remember there’s a crazy lady out here feeling way sillier and guiltier about the yarn. ????
How about something small like Christmas ornaments?
More…
Snowflakes…
Oh the colours are beautiful. I would vote for Shawl 2 or 3.
You can always trade the finished shawl for more nice yarn on Ravelry. 🙂
I have the same problem at the Moment: 3 big knitting projects and no concentration or focus to finish them.
And today I ruined my glasses. Now I will not See welk for the next days until the Store open again. Ugh!
Ooh, Miss Babs. ..I have more than a little bit of Miss Babs’ beautiful yarn. You’ll love Estrellita, it’s amazing!
They are gorgeous. Christmas presents come to mind. Or prizes or incentives or to auction off at cons to raise money for charity. I know that I’d bid on it knowing that you made it. Mainly just enjoy the creativity! 🙂
My cousin has taken up knitting and she’s making all kinds of sweaters for the spring to wear right now and also tops for when summer arrives.
I saw some really cool crotchet jelly fish where the yarn hangs down for the tentacles in this type of yarn. Was very pretty. Can’t seem to find the site now. Maybe you will have better luck if that interests you.
I really love the second one, the pattern from Yarns at the Border. Very beautiful.
My entire nation has been in lockdown for just under 3 weeks nd we’ve got another 1.5 weeks to go if we are successful (longer if need be)….I dont knit because it takes me too long and my tension is terrible – but I do crochet – this is a morbius cowl – that I had 3/4 finished, pulled apart and re-did and completed last Friday…go for the quick finish crochet pattern (this cowl sat around for at least 18 months before I picked it up on Friday)
Well, it’s Miss Babs, so you had to get it.
And I’m certainly getting ideas from the comments!!
At first glance, I thought the picture was of really cool-looking dyed Easter eggs! ????
Me too. I use to buy embroidery thread just because I like the colors.
Perhaps small pretty little hats for newborns to wear home from hospital if they allow that sort of thing out there. It would be something their parents can enjoy also. A little in a morning grey world right now.
Beautiful projects. If you need to do, to create, but don’t want to keep, there are many places that would love the donation. Nursing homes, battered women’s shelters, homeless ministries, etc.
Thank you, ilona Andrews for the post. I do not really knit but I do like to crochet. However. I was reduced to making my own non standard dog clothes thus I learned how to basic knit. What I do is donate baby blankets to local hospital about once a year. I did say I was basic knitter. No frills. Neo natal babies and their parental unit(s) always need Something soft and cuddly . Easy to sanitize too. Full size blankets and dolls are beyond my basic to do willpower. It does give me a warm fuzzy feeling to be thanked for something useful. I just buy what the ladies at yarn store Tell me Is proper yarn so I can not help there.
My local hospital has a community Liaison person. I am sure other organizations have same. Like Victims of domestic violence or homeless shelters etc. stay well and knit whatever you wish.
I know when I hit a wall when knitting to do something fun. Tiny octopi, anyone? Scarves are my go to for a bigger project. Repetitive rows and you can make it as long (or short ) as you like. I needed a different course for myself so I made dandelion jelly yesterday. It tastes like lemony honey, and is so pretty!
I usually have (at least) two projects on the needles—one big project (currently Sharon Winsauer’s daunting Jacobean Square shawl) and something smaller and easier to finish, like a sock or hat. When I get frustrated with the big project, I can put it away for a bit and concentrate more on the smaller one. It makes me feel like I’ve accomplished something.
That is beautiful yarn but since you cannot decide, why not just knit a very basic scarf or mittens from yarn that you don’t care for and then give it to a charity that helps the homeless. Maybe working on something very basic will help you make up your mind as to what to make with the Beautiful yarn.
Sometimes it is a time to work on projects; sometimes it is a time to work on stash. When we are unsettled and stressed crafts can calm us *sometimes*, but being unsettled and stressed can block our creativity and no amount of pushing ourselves will result in a calm and relaxed state or a finished project. If stashing beautiful yarn makes you happy and calm at this horrible time, dream of future projects without having to have a specific one for each purchase, and search out beauty to acquire and admire.
Is there any sort of shawl, wrap, hoodie that you would wear to signings/meet & greets (yes, it won’t happen for a while, but I’m a slow knitter).
Anyone you know who needs a shawl knitted for them?
Did you abandon the other projects because they required too much or too little brain? If so, go the other direction.
Good luck! I’m wiping the drool of my mouth!
Well, the important thing seems to be that you FINISH something. So go ahead and pick a pattern and DO it!
Maybe you’ll wear it, maybe not. Maybe you’ll drape it over your couch, maybe the dogs will pull it down and snuggle in it… I don’t know. But you’d have finished it. =)
(Love pattern #1)
The Baker’s Twine potholder? Which you have probably already seen; it is one of the most repeated patterns of 2019 on Ravelry.
I also thought this was adorbs:
https://www.ravelry.com/projects/heylucy/a-tiny-flock-of-sweaters-for-good
Or you could do like I do, which is to accept the truth about myself: I dislike being crafty. Can’t stand it. Bores me to death. No matter how much I spent on the supplies or the books or whatever. Sadface!
By the way, I’ve been a huge fan for years and yet, in all that time, I have never felt the slightest urge to tell Ilona Andrews how to write. Nope, not once. I find those who do so to be hilarious. Or slightly creepy. Perhaps both. Whatever you like better.
Thank you, Ilona Andrews, for being YOU.
A few years ago I fell for some sparkly yarn – made a few pairs of socks which while they don’t show much, still make me feel happyn when I wear them.
I totally understand, I have a sleeve left on a sweater and another project sitting by my couch but my brain keeps looping away from it all.
I just started my first knit tank top. I figure if it’s a real top I will wear it. How complex do you want to get? The pattern is called Coachella on Ravelry. Might be easier than a sweater and something you’d wear. Loads of fingering weight tanks on Ravelry. And those deep blue skeins would look great together in a gradient.
Beautiful yarn! It was very sweet of your husband to want you to have the yarn because he knew it would make you happy! I have problems completing projects as well! Don’t know how to knit, but I do crochet. The last thing I started was a baby afghan that I got about 2/3 of the way through. Sigh…………
Blessings to you and yours!
Sometimes I knit pretty things, knowing I won’t wear them, and set them aside until the right person comes along to gift them to. I get to make something lovely, and make someone happy later with an unexpected surprise.
I knit – barely because I only know the one cable stich- but I use it to stop myself playing on my phone whilst we’re chatting or even watching TV and acts as a minor act of mindfulness (left, right repeat is good for the brain!) as i struggle to unwind from a stressful job. I mostly make scarves or snoods. You enjoyed the purchase (it’s beautiful wool!), Simply enjoy making something you enjoying making, take pleasure in seeing that glorious wool transform and don’t worry too much about the end result. My main hobby is Stained Glass and I’m a bu***r for not starting a project because in my mind the end result is flawless and I know as soon as I start it will start to make mistakes and I feel I’ve ‘wasted beautiful materials’. But not as wasted as leaving them on the box! Ive had to learn that not only are mistakes ok, but sometimes the creation journey can actually be as important, and have as much value, as the destination/end product.
Once upon a time I started an afghan with very nice wool yarn, crocheted with a very basic stitch. About a foot in, I decided I hated it and it went inti the bottom of a storage bin for a decade. Fast-forward and I needed a sanity saver, so I dug out the unused yarn and knitted 2 sweaters for the kids in 2 months. Then I still had more. I made a hat for a kiddo at gymnastics. And a cast cover for another. And there was more still! So now I am making a freeform cat cozy. It is a big round hollow ball of yarn with a hole in the top, the idea is a cat cave. I may have to felt it when it is done, even with doubling up it still doesn’t hold its shape that well. But…I am still sane! Ok, ish. And that is why never never applies to projects done, left undone, or simply waiting for the right match at the bottom of the bin. Shop away!
Hi. Have you thought of fingerless gloves or mitts? They usually use a fingering weight yarn and can be super simple or super complex based on your skill level. My go to pattern is Frankenfingers by darkmatterknits. This is on ravelry and can be plain or use a self stripping yarn. Another Mitt pattern is Shobu Mitts by Andrea Jurgrau also on ravelry. People always have cold hands (especially those of us who type) and I have gifted many, many pairs. If you are looking for mindless 1 skein wonders the hitchhiker shawl/scarf is super fun to make. The scarf itself is more of an accent piece or accessory that depending on the yarn can be worn with white t and blue jeans. Hopefully this helps.
I also wish all of House Andrew’s and the BDH well. Be safe
I am a knitter and spinner and felter. I am also having trouble sitting and knitting. But I am giving myself the space to be ok with leaving things undone and just doing what gives me peace. But if I really want to finish something quickly I felt. I can felt a pair of slippers in 3 hours.
Garndling because it looks super versatile. Wear around waist, around shoulders, forward or backwards, over your head, if ends long enough, as swim cover up over top. Mindless is a good thing.
I normally knit Arran jumpers, usually with complicated patterns and I try not to knit the same one twice. Those shawls are stunning and I’ve just got done fabulous mohair wool…my next project maybe. Knitting is relaxing..maybe that’s why people knit!
First of all, Gordon is a sweetheart! I love when our husbands understand us. I really love the second shawl, if you are taking opinions. Finally, I am coveting your wool and now must go find a source near my home in Canada. I am busy knitting slippers for all my children and I also want to be happy. ????
The CJ Brady pattern is very nice imo. Looks like an ornamental accessory/crocheted necklace one can wear over any monochrome turtleneck. It would look lovely on you for your next book signing 🙂
If you make something you won’t wear, you could raffle it off to us readers…
I’m just so amazed at your skill to make any pattern you like!! I seem to be all thumbs when it comes to knitting or crochet.
I love the first pattern! Gorgeous.
Hope you are relaxing and having some fun with the family.
BTW, I’m so thankful for the Julie story!! She kept the rose!!! Awwww
I u sera tans your need to FINISH something. I have had no motivation. I am having to be nice to myself which can be difficult. Self talk has to be nice. If I wouldn’t say it to a random stranger or especially my child, I can’t say it to myself or even think it. I have done laundry, did my best to fix my outside raised vegetable garden (it is coming apart at the seams), made three types of supper (putting it in the fridge for the young adults in the house), cleaning a bit, laundry and grocery shopping. It has been a day. Also worked some today.
Understand, I am not sure what language that first word is!
Me- I’d love to get an easy way to get from the beautiful yarn to a ball of yarn . Mine always ends up a tangled mess that I spend days trying to unravel. I liked the crocheted shawl!
I don’t knit, but those shawls are gorgeous, and the yarn is beautiful. They would make stunning window treatments. Loved the last snippet, thank you so much.
I’d wear it!
My 1/2 finished quarantine sweater says hi to yours ????????
If your question of whether you would wear it has to do with scarves and shawls falling off while wearing, I would go with a circular or mobius shawl or scarf—something that is hands free. If you never wear scarves or shawls, then I would look for a pattern for something like a light sweater or hoodie or whatever you wear, let’s say, to look nice in an air conditioned restaurant. The yarn is beautiful and will make up into something wonderful, I’m sure!
I love your shawl patterns, they are all beautiful. When I need that quick sense of accomplishment I go for an amigurumi pattern. All your pretty blues and greens made me think of sea creatures like this cute little whale : https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/my-little-blue-whale. I can knock out an amigurumi in a day or two, sometimes 3 if it’s a bigger one. Then I have a super cute little stuffed animal thing that I made. I love them and they make great gifts for the nieces.
That planet would be cool for one of your Innkeeper stories! Is it ever cool enough for Texas for a shawl? Maybe a present for holiday for someone who lives in a colder climate?
The winters can get chilly down here. We don’t get a lot of snow in Houston, but the freeze line hits close pretty often. House Andrews is 150 miles inland. They get colder than my area.
But the main reason for a shawl is that Texas is air conditioned to a fare-thee-well.
Most commercial buildings are set at a comfortable temp for a guy in a 3 piece suit – about 68 degrees F (20 degrees C). That means we ladies are freezing our fingers off in stores, offices, restaurants, movie theaters, etc. – or we would if we could go any of those places right now. Having an extra layer when the AC vent is blowing right at you is great.
Obviously, almost nobody keeps their house that cool. (Way too expensive!) The power companies suggest 78 degrees F (25 degrees C) and it’s a comfortable enough temp if you aren’t exercising very hard.
If you dress to be comfortable outside, you freeze inside. If you dress for inside, you sweat buckets when you leave the AC. Layers are the only way to go.
Your husband invoked wife twice in same conversation. Oh dear, he’s getting a bit desperate. I think I have to vote for a fresh new mash up of fun to take your brain offline and let yourself fill up with joy. I propose reading Penny Reid’s fun Knitting in the City series. Or you can listen to it while you do household tasks and knit during all the knitting get togethers in the books. Matching boy band music and drinks optional. I substituted vodka lemon drops for lemon tea or lavender lemonade. I often imagined that real person you and Jeaniene Frost would be a welcome addition to this fun imaginary group of smart, funny, knitting talented women when I read it.
I, too am tired of baking and even though I really enjoy it, it has become tedious. So, reading, I’m a junkie reafer. I absolutely need to read and always have, but something is still missing. I saw a neighborhood post about people making little fairy houses and hobbit homes along with painted rocks and little messages along our green belt trails. This has become my new minor obsession to put a few smiles on the kids and adults walking the trails. A little paint and wood, some rocks and imagination. It’s fun!
I think most knitters reach that predicament at some point or another. I have a few projects on the go, and a few waiting for me to start (cause I am a SLOW knitter.) I have learned to stop fretting about what I don’t get finished; because there will come a day, when you are bored out of your mind, that you take out one of those projects, and in a fury of activity and ambitiousness, either finish that project or complete a good chunk of it towards completion.
I’m a knitter. Here’s what I’d say: you need to know why you stop knitting something. Is it that the pattern is so repetitive that once you’ve mastered it, you stop being engaged in the project? Solution: find a pattern that changes every so often and never repeats (there are lots of shawls in this category). Is it that you come to dislike the yarn / color/ texture of the knitting? Look for more variety — changing colors, knitting two strands together, so there’s always something new to look at, or add in a kidsilk haze-style mohair yarn to add a textural element. Is it that you realize you’ll never wear the piece you’re making? Let go of the idea that knitting has to be worn. It’s a fabulous hobby that has actual health benefits, so knit because you like knitting. If no one ever wears the item, who cares? (Or donate it. Or sell it as an Ilona original and donate the proceeds to a food pantry or shelter.) Finally, you may just lack the completion gene, and that’s also okay.
I have made this
from this
https://www.bendigowoollenmills.com.au/pt8426-poncho
Ooo, pretty!
I vote for a beautiful….Pot Holder….it’s small and easily finished and hangs in your kitchen. It will make you happy to see it every day. Happy Easter xxx
If you think you might not wear a shawl, then a wide scarf and/or scarf done at a loose gauge would work well with that fingering weight yarn. You can wrap it around your neck if it gets cold, or just throw it over you shoulders if it’s a bit chilly and you want some comfort. You can also do a small triangular or asymmetrical shawl if you want a small project, again something to just throw over your shoulders or wear as a neck wrap to spiff up an outfit.
I’m in lockdown and would love the yarn to do some crochet I have to travel to get to the yarn shop
Love the Miss Babs Estrellita, it is sparkle to the max! You have a lot of yarn, so you have a lot of possibilities. Maybe too many? I think you’re asking yourself the right question as far as “Would I wear this?” but I would also ask, is it important that you wear it or is the process of knitting it what you are really looking for right now? If it is the process, you can always gift the shawl if it is something you won’t wear. If you want to keep it, maybe decide what you would wear first and work backwards. You can use the Ravelry advanced search and plug in the weight, yardage, and project type and then go through the options. Happy knitting!
I agree about the keep for later. I cross stitch and knit and often start a project with no idea how it will be finished. Or who it will belong to when it’s done. That way it’s ready for when the perfect person comes along.????
You could make 1 and auction it on here for your favorite charity. I imagine we’d go nuts for a hand made from you
Fantastic idea!!
I love the colors!!! They are bright and cheery! Maybe something different altogether. What about baby caps to be donated at your local hospital or one in a low income area. Spring showers can lower tge temperatures and they are well recieved here in Mexico. Fast project, sunny and happy and will bring smiles to others.
That was what I was going to suggest, auction a project off. The proceeds could go to their favorite charity. And I really liked the first pattern first.
Agreed! Gorgeous yarn and I especially like the first two patterns! And this idea sounds like the best inspiration for ‘finishing’….i know it would be for me! ☺
Auctioning off a project is a stellar idea!! The BDH will go nuts! I would go with a rectangular shawl type thing. Easier to finish if you have gauge issues with very fine yarn like fingering weight (guilty!) . Enjoy the process and worry about what to do with it when it’s done. Although lacy lampshades in that jewel tone yarn will be stuck in my brain for a while –thanks for dropping that idea in! Wondering about possibility of magical hand transplants to fix arthritis now!
I absolutely ADORE shawls. I love the different patterns and shapes they come in. I always imagine this beautiful, sophisticated, THIN (which I am decidedly not) woman wearing it draped around the rest of their beautiful and sophisticated outfit. I love it.
And then it comes to me ACTUALLY wearing it. Nope. It just doesn’t work. First, I’m not shaped for shawls. Second, I always have trouble trying to drape them over my shoulders AND have them stay there. Can’t do it.
I’ve since looked into ponchos, but they cover up so much of the rest of the outfits. So, my go-to projects for actually WEARING my knitting/crocheting are fancy cardigans and vests, ones with pattern and fancy shapes to them. Granted, I live on the Gulf Coast, so the sweaters don’t get much wear-time, but the vests do.
I don’t know if you’re into doing either of those types of projects or if you like wearing shawls, but for me, if it’s something I would ACTUALLY wear, it’s more likely to get finished.
Same boat! I adore the shawl aesthetic, but I just can’t wear them. Solution: get bigger shawls, use as blankets on couch. 🙂 I always need something on me to feel comfy, and light shawls work even in summer.
Hi, any patterns for vests or cardigans that is flattering for curvier ladies please?? I am from South Africa, relocated to a small town without any wool shops close by. Everything still in storage and I cannot access it as we are in lockdown… Want to knit an easy vest or cardigan – I have dk and chunky wool that I can use. Any suggestions please?
Thanx, Yola
Hi Yola, if you create a free account at Ravelry.com you can find plenty of patterns to download. They have pictures and ratings for the individual patterns too. Have fun!
Beautiful colors!!! Just start and let it come to you. If it ends up being a scarf, shawl or lap blanket, as long as you are happy, it’s all good!!
If you love making make it as gifts for somebody you love You’ll remember how happy the colors made you and the joy of creating.
I must of made 40 hitchhiker style shawl scarves
Given most of them away
I knit watching tv in the evening and love it!!❤️
You could always make a shawl and gift it to a luck person. Your readers would kill for one by their favorite author-team
I have a couple of skeins with a similar back story. I ended up chooising an entrelac cardi. With the color changes it’s fun to watch it change. The entre lac keeps me concentrating on it and not my boredom. I definately will wear it, even if I don’t have anything that fancy to go to. I don’t care I’ll look awesome at home.
Why “wear” it like its important and special. Its beautiful and you should always embrace and wear the beautiful. Make it for you to wear Sunday cooking, or reading snuggled under it on the couch on rainy days. Wear it for walks in the mist when your brain hurts. Pick the piece you like the most and do it.
You have 3/4 of a sweater and 1/4 of a shawl. Knit them together and you 100% of something. Give it to one of the Kids and you will have finished something. They’re young and creative, and love their mom, so they’ll find a way to utilise the gift. Problem solved, Right?
Arm warmers/hand warmers. As I have no patience when knitting (I finished one hat and it killed me, I lost patience with the one scarf I knitted and turned it into a short little infinity scarf when I was on the verge of giving up), the only projects I can actually finish are hand warmers, the kind with an open mitt and maybe an open thumb, because they go really fast. I wear them all the time because my hands get cold and sometimes my knuckles ache, and I’m have to have a lot because I misplaced them all the time or lose one hand after it drops out of a pocket.
Possibly they add a lot of style to any outfit you wear, so you will get compliments all the time.
What about knitting a design to hang on the wall? They are all lovely colors and think it would look good. My mom ,oh this is hard because I talk like she is in the past tense but she is still alive, used to be a phenomenal quilter and she made quilts for everyone’s beds, wall art, pillows, and table cloths. I love having something of hers that she made for me and treasure it. She suffers from Dementia now and is in a very good memory care facility. I miss her so since they are in lock down mode. Y’all stay safe and take care. Lastly I’ve loved what you two wrote for us on Julie! Love her house design and wish I could see what she has in those two “boxes” of hers… Ha!
The three on the left very clearly want to be together in a lovely project. If you are still moving to Florida in the mid term future, I would not make a sweater. I would make a light weight lap blanket in a pretty lacy pattern because I use those (I live near Houston, forget cold ever) and mentally label it my Florida House project because then you will associate it with the excitement of moving and living near the beach and Gordon being happy and everything being shiny. Shiny twinkle fiber and shiny twinkle future.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/simple-glamour
I love shawls, but I realized they just don’t fit my lifestyle well and I never actually wear them. So I’m focusing on ponchos and sweaters instead and I’m definitely wearing those. Sometimes you just have to find the perfect pattern to motivate you. Wear-ability is a big thing for me. Cute doesn’t always mean it will look good on me or that I’ll actually be able to wear it in every day life. Those special pieces are great, but I’d rather have a dozen everyday knits ????
The picture is beautiful. I think you have already done something. You could title it “Promise,” or maybe “Potential.” Love the selection of patterns. Unless you are looking for a challenge, go with something simple that you will wear or use often. Or just enjoy those lovely colors.
My knitting inductor made socks with that type of yarn. She loved knitted socks. At every class, when we were all knitting our rows, she was knitting her socks. I did attempt one sock. I didn’t quite finish it.
The yarn is very beautiful. Personally, I love shawls and wraps but can’t knit or crochet, so I’m not the best person to answer. I think the current crisis situation has us all a little discombobulated right now, I know I am.
I’m in a similar situation. At some point I had to bite the bullet and work on the 100 or so projects (not just knitting) that have been sitting around since the 70’s. I actually found I like what I have completed. Some cool stuff you can’t get in a kit .
A few people have said already, maybe auction a shawl, a one off ‘iso’ project for a local/favourite charity?
Doesn’t matter if you wear it. Will you enjoy making it? If yes, knit away. ????
I’ve seen several versions of the last shawl. You’re right. Boring to knit. Pretty, but not very versatile. I think the Yarns at the Border would be fabulous with the Wild Iris yarn. I’m also a fan of rectangular rather than triangular shawls. I often fold them several times and use them as winter scarves. They’re great if I’m out in the wind and forgot my hat. They’re fabulous for putting over my legs when I’m on the couch. You could do a sweater, which hopefully you would wear, but they take just this side of forever if you’re using fingering weight.
I weave and often have this question. Not what will I wear, since I haven’t learned that part yet, but what could be used. I have found that exploring new techniques, learning thing I don’t know, is as fun for me as making something to be used. And often less stressful since learning is the point. Hope this helps!
Love the short pieces you’ve been writing. Thank you!
If I don’t have much or worry I won’t ever finish it, I tend to make scarves or cowls. I usually can do a lace cowl in a weekend or two long flights, so they’re safe. I’ve currently got a lace weight shawl and a chunky blanket as well as sewing projects and three planned but not yet started things….
I think it would be fantastic to have a beautiful face mask to wear, if you need one. I don’t knit or crochet so I don’t know if it is possible to make a pocket or lining to add interfacing for a washable mask.
Can’t be at all helpful here since this is my life with yarn, haha – I have so many things started and feel overwhelming ennui at the thought of actually picking them up and finishing them. Then when I buy new yarn (pretty! shiny! want!) I agonize over what to make (aka, “start,” because the odds are against me actually finishing it ????) with it. But I can at least empathize with the struggle!
Beautiful yarn and lovely patterns. And aww at Gordon. If you wouldn’t wear the shawl, would someone else you know? You could give it as a gift. Or make a reader competition and give it to the winner. We would treasure a shawl made by you. But then again, that might be putting too much pressure on finishing it.
I just finished this yesterday: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/starshower
It’s a straightforward set of repeats which knit up pretty quickly. Added bonus: it’s designed for sparkly yarn.
Ooo, pretty!
Why not make it and then sell it? You could do it under a really interesting pseudonym.
How about vest or loose sleeveless sweater/long top to wear over t-shirt or bathing suit
Couch throw.
The problem with crocheting a lace shawl is that it takes forever and it is hard on the eyes (and wrists).
I never crochet big lace projects, I always knit them.
Crochet is fine for me for small things, but for big things such as a pullover, only if they are made with dk yarn or thicker.
For me, the deadly combination of lace, fingering weight yarn and a pin sized crochet needle t is almost a guarantee that thing will not be finished :))) (I have just finished a crochet pullover, from dk weight yarn – and it took forever and I could barely wait to finish it already :))))
It is way faster to knit lace (though of course you need those extremely dangerous-looking pointed lace needles for it, and then you have to keep the whole basket well away from pets and kids).
These lace pattern that you picked are fabulous, though, so if you can finish one of those, I do not think you have to worry about wearing them.
I have been planning forever to make one of those “read between the lines” shawls. Easy to knit, basic knit and purl stitch, and it looks like nothing else I have ever seen.
Since the key part of this is to make something you will finish and use ….. unwrap about 6 feet or so of it and trail it behind you. Done. You have made a toy that will entertain you and a cat for hours. It has multiple ways to wear it or use it too! Hold it in your hand! Stick it in a big pocket! Toss it on the floor near the kitty! Toss at your hubby when he does something to annoy you! Nearly infinite possibilities and endless amusement!
😉
Check out this lady
https://www.facebook.com/trulyhooked/
She’s looking for pattern testers – saw a post yesterday from her – looks like a lovely light-weight top ????
My stash is mostly DK and leftover sock yarn ????
My fav project for yarn I want to see and admire is wrist warmers. Basically a tube with a thumb hole. I knit them in the round, except for where the thumb hole is, of course. No steeking for me, I lack the courage.
Wrist warmers are great for days where you don’t want to put a jumper on but your wrists are cold when typing, reading, knitting. They make nice gifts and are quick and simple to make.
As an alternative to auctioning, nursing homes take donations of well crafted lap robes and wrist warmers for patients. The elderly frequently get cold and the joy they take in something new/pretty makes such a huge difference. The only caveat is that they must be able to be laundered. Those beautiful skeins may not be suitable.
Make me a scarf, book-mom. I’ll wear it.
I run into this problem every time I buy pretty and/or expensive art stuff. I have one of those fancy adult colouring-in books and I agonised over how to colour it because I wanted it to be perfect. It’s been sitting around in my closet for 4 years now.
Just make something. Pick one of the beautiful shawl designs and give it to Jeaniene Frost or something.
I don’t really wear small shawls anymore since I discovered the joys of knitting and wearing wraps. They are huge and comfy and more like wearable lightweight blankets. I really enjoyed Joji Locatelli’s Fading Point which takes five colours (I think) and fades them to create a gorgeous effect. I think your yarns would work with that. Here’s the link: https://ravel.me/fading-point. I had fun and dyed the yarn for mine using food colouring and white vinegar. I wear it a lot as it’s so light weight and easy to stuff in a bag instead of a cardigan.
Oo, I own this pattern.
This is really pretty. And would Look amazing with the yarn Ilona bought.
I was in a similar boat when a friend sent me some beautiful fingering weight yarn. I stumbled upon this pattern on Ravelry and was excited to try Tunisian Crochet. It’s been a fun (and aesthetically pleasing) adventure!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/strata-cowl-4
If you get bored doing lots of reps, crochet a throw or cushion covers from squares and make every square different. Use a book like Jan Eaton’s ‘200 Crochet Blocks’. Do each square monochrome to make it less fiddly and ‘busy’ to look at. For the throw, sew the result on a fleecy or furry backing. You will be able to look at your handiwork and beautiful yarn every day instead of sticking it in a cupboard. Btw I taught myself to crochet from YouTube videos specially for this project, so anyone can do it.
How about a wall display? A pattern that makes you happy, although you may not wear it, plus a couple of skeins framed on the wall. Add in your beautiful world as a backdrop. That way it’s seen as well, as part of your art display.
I crochet, draw, bake and garden. I have two large DIY projects half done and two fairly big crochet projects and a variety smaller ones on the go. Baking is the only one where a specific task gets completed otherwise I rotate between all of them. The two large crochet projects are throws and are both quite technical so I sometimes work on a simpler project just to rest my mind but I am finding it hard to focus. But I also feel the need to finish something, anything. Have a look on Ravelry for something that grabs you, its beautiful yarn and the right pattern is out there just waiting for you to find it.
The shawls are beautiful. My idea would be to donate it to charity. Either you or which ever charitable cause you choose can do a live auction and the amount raised goes to that organisation or cause you have chosen. A women’s organisation I am part of did this a few weeks ago on a facebook live platform, it worked wonderfully and we were able to make around $24,000 that goes to support our charitable organisations that we support.
Knit a shawl and wear it with pride. The compliments you get will brighten even the darkest day.
We moved from the Netherlands to a house on a lake in Sweden, which has 2 kitchens each with its own pantry. One is in proper use for food, and the other.. is my store of wool, fabric and projects. I used to work in IT (and still would if somebody hired me for doing work at a distance), but now all time goes to renovation, garden, and knitting/quilting. Always working on at least 4 projects, and a lot of mitts-without-fingers because I ran into RSI early into my career. So good to have everything within reach, to enjoy looking at it and planning what the next thing is going to be to get done 😀
My dilemma isn’t knitting. It’s concentrating. Not finishing anything! Except cooking and eating 🙂
The yarn is beautiful and well worth it if it makes you happy ???? I’m the same way with projects! I find that if I have a person in mind when I start a sketch or cross stitch I’m much more likely to finish it. If you don’t think you will wear it, maybe you can donate it to a cause you enjoy? A woman’s shelter or NICU can often use blankets, beanies and shawls 🙂
This is why I have 2 pairs of socks going. It’s becoming important that I finish something.
I keep starting things then abandoning them. I painted the living room but all the pictures are still in the chair. I have work but just can’t get it going. Easter dinner today got the counter cleaned off but the floor needs to be done. I’ve washed the same load of laundry 3 times because it doesn’t make it into the dryer.
Socks. Definitely socks.
Sometimes you just need to finish a simple project before you can tackle a larger one. Maybe pick something simple and mindless that you know you can do and just do it. I feel like finishing a simple project can be inspirational in finishing a larger one. You could make something small and simple for your children to give you a kick start
Hey, what about a kimono? It works as a display piece and I find the cut very comfortable and flattering.
If you don’t think you’d wear a wrap or shawl, you could make a hat, scarf and mittens set or make a squishy blanket out of that lovely yarn.
Hey, we all love yarn and have unfinished projects! But I can think of one unfinished project that we would all Love to see and it was expected to arrive in December 2019. Please i miss Hugh and Kate and all that comes with them.
Didn’t read all of this so please forgive me if someone else has suggested socks. They knit up fast are fun to wear and give and you can be as creative as you like with color changes.
Yea, but socks with sparkles? Bit of a waste, I would say… Your ideas about a shawl should work out, and a lot of suggestions have already been made.
Just want to buy more yarn, cause I cannot get out and my addiction is not being fed!????
same problem I have..I need certain and specific colors to start a project that should give me income during these covid 19 days..please help!
I totally understand the need for more yarn, even, if I’m not sure what to do with it. Luckily if I make something I have a daughter and son’s long term girlfriend who both enjoy hand made things. Finishing a project is incredibly satisfying.
Well I am just glad I kept reading the post cuz I started without my glasses on and I thought that glorious display was of beautifully colored Easter eggs! Now I’m still without my glasses but I don’t feel as inept cuz one of the most prolific writers of my absolute favorite books actually struggle too!
Best wishes to all on this day whatever your belief system is or is not…now I need to find my spectacles
I thought they were Easter eggs too! I
Weave a wall hanging with the yarn.
I love knitting and always have wool stored away. Now I am knitting what I feel like, then putting it into a charity bag for when lock down is over. I am relaxed, happy and some good use as come out of it.
I really like the first pattern. A drape like that would dress up any outfit. Black tshirt/white tank top/turtleneck + drape *poof!* instant cute outfit!
The green/blue mix is gorgeous. Your pic made me want to learn how to knit lol
Since I don’t sew, knit or crochet I am not sure if this is an option, but is that kind of yarn something you can make non wearable art with? Something to hang on the wall and admire and not have to worry if you will wear it or not?
Get a lap loom and make a scarf.
I always have the same issue. I make scarves and shawls that never get worn. I finally decided that the act of creating is what I enjoy most so now I gather up my projects every once in a while and give them away to people.
I agree with you regarding “the act of knitting”. I have a suitcase filled with projects. When a birthday or special occasion arises, I go to my suitcase. However Miss Babs yarn is expensive and exceptional, believe me if you had a shawl made out of those yarns you would wear it.
+1 I was thinking the same
Love the planet pic. Knitted and crocheted vests are coming back into popularity. Supposedly quick to do. Your yarns would make a gorgeous vest and they’re comfortable to wear when it’s not quite chilly enough for a sweater.
Buying yarn is great isn’t it, almost titillating, gives me a rush. I’ve been on an extreme yarn diet over the last 2 years because the size of my stash just can not justify any more yarn.
What to make? Suggestion: Don’t over think it. Choose something that you will hv Fun doing, not a chore. Who cares if you don’t wear it, it’s the pleasure of working with the fabric.
I’m working on Michele Wang’s Radmere, making 2 for my brothers. It will probably take the rest of my lifetime to finish them, but I enjoy the work.
I’ve been watching a youtube channel called “Curiosity Inc”. It follows an antique dealer and his family. I started when he bought a hoarders house which was full of stuff, turns out she was a well respected artist. I think the series is called the potters house series. It’s very good and satisfying.
I started making bunnies with my yarn. I have a good 200 skeins. And it’s thick yarn stored everywhere. So scarves, rabbits, pot holders, next up is pot scrubbers with netting I bought. How about you use yours for table doilies, wall art, socks, gloves, cover a lamp. So many options.
I am knitting shawls and wraps right now. I love them and wear them year round as an extra layer. They are a substitute for a cardigan in the summer and work great in a breezy office (somehow I’m always under a vent).
Just have fun and knit/crochet and finish something! The pattern I’m working now is very simple but I’m working on it regularly.
When I first saw it, I thought you were showing us dyed Easter eggs! So pretty! I have a friend who knits and she recently bought a knitting machine. She loves it and it helps her get finished with her projects. And, contrary to what her “purist” so-called fellow knitting club friends say, it’s NOT cheating!
My yarn stash is getting a little crazy, I just started crocheting around the beginning of this shut in. I have talked myself into finishing projects by designating projects to give away. Midway through a project I imagine who I’ll give it to when I can see them again… or I take a picture if it midway and ask someone if they want it. I have a tub full of shawls and scarves and am waiting for my cotton yarn to come in the mail so I can make some dish clothes for a friend. I’ve been learning via YouTube so I’m keeping it simple. I for sure do not need as many projects for myself as I have beautiful yarn for… I don’t know how to knit so it’s all crochet.
Um, I guess I need my eyes checked because initially I thought the yarn photo was yarn eggs you were showing is you made…????
I thought for a second the yarn was eggs too.
Sorry, I forgot this question in my previous comment… I’m new to all of this, what is ‘fingering’ yarn? Also, that yarn is beautiful!
I, personally, would frame these in a box frame with glass, and hang a small hammer by it with a note that says “Break in case of emergency “.
Miss Babs is SO lovely! I am knitting a blanket with some stashed Yowza right now. Maybe a light poncho? I love pieces that can be worn multiple seasons.
For Ilona, <3
Well said, Leigh. I find beautiful things I love to make. It soothes my soul to create and to feel the softness as I'm crocheting. If I don't know what to do with it, I often donate it. My two favorite groups are Knots of Love for chemo patients. (Even the shawl could be a prayer shawl) or Keep America Warm. I try not to overthink how warm this will keep them. Feeling as though something so beautiful and less practical might brighten their day.
That is a wonderful idea. I bet many of the recipients love it. If they were bald from chemo, they may even appreciate caps.
I don’t even knit and I’d buy that yarn just to look at and think about creating wonderful things. Then I’d give it to my friend who makes wonderful creations from yarn of every type. I vote for the CJ Brady pattern because it is lovely and it looks as if it would be a comparatively quick thing to make. It also looks like something you could just throw around you on the way out the door and it would still look good. Or, heck, you could whip up a potholder from that yarn or maybe a couple potholders of different colors and patterns, and they’d give an elegant, fun look to the kitchen. As long as you’re in there baking anyway. LOL.
As an avid cross stitcher and sometime crochter there is a difference between finishing projects and collecting stash. Since picking up the hooks again I have gone from no yarn and no projects to lots of yarn and three WIP just in crochet. Don’t get me started about the cross stitch. I feel your pain. And I want to know who actually wears shawls??
I do! They’re mostly shawlettes that wrap around the neck, but I live in NE Ohio where the temp can drop 30 degrees in 10 minutes. Since starting to wear them I don’t get sore throats and earaches nearly as much.
I gave myself a rule for this time, one watercolor a day. It does not matter if I like it, hate it, or I rip a couple in the process. It’s been helping keep the cap in fever at bay.
Finishing projects does wonders for anxiety management. Hope you find something you can finish, no matter how small it might be.
That’s lovely!
Ooh I love the 1st picture…what a lovely shawl.
I like them all, and have been eyeing the last pattern myself. Unfortunately all such things will need to wait until everything is packed and we are out of the house. To my husband’s horror, the stash is coming with me. I look forward to seeing what you do!
Check out Expression Fiber Arts for patterns that work with your yarn.
Pretty ???? and yay for thoughtful husbands.
I’m obsessed with cardigans. I own more cardigans than jeans. If I could knit, I’d be adding more to my collection lol
That yarn is gorgeous! But I’m too scattered now to focus on something that has a pattern or is even remotely complicated. So I’m going through my yarn stash and making blankets for dogs. Mindless easy knitting, all different sizes, interesting color combos (doggos don’t care:) and picturing a dog in a shelter getting comfy on one of my blankets makes me so happy.
Would one of those projects make a good gift for someone you love? Sometimes doing a project with intent to gift it makes it easier to finish!
I don’t sew, knit, knot, crochet or weave. I like to work in my garden and try to get creative with natural colors. My colors are similar to those of the beautiful yarns pictured in this blog.
Happy Easter to all. My Passion flowers are bright with the Easter Season’s colors. The ivory Honeysuckle’s scent is heavy in my garden. My wish is everyone be safe during this dangerous time.
Make a wrap (‘cause it would be gorgeous), and the keep it on your favorite chair or spot on the sofa and wrap yourself in it whenever you’re snuggling in reading or watching tv. If it’s where you sit, you will use it. Don’t tuck it away in a closet! Use that beautiful yarn ❤️❤️❤️
This is the pattern that I actually finish, I’ve made a bunch for my son, who is hard to please and loves these. And I love watching the patterns emerge when I use variegated yarn. But Texas?
https://foxflat.files.wordpress.com/2011/09/kami-hat.pdf
Right now something totally comfy made with love sounds great. A shawl or scarf to wrap up in while I read or watch the world from my porch. Something to throw on while I wait for the kettle to boil. A fuzzy hug.
You need to get out of the thought that you MUST finish something. You must do whatever it takes to get you though this time. I am having the same issue. I took my not finishing self outside and planted a vegetable garden that I can now tend. I get tired of being inside. Just do whatever you can tend a few minutes a day and take the pressure off. If baking is your thing right now, bake away.
Maybe something like free your fade? I also really like Duane Park Triangle by Kapur. You would be able to make several of those.
Would one of your kids wear what you make? Or maybe just a neighbor who needs something to cheer them up right now? I find that I often more interested in a yarn or pattern for the joy of making it rather than because I want to wear it. And a gift of something handmade really perks people up.
When we went into stay-at-home mode, I tried to start a lace shawl, but my concentration is so bad right now, I couldn’t get but a couple of rows done. I found a kit I had purchased at MD Sheep & Wool for a mitered corner scarf that was a bit easier going, but it is going to take awhile and I wanted something that I could finish quickly. So I am now almost done with knit-in-the-round cowl with a bulky weight, jewel-toned colored yarn (the picture doesn’t really do it justice). I am finding it soothing.
That yarn is gorgeous! I end up giving away almost everything I make. Completing it is the satisfying part, but there’s only so much stuff you can keep for yourself.
Grandling is a HUGE amount of fun. And I do wear mine. A lot.
When I feel a need to finish a project I often knit socks – they are smaller and go faster, and I always need to wear socks!
I’ve been wanting to make this because I think I would actually wear it!
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/hoodie-shawl-cardigan
I’m a shawl + scarf maniac… But since I’m often too hot, I tend to wear and collect huge batiked or painted ones in silk or rayon… If it’s big and thin, you can do almost anything with it – from double it up around your throat for warm or wrap it as a sarong for the beach 🙂
But I’m learning to knit and crochet… and beautiful yarn is very seductive! I agree with others that the making is satisfying and a goal in and of itself! Shawl, scarf, vest, delicate cardigan or pullover all would go in that gorgeous yarn… You could even make a throw for when you are reading and get a little chill.. then it would be around to enjoy the beauty of it, and no need to worry about coordinating with wardrobes!!
Yarn is life! ????
Mmm… loot. Lovely.
Gordon is a sweetie. You picked a good one. But then, so did he.
I knit some. My mother knits more. She has knit me a bunch of soft wool lace scarves, all of which I wear. But I am in New England, so scarf season goes from late October to about late April. They are perfect “gaskets” to go with coats and jackets, and really do cut the wind.
In summer I also wear shawls/pashminas as wards against air conditioning and stiff coastal breezes that kick up around here. They’re easy to drape over an arm when they’re not being worn, and fast and easy to put on/slip off. I’ve even worn them in Hawaii, again against air conditioning or evening breezes. So for summer, or warmer climate, pashmina weight and amount of fabric/dimensions makes sense for me, and is what I actually wear. If it has less coverage, I tend not to wear it, because it doesn’t do what I want. Even light weight lace adds warmth without bulk in summer.
Final thought, from a style standpoint on me, I tend not to wear decorative items that don’t reach around the shoulders, but only around the neck. Too much additional bulk at the bust line doesn’t do anything for me, so I wave off from that stuff. Everybody knows their own deal as far as what ornamentation and emphasis is in their groove.
Have fun! The yarn looks delicious and glorious to work with.
It’s time for the immediate gratification projects. I found a book in our online library catalog: Weekend Makes: Stash Knitting: 25 Quick and Easy Projects to Make
by GMC Editors. I’ll have to check it out when the library opens again. But I also found some interesting projects that I would totally wear in a book called: Elemental Knits: A Perennial Knitwear Collection by Courtney Spainhower. It is available as an e-book. I told myself I can’t indulge until I finish the projects I have going – shawl, sweater, rug and several scarfs.
Make one of those gorgeous wraps and just wear it (sitting at your desk, working, watching TV) because looking at it and touching It makes you happy and gives you comfort and joy. I have a couple wraps in my office drawer that comfort me and make me happy. Putting them around myself feels like a soft warm hug.
Always looking for a new seller of fiber. Thank you!
I concur with the “don’t overthink it” comments. My stash – er, collection- of yarn is. Well, let’s just say that, between myself and a couple friends, we could stock a small yarn shop.
Fortunately I have had specific projects lined up since January: finish a throw for one niece, six baby blankets (two for last week, four for July), start a throw for the next niece, finish a shawl for myself and a scarflet as well.
Your colors are lovely (I am drooling on the cat). And you probably have enough yardage to make multiple items. If you don’t think you will wear anything, try bandana scarves or shawlettes for friends and family to be given when next you can see them.
Happy stitching!
I’m in favor of the CJ Brady pattern. Luscious colors and a little light layer to throw over comfy clothes. Sounds cozy – and I think we could all use a little cozy.
Ok, so after reading your post and looking at the yarn on the table, I going to make a few assumptions based on the concept that I both knit and crochet, draw and paint and my living room shares some style elements with yours. So basic assumption your like me (probably not!). The issue for me is, I get bored working on anything too long, I have never and probably will never crochet or knit a blanket. Immediate gratification and a constant feeling to completion can be found in making squares. You have a variety of colors to work with and mixed with a neutral either white, brown, grey or black you would get some interesting blocks. Which may or may not then be joined into a table runner, blanket, shawl, etc.. May I recommend a circular sock machine (CSM). These can be found new from Earlbacher Gearhart here in the US or as an antique from a variety of sources. It has a steep learning curve but you can complete a nice sock in an hour. Here’s a Facebook group- https://m.facebook.com/groups/561948523913745?multi_permalinks=2673602019415041¬if_t=group_highlights¬if_id=1586479603167329&ref=m_notif
This group (Circular Sock Machine Knitters 2.0) will give you an idea of what you’re getting into and has a ton of help for new CSM peoples. Best of luck – sock making is fast and addictive!
I think the yarn would look lovely in the ocean breeze shawl. I’m so glad you bought the yarn.
I’m not a knitter, but I do sew. After mindlessly making face masks, I am now using up remnants of fabric to make Barbie doll clothes for my granddaughters. I don’t have enough yardage in my stash to make the girl dresses for Easter as I usually do.
Dear Ilona
You have a great friend in Jeanene Frost and two beautiful daughters – birthdays and Christmas will roll around and any of those three projects would be gratefully received I am sure.
Really though you deserve to wear something beautiful and when you are on your book tours they would absolutely go with a dress or top and pants in a plain colour (I vote for black) and you would feel amazing because a) beautiful; b) you made it and c) no-one else would have one like it (at least not until a fan decides to copy you! ).
You could always have the joy of making and then raffle it for charity?
I don’t know how much such beautiful yarn costs in the US but it’s not cheap here in Australia either so there would be joy no matter what you choose to make and wherever it lands.
Please do post once you’ve made it?
Enjoy.
Living in New York, I actually use the hats and scarves I knit, but I also wear a lot of long cardigans so I have just started knitting one!
What knitted items do you and your family actually wear? You might make some of those. I also have a friend who knits toys and doll close for children’s hospitals and foster kids.
You could knit or crochet something and then give it away. That’s what keeps me on track and helps me finish my projects. I give my projects to the local shelter for abused women,the the birth center at the local hospital and to the neo-natal ICU Grief room. This way I can enjoy making my projects and feel involved with and useful in my community.
You can hold strands of yarn together which will allow you to use bigger needles and make it easier to complete.
Do you really need to wear it? I bet you could auction it off and donate the proceeds. Your fans would love it!
I would love to see some of your knitting projects. The planet is great!
The first two patterns appeal to me. If you want to make them but don’t think you would wear a shawl, maybe one of your daughters likes shawls? One of your close friends like Grace Draven or Jeanine Frost has a birthday coming up?
Sleeveless vests might be more practical for your tastes and similar to these shawls. Or poncho style wraps worn over a light shell. Those are very “in” right now and easier to wear, IMO. Lacy sweaters over a tank are also a thing.
I have a sewing buddy that says the fabric you buy has to age appropriately, like wine, before it is ready to be used. So buying yarn and spending time admiring it is also fine. You are letting it age. ????
Is it necessary to make something if just holding and admiring it makes you happy right now? A project will eventually turn up for it, and if you force it now, then you won’t have it when the right project comes along!
At least, that’s how I rationalize continued collection of pleasing materials without actual completion of a … OK, any… projects.
Oooh, I’d definitely finish this piece if I bought THAT to use on it! Definitely!
I agree that there is no hurry to make something with the yarn when it is beautiful on its own. I would be happy just displaying the yarn as art for now.
I never worry about what to do with a piece after it is made ♡ I rarely keep anything I make. I make things for the joy of making them mostly. So if making one of these projects will be more fun than admiring the yarn do that and worry about what you’ll do with it afterward ♡◇
Make something that makes you happy. You could always auction it off for charity or give it to a frontline worker such as a doctor, nurse, or grocery clerk who cannot self-isolate because they are needed workers.
You should auction something you’ve made for charity or something. Doesn’t matter what. Your fans would buy it. ????
Auctioning off a project is a stellar idea!! The BDH will go nuts! I would go with a rectangular shawl type thing. Easier to finish if you have gauge issues with very fine yarn like fingering weight (guilty!) . Enjoy the process and worry about what to do with it when it’s done. Although lacy lampshades in that jewel tone yarn will be stuck in my brain for a while –thanks for dropping that idea in! Wondering about possibility of magical hand transplants to fix arthritis now!
If you find that magical spell to fix arthritis in hands, please be sure to let the rest of us know. I have 3 different baby things started, all different weights so that , or so i thought, I’d have something i could work on no matter how stiff my hands were. Only right now I can’t close them enough to hold even an Afghan crochet hook.
And as for typing….. like Ilona I’m a touch typist, and when one hand (left one for the curious) won’t cooperate and let the fingers bend without serious pain….
So sorry about your hands. That new ‘hemp’ cream helps (sold at Walmart). Also completely eliminating diet sodas or anything using artificial sweeteners is helpful. Also, crochet is particularly hard on my hands. I find knitting much less stressful on the hands, especially the continental method. Tunisian crochet is actually the worst on my hands.
Ravelry pattern Favorite Scarf Ever by Lisa Bruce is made for variegated yarn. Always turns out beautifully and an easy knit.
Considering upcoming summer weather – when my sister was crocheting up a storm, she made all of us lacy tops to wear over (pretty up) a tank top/camisole in the summer. Mine had loose batwings, which created a nice personal breeze when I waved my arms. I wore it for year until it got too small for me (I’m sure it shrank, right?) and then I gave it back to my sister, who passed it on to her grand-daughter.
Just have to say you are so talented…anything you decide to do will look fantastic…????
I have the same problem. I live in Okla so not so big on shawls up here. I still wear them but only when I am dressing up. But I need to be making something all the time. So I have a lot of stuff that I start, then don’t finish because I realize I probably won’t wear it. Or I get bored with it. I like the crochet shawl. It looks like it would probably go pretty fast.
Lovely yarn and beautiful colours. What about knitting long cardigans or throws (always useful)? If you’re looking for a simple project how about making some soy candles, really easy to make and you can use whatever essential oils you have to make them (also, much healthier and better for the environment than a Yankee candle, sorry don’t mean to candle shame but whenever I see a Yankee candle I cringe). Xx
Do what makes you happy and feels good to you. As I keep telling my daughter (she sews), it’s not about the end product, it’s about the process, which soothes you, destresses you, and is a form of creative escapism. Finishing is not the goal. Enjoy the yarn in the way that makes you feel best. Looks so very pretty.
Love all your work, best wishes
CJ Brady definitely!
Don’t think about wearing it in Texas.
Think about how absolutely female you’ll feel at a book event in a too chilly room.
Make it and then anticipate the moment you’ll wear it and WOW your BDH!
ENJOY !!!
Thank You For Sharing Your Genius With !
I have a drawerful of scrapbooking paper that makes me ridiculously happy when I see it. Pretty can just be pretty, sometimes. Put them in a shadowbox and display those rolls on a wall for now.
One of my most guilty pleasures is buying gorgeous yarn and then putting it in my stash to, well drool over I suppose. I am always so frightened that I couldn’t do it any justice so unused it stays!
YARN!! She who dies with the most yarn WINS!!! Hahaha. Hmmm. I too have a plethora of yarn. I am a self taught beginner crochet. It has helped my sanity to be able to do something instead of worrying. But I’m not very proficient. Still, I’ve been doing some washcloths as a nice beginner project. I’m looking for a nice easy cowl (think Outlander) to try next something I can work in a round mindlessly. I am also working on a little critter the pattern is free called itty bitty kitty crochet. But involves too much counting if interruptions are likely. Hence I want a scarf. So good luck, those are truly beautiful yarns and would make lovely scarves, shawls etc especially for a night at a restaurant I think.
OMG! The Itty Bitty Kitty is soooo cute ????????. I can knit but not crochet, but I’ve dug out some ancient crochet hooks and am going to learn how to do it ????
I just learned how to knit socks. Mittens are next on my to learn list. What about something you can do in a day? Like a coffee to go sleeve? Or a headband? Or knit a square and turn it into a bunny for Easter? Or… Don’t knit and go play animal crossing because it’s so hard to focus these days. For everyone.
Why necessarily make something to wear? Make a wall hanger or something like that.
I love the pattern by CJ Brady. You can finish that design and you can use it at home. Its Beautiful
Un abrazo desde España
MJ
One woman I knew made tiny hats for new born babies to wear home from the hospital especially in poor areas. I though that was a really caring idea and there was now a keepsake for the child. It was doubtful that most of these parents could afford a treasure like that.
I love this idea and there’s a lot of companionship in making things like that especially for the beginner
I like the idea of you just making whatever you feel like making in the moment (without worrying about whether you’ll wear it or not) and then auctioning it off, with proceeds to your favorite charity! Win-win?
I love your yarn dilemmas. I think it’s all about the journey of the yarn saga, eventually you will finish one. Thanks for including us in the normal.
The yarn would make a beautiful sweater. I’m glad I’m not the only one baking more than I should!
I like this pattern. I plan on using my Madeline Tosh Marano Light and using more than it calls for. I only have it one color way so I am not sure how it will turn out. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/noro-woven-stitch-shawl
Find a one skein pattern that you like and go for it!!! Thank You both for the words….
I don’t know if anyone else has suggested that, but why don’t you make socks? One 400 yd skein of fingering weight would make a pair with 3 to 4 inch cuffs.
Hmmmm, I live in France and we are in confinement still, so I have knitted scarves for next winter and I’m curently knitting a cardigan with round needles (hope that is how you say it in english) .
This is a first for me so I’m enjoying the challenge of something new. I’m also using a yarn that I usually don’t use that was offered to me: it’s Kid Silk from Drops ( a mohair and silk mix ultra fine wool) which has me using 2 threads to knit at the same time, another first…. I welcome the challenge but I’m really not sure about the outcome and it makes my hands so warm while knitting that I do not know if I’ll ever finish it…
So I get your problem…
I’m also doing a miniature music box kit and a cross stitch at the same time, so unfinished stuff is right up my alley…..
I can also say that it allows me to switch depending on my mood… which in confinement isn’t a bad thing…..
About what to do? I agree that an auction for charity for one of your woolen creations would be amazing,… If you wish to do several, why not try your hand at amigurumi? That could be fun!
(Adding a picture of a miniature hat I made from the miniature music box kit I’m working on…)
I started knitting when I was 9. It is now 60 years later. I knit for charity these days. Indian reservations are in great need. I like to see the children smile when they pick out their handmade item. The smile is all you need. They are happy and you are pleased that you have finished a sweater for someone that will use it. About my yarn stash, my husband thinks that this much yarn (18 containers) should be illegal. Have a great time knitting and be safe.
The suggestion that popped into my mind was “turn Ryder into a book and finish that.”
Sorry, but I read the whole thing last night, and it has LIFE. It is begging to be written.
You mind if have to finish baking. My mother tried to teach me to knit when I was about ten. I found it so boring, I didn’t finish a head band. I haven’t tried it since,but I like doing counted cross stitch. Go figure. No advice here except make something small.
That was kind of not mind if. I hate auto correct and managed to disable it on my phone. I need to do that on my tablet too.
I just finished testing a crochet pattern for a ruffle sleeve crochet top that I absolutely love! It uses fingering weight stellina yarn, and it actually works up pretty quickly. The entire top is worked in extended single crochet. The pattern will be published on April 17 on Ravelry, but it’s posted now. It’s a top down seamless top. I used just under 1200 yards for a size medium. I used all one color with yarn I dyed myself, but you could do a fade with all those beautiful skeins! If you want to see pictures of the top my Ravelry name is CBreslinCreates and the top is called the Flutter Free Tee. I have a project posted for it, since I tested the oat tern. I’m going to wear mine today for Easter, even though I’m not going anywhere. 🙂
Gorgeous yarn is just that. I’m the same way with fabric so have large containers of beautiful things that I will make someday. Interestingly enough I tapped my gorgeous fabric to make COVID-19 masks and have now happily produced enough for friends and family and have begun donating to the hospital and police. Not only that but my 20 something daughter joined me at the sewing machine and she has doubled my output. I didn’t get the beautiful quilt from the Ariel fabric I bought for her but have taken comfort seeing het wear a facemask. I don’t know if that helps with the completing a project concept but maybe.
Do you knit brioche? Knit Graffiti has some great shawl patterns. Brioche is my favorite method of combining different colors.
A friend is doing a mystery knit-a-long, where you knit clues (five in all). The first one looks like the point of a shawl. I find the concept pretty cool.
First, the yarn is fabulous! Even sitting in skeins on your table, it rocks.
With regards to the three patterns:
I love the first one, since I love to crochet, but I wouldn’t do the tassels. (I am not big on tassels). The second one is also lovely and I think, if it’s the right yarn, it would be a lovely thing to wear on a coolish day. But, I think the yarn that you purchased might be a bit too “fluffy” for this pattern. More of a silk yarn look, to my eyes. I am not a big fan of #3. It’s just not special enough. That’s it!
Re: Bueatiful Stash: Beware……..or you will find an attic full of yarn. Seriously. I have more than 100 tubs of yarn.
But I do knit daily, and using the Ravelry.com queue, library, project, and challenge features I have actually started finishing projects. I also find MKALs inspiring in keeping up with a project as you get a weekly clue. Seeing the wonderful progress of others knitting the same thing helps keep me inspired to keep up.
I like the second, sort of a shawl one. It looks like it would be good over a summer shirt in a restaurant, where it is alway 40 degrees. Once you have it made you can buy a couple of shirts to match.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/taj-tunic
This pattern uses multiple yarns, some with sparkle. It is flattering for a variety of sizes, and there is even a shawl version of the pattern.
Oh this is *easy*. Make any of the above, and you can wear it to keep from freezing to death during con-panels. Or auction it off for charity, and *other* people will use it to keep from freezing during con-panels.
Or make a pet-bed. To save your poor, innocent pets from having to nap on all those chilly tiles. Or give to local shelters/rescues so homeless pets have soft beds. Or blankets.
Sometimes when I want to use beautiful yarn and cannot brain, I knit a large rectangle on huge needles, for example fingering yarn on anywhere between size 9 – 11 needles.
It’s called exploded lace. I get to produce something and the yarn is the star.
I give most of my stuff away; for me the process itself is calming and why I craft. I display finished items or stick them in a designated area until they find a home.
I am thoroughly enjoying the new Ryder story and thank you for sharing it. I hope whatever you decide to do with your yarn, you will thoroughly enjoy as well. And major props to Gordon for wanting you to be happy! What a great couple you make.
First off let me just say I’m so totally jealous of the yarn you have! I have a similar affliction, my yarn goes towards crochet and weaving projects, I have never been able to knit. Secondly, if you really want to make something but don’t think you’ll actually wear it, you could make it as a prayer shawl and give it to someone else who is in need of a hug or some prayers. That’s what I do when I end up buying yarn that I fall in love with but don’t have a project for. 🙂
I’ve decided to do Nothing.
(I’m still working from home, though, so maybe that’s not as bad as it sounds?)
I personally like the first two patterns but would make the crochet one as I don’t know how to knit. Unfortunate as that is beautiful! Make what you like! I make beaded jewelry. Sometimes there’s a pattern that I love but won’t wear so I consider who I know that would like it. That way I get to make something lovely and get to make someone else happy when I give it to them. Win- win!
Oh I love that . I am collecting fabric to make a patchwork spread. I have enough material for several spreads but they just Not do them by themselves…
All three patterns are lovely. If the process of creating something brings you joy, then you will have used the yarn in the best way. You can always figure out what to do with it later.
That yarn is absolutely gorgeous!! I’m looking at it and am really envious of the fact that you can knit!! I can still crochet if I use the padded hooks. I think you should do whatever makes you happy and content. If it’s looking at the yarn anfd feeling it, do that. If it’s crochet, do it. If it’s knitting, do it. I will say the crochet pattern is beautiful and will probably be quicker than knitting a shawl. Some suugested doing it for charity but you could also give it as a gift. There may be a women’s shelter near you that someone would appreciate a beautiful shawl. Just putting that on would may a person feel pretty!!
Anyway, just my thoughts.
That’s a great idea about the women’s shelter. I also like the suggestion about making hats for babies in the hospital. I was in the Air Force when I had my son and there were women who knitted and donated a hat, sweater and blanket for each baby born in the hospital and I still have the set they gave me. I am saving it for my grandchildren. ????
Maybe you could make a summer vest, or a shawl cardigan?
Or a window curtain/topper perhaps? Cute gaiters? A bag?
You could always knit Wingspan, it is in Ravelery, I bought the kit and can’t wait to knit it but have 5 WIP at the moment and at least to other projects before it.
I bought the kit from a Canadian firm and I live in NZ so not cheap and reminds of the wings of the Archangels in Nalini Singh’s Guild Hunter series.
On a side note, picked up one of the Hidden Legacy series for $1.99 on a sight, bad mistake now I am hooked on them have read the first three over Easter but can’t afford to spend more money on my habit as being made redundant on 6th May, so may have to cry!
Try checking in on the Tempestry Project. (Www.tempestryproject.com). It blends fiber art with temperature data. You pick 2 years, like your birth year and last year and construct a wall hanging or shawl with yarn. They have some for the national parks too. I chose Rocky Mountain National Park.
Personally, I just buy it because I love pretty yarn and it makes me happy!
Finishing
Completing
A defined endpoint
All are such human constructs. Artificial.
Creativity should be organic. Including when you put a project down. It’s purpose served. It doesn’t need to reach a predetermined endpoint for that particular path to be complete.
Baby blankets. I used to buy them at auctions (church fund raisers, mostly) back when I worked full time, and keep them until someone I knew had a baby or grand-baby on the way. Great gifts! Also afghans as gifts for seniors, or tired moms with no time to knit.
What about a day to day item that you would use around the house? lap blankets are big in my house. Table toppers are great too – you can enjoy them visually all the time or switch them out. I have beautiful wood pieces that really stand out with nice crafted runners or placemats. I am not a clutter person so I like to have very clean lines and items that speak for themselves and enhance their surroundings.
I have a similar dilemma, I found a pattern called Nivana it’s a fingering weight colour work sweater I plan to fade from my lightest grey to the darkest and use my teals as the color the same way.
Ooohhhh colors. Sigh.
Today I was playing with sewing ideas (my brain is a bit overwhelmed with ideas) and took another look at my stash. I have this gorgeous illuminated paisley with an antique parchment background. It reminds me of my favorite stationary (used up). It is not “my color”. I will probably die with that fabric in my stash. I held it in my hands and realized this today. I looked at it and it made me so happy. I thought “maybe curtains some day”. I smiled, stroked it, refolded it and put it back in my Marie Kondo organized stash. It makes me so happy. With this fabric I’m not going to worry about consumerism or death cleaning or practicality.
It Brings Me Joy.
Dear Ilona,
If I could knit, I would knit this Cape -> https://www.christel-seyfarth.com/product-page/havila-cape-dark-grey-ready-made
Or one of the pretty shawls. I would use them for those drafty spring nights.
Kind Regards
If your concern is if you would use It … Do you have anyone for whom you çould knit? I knit for my and their partners and feel very fortunate to have this “clientelle”.
I think Garndling is very wearable, and would look lovely in those colors. Plus, mindless knitting is meditation for me. So, I’d be more likely to finish it. Win, win.
what would you like to wear, or feel in your hands as you knit right now? for me the process of knitting is stress relieving, so I’ve cast on new projects with some beautiful yarn I was saving. will I finish? not sure, but the process is relaxing. maybe knit a favorite pattern you already know!
I haven’t read all the comments so I don’t know if anyone has suggested this, but blankets or throws are always good to make and I’ve never had a single person knock one back if they are gifted one! I’m making one from leftovers at the moment, it’ll be known as The Corona!
Actually, this is a good compromise. Look for a shawl patter that you like, but which can be used as a throw if you decide you don’t want to wear it very often.
Maybe this has been already suggested but what about textile wall art?
I love how the colors work in those patterns. I buy pretty yarn, make something with it and then am disappointed because it looked prettier before. I would wear all of them, but then, I live in PA, where we wear scarves at least six months out of the year…
Don’t worry about finishing too much. When I first started quarantine I was useless for at least a week. Still have some very unproductive days, but it gets better as my brain adjusts to the new normal.
LOVE the yarn! I need all the inner sparkle I can get so the ravelry pattern definitely gets me. Plus it’s a very modern BoHo which I also really love for accent pieces. You buy yarn like I buy silk or linen, or vintage kimono fabrics. Wasaaay more fabrics than finished projects but they will happen. :-))
Knit socks, there are plenty of patterns on Ravelry (free and paid) for long and short socks and fingering weight is great for socks particularly. You can knit plain or patterned (cable and lace) socks in multicoloured yarns. Generally I count 100g for a short pair and 200g for a long pair with extra for darns or an end of skein squares blanket (either crocheted or knitted) so you have options.
A great way to avoid second sock syndrome 6us to use the two cable needle method both for toe up and toe down (second sock syndrome can fe bad with long socks).
I so feel you right now. I design crochet patterns and have a couple in various stages that need to be worked on plus a ton of ideas and I can’t make myself do anything! I know I will feel better if I make progress on something or better yet finish something but I just feel paralyzed. So I go to work and I watch reruns of Buffy and get more and more upset that I am not making any progress on my crochet.
I’ve been working on a baby quilt for 2 months. It’s a simple straightforward pattern and it is making me crazy. I like to quilt but I am trapped forever into piecing this thing. I haven’t even started quilting yet – the fun part. Figure it will be a good wedding gift for the kid one day… sigh…
If I‘m just in that mood of „just gonna watch TV anyway“, I get productive (and more content) by re-watching shows like Marie Kondo‘s or “Big Dreams, Small Spaces“ (because they’re heartwarming and start with mess, hardworking people and the more they work, the happier they get. It’s basically brainwashing;) ). I take something like a basket of clothes that need folding and a tea with me on the couch, and ignore the basket and watch the show. Eventually, grumpy-me thaws and (secretly) starts on the basket and maybe even later on opens the mail she‘s been ignoring and escalates to singing and cleaning the windows and maybe even actually doing things she should be doing and then pausing the show because it‘a distracting her from her work 😉
Make socks! As basic or as complicated as you like. Sparkly socks always brighten my dai
Y. I wear my shiny green socks and my Christmas socks all the time for the sporting they put in my step.
Pretty sure you daughters could wear them. Or you could tease them and get them brides magazine…..see which one shows some hostilities or jabs back. But I’m more like Dennis Leary in some respects and want to see who rolls their eyes or gets hostile.
There is always finishing Ryder……. just saying…. please….pretty please….
Another thought, is just knit one of those projects and put it up for auction for charity.
I think pattern 2 with the new yarns would work with jeans to fancy dress, and be just the thing to bring to places that are over air conditioned…
I think pattern 2 with the new yarns would work with jeans to fancy dress, and be just the thing to bring to places that are over air conditioned…
I am currently knitting Jo’s Shawl f(rom the most recent Little Women adaptation), which is both mindless so far and something I want to actially wear, unlike shawls that require me to use a hand to keep them from slipping off. It’s for fongering yarn, so maybe? Although it might not be the best use of those gorgeous colors.
They’d make a lovely tunic, too.
If your shawl is slippy, why not catch it with one of those tiny hair clasps (the ones with a spring and little claws, sorry I don’t know what they’re called). I use them for lacy cardigans too
Finish the sweater! You’re so close. Then, when you feel awesome because of that accomplishment, start something new!
Do an afghan. Knit until you’re ready to dump it, tie it off and whatever size it is, that’s the size you meant it to be. Somebody will wear it. On the couch. Reading a book.
That yarn IS a painting and anything that you create with it will be beautiful
I have made this sweater twice now. I made one by casting on more stitches which then also elongated the front extensions. Love them both! Mine are done in mohair , one plain one multihued, and your multihued yarn looks perfect for it. Nice simple pattern that you can be creative with. Easy wear, lightweight, perfect for chilly spring evenings or summer nights. Or just dressing up a pair of jeans and a cami.
Found the pattern on Ravelry.com. Its called Kid Serta Cardigan. Can’t send a photo. Couldn’t figure out how to upload it but check out Ravelry.
Buy some mohair or similar and make City Limits by Tanis Lavalee. You have the perfect color selection for it!
…warning bad idea incoming…
Mask cover
… told you…
Maybe you could do a small stuffed animal, baby clothes or booties ( my sister just had a baby so I’m thinking about stuff she got), a random shape that you can glue a magnet to the back of and stick to your fridge, a bookmark, or maybe even some gloves for next winter. Oh maybe find something random and knitt a cover for it, a chair, mug, or a stapler cover (lol j.k.)
I’m like you except I sew instead of knit. I have about 20 huge Rubbermaid tubs filled with mostly European knit fabric that I bought because I wanted to make something and they’re all taking up huge amounts of space in my new downsized condo. So I have to do something soon to use up my stash.
I’ve found that if I get my supplies out in the open and stare at my sewing machine and serger long enough, I will get moving. It helps to have a cool pattern, though. Are there any birthdays coming up? Sometimes making something as a gift can be a motivator. Or an event you are going to where it would be awesome to wear a gorgeous hand-knit shawl or sweater? Maybe treat yourself and buy some awesome jewelry to match? Now i’m getting excited about this! I think I’m going to sew myself something!
The yarn is so beautiful. Have you ever thought about making little crib blankets that can be donated to your local hospital? It would be quick and easy and may use up any extra little bits of yarn. Could also make little booties or mittens for newborns. Just a thought.
Oh my! I love these colors and the shine! Breeze wrap in the purple! #drooling
I’ve been having trouble staying interested in the same thing for a long period (I even bounce between three of my favorite video games). So I recommend small projects.. Cat toys with catnip (my furbabies prefer baseball sized balls they can kick and bite), pot holders, trivets, or socks. Shiny fabric would also work for these and make them more fun.
Other then that I’ll second (third? fourth?) the idea of an Afghan, just knit till you feel like doing something else.
Speaking from experience, only make an article you already wear. If you often wear scarves/shawls/hats/ear warmers/gloves/mittens/fingerless mitts, make one or more. If you don’t, choose something more decorative with a space to put it already in mind. That’s my two cents!
That yarn is beautiful. I just want to squish it, it looks so soft! I can see this making a gorgeous shawl. Socks would be stunning as well. I have been debating between a delicate lacy shawl (for the frigid ac here in Florida) or socks myself. Would love to see what you decide on. Also, thanks for sharing your Edge Hamburger recipe awhile back, my dad was licking his chops just thinking about it.
Lightning pattern by Martina Behm. It’s a shawl, first knitted item i ever completed, and was designed using Miss Babs yarn. I actually used Estralita Ziggy stardust for it and it’s fantastic!! The pattern is also incredibly easy, and great if you don’t mind easy knitting which is all I ever really want to do. It travels in bag easily. It’s also super adaptable so you can use more yarn and just make it bigger. My friends all think i have fancy knitting moves…which i most definitely don’t! (All her patterns are really great if you like garter stitch)
You could knit something for charity so the feeling of doing good could help you finish your knitting.
Uses a platform like Omaze so people can buy tickets and go in the running to win a shawl etc buy famous author. You pick the charity.
I would buy some tickets even though I’ve lost my job due to covid but I am luckier than most as I have savings and a roof over my head.
The way forward at this time is kindness and feeling connected.
Much love
I’ve been working on a baby quilt for 2 months. It’s a simple straightforward pattern and it is making me crazy. I like to quilt but I am trapped forever into piecing this thing. I haven’t even started quilting yet – the fun part. Figure it will be a good wedding gift for the kid one day… sigh…
The yarn is gorgeous and the choices you showed are gorgeous as well. I am not artistic at all. From my point of view I could use any of those. Just saying. 🙂
Quote:
> But what would I do with it? Would I ever wear it?
[…]
> But again, will I ever wear it?
If I may make a suggestion: why not make something and then donate it to a charity auction?
Only you can answer the will I wear it question.
Night train shawl is a quick side to side shawl, only using 400 metres, one of those sparkling yarns will do it. I like side to side shawls as you are not knitting hundreds of stitches in each row. You are not trying to knit a blanket with this pattern.
Ravelry is my answer to every knitty question.
For fast in fingering would go with socks! I have been working on a poncho for two years and it’s driving me nuts! As mentioned above, I would use a round needle and the magic loop method to do both at the same time. Also, I would pick a pattern that start at the toes. That away the length is determined by the balance of your preferred length and the need to have a finished project.
Happy knitting and thanks so much for the blog! I enjoy the snippets and was laughing out loud at the pandemic house rules!
When the finishing is what matters….time for sex. Just a suggestion.
Instead of knitting it for yourself, maybe knit and give it away to friends? Or as a giveaway? Or for charity (I’m picturing a silent auction where I can bid on a shawl knitted by one of my fave authors). That’s all I can come up with off the top of my head.
Also: Gordon, you are a wonderful man with sweet words ????????
I feel you with the not finishing things. In my case it is the unpacking of boxes. We just moved across 2 states in a pandemic for my husband’s job, which was a definite feat of logistics. So now the great unboxing of the house must begin, and I am overwhelmed a bit. I honestly just want to unpack my kitchen and bake something.
I like small projects. A lot of people suggested socks, and sparkle socks are fun. I like tea cozies, and aspire to have a tea cozy wardrobe one day. Baskets, headbands, and neat tote bags are usually quick projects. I also have a thing for fingerless gloves. Or my personal favorite, the mitten that flips open to reveal gloved fingers inside. So fancy and warm!
Dear Ilona – I wouldn’t use your pretty yarn, but have you thought of knitting for the Australian wildfire animals? I didn’t include a link with this post to the donation sites because I’m a stranger, but there’s sites with “wish lists” and other info. Since you’re a fellow animal lover, it seems like something you might enjoy.
As for the new, shiny, GORGEOUS yarn, I like the second pattern and I’m very sure you would have many occasions to wear something that lovely. I think it would look spectacular with your long & beautiful hair.
The charity idea posted earlier with a throw is a great idea too.
On a different note, thank you for the stories and posts. They always brighten my day. That is always appreciated, but is invaluable in these times.
With such pretty color ways I would pick any of the projects by Stephen West. Not only are they colorful patterns but I never get board with one stitch wise. ❤️
A tea cozy!
Your yarn is so beautiful. At first glance I thought you were displaying a rainbow of dyed Easter eggs.
Both your first and second pattern are lovely. I was more drawn to the first pattern, but really, it’s about what makes you most happy.
I tend to wear soft, warm shawls inside my home, in place of a bathrobe—just a thought for anyone who hasn’t thought to wear them at home.
That’s what makes me happy, I can rotate thru my stash of pretties and watch TV, or read while wearing my shawl. If I’m wearing a hand knitted one, I feel like I’m wearing a hug.
They are extra easy to wear while reading in bed, especially if the room is cool.
I also keep one in my purse or car for those unexpectedly cold restaurants, movie theaters etc.
Just my two cents on how I wear them. I also think If knitting helps heal your tired “sprung” brain, just the act of healing might be enough justification without answering the where would I wear it question?
I want to take a minute to say a personal Thank you, for generously lowering your Sweep books during the Pandemic, and for all the joy you provide with your “scribbling”.
Gordon and you have a gift. I find your words transformative, and truly magical.
Thank you for sharing your gift in whatever format you so choose. I am grateful for everything from a snippet to a book. Your talent very simply, brightens my world.
Be happy. Be safe.
Be kind to yourself.
When i first saw the main picture forvthe post i thought the yarn bundles were beautiful Easter Eggs. But beautiful yarn works too 🙂
I really like the first pattern, and though someonemelse mentioned leavingbthe tassels off, i kind off like them. They define the shawl points… maybe smaller onesmor just the center one (though that might do an annoying butt bump depending on how the shawl hung on a hody). I see this as a shawl for more formal occassions.
The second pattern seems like a fun, casual one and someone else mentioned pairing it summer tees in complimentary colors.
I am not a huge fan of the third pattern, but that is just a personal dislike of bold horizontal stripes. If that is your thing and it is simple, sometimes simple/mindless is best 🙂 You don’t want having to rip out rows and re-do sections make your life more stressful.
Good luck and i hope the beautiful yarn turns into something beautiful that will make you happy.
I always envy anyone who can knit. I did learn how to do it but crochet is more my speed. One stitch at a time no annoying dropping of stitches. And as to where you will wear it? Well, my dear, anywhere you want. Right now it’s probably pretty limited, self isolation and all, but for a light covering while sitting on the porch, deck or just the back yard on a cool spring evening while watching the sun go down sounds about right.
Mmm, tricky. I too have projects that aren’t finished…yet! Nothing wrong with just enjoying looking at the wool and it’s potential????. I’m sure people would snap up a charity project, but that wouldn’t work for me- if I loved the wool, I couldn’t let it go once I had put all the effort into making it. Perhaps start the other way round. What WOULD you wear? Or buy some thick new wool and make a fast project.
you could try crocheting mask “ear savers” to donate to your local hospital. They are a crocheted strap with two buttons on either end that the mask elastic goes around to make it gentler on the ears. Your yarn is rather too pretty for that but thought you might like the idea. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nwe0hv7xBY&t=10s
I don’t knit, so my inexperience is huge. That being clarified, I love the second pattern.
And infinity scarf with a hood?
https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e3/a8/f8/e3a8f88775ba504eb60dacd35a362ac1.jpg
Like this^
I like the first one
My head or for my waist
I like a neck scarf long enough to thread through a belt loop and hang cross body (back or front) when not keeping me warm
I champion the sock idea that’s been posted 🙂 Right weight, not so long a project as to get bored with it and frogged for life. Sparkly on the feet are always fun. Now that I’ve been working from home for 5 weeks, I realize I like to wear fun socks around the house; their warm, cute and put me in a good mood to start the day.
I heart the yarn, will definitely look it up! Happy knitting!
Oh, just make what ever catches your fancy 🙂 Don’t worry about if you will wear it or not. I am sure that if you decide you don’t want it for your self, one of your friends or family will enjoy it. Or you could always donate it or sell it (I bet an Ilona Andrews original would generate some money in certain fan sites) I have been crocheting hats as they are a short project and I have found an easy pattern that makes up nicely with some yarn I have stashed. The important thing is that you enjoy what you are doing so that it doesn’t become another job. The nice thing about yarn projects is that if one doesn’t like the result one can just rip it out and use the yarn for something else. I love the yarn you have and think any of the patterns you showed would look great made up in it.
There’s a cute little yarn shop where my daughter and I took crochet lessons. They had a georgeous scalloped shawl in a varigated rainbow of deep teals, rich blues, saturated violets and plums for $89. It was kitten soft too. I wanted to learn to make one just like it; it was soooo beautiful. When they open up again, I’m going to buy it and wear it while I learn to crochet it in other colors.
Since finishing is the issue and you don’t know if you would wear it, you could always finish it and run a giveaway with both books and knitting projects you’ll never wear as prizes. Not that I’m selfish, at all. 🙂
I don’t knit but I do sew. I love to make quilts in particular but it can be difficult to stay on task with all the news media and stress. I am working from home. All face to face classes at my community college are online and we are trying to complete the content and get ready for finals. I have made some masks for those around me so I feel like I have contributed to the effort to flatten the curve. I find listening to music or books on tape while I sew helps me to relax and stay on task.. just a suggestion. I was inspired by the Ryder snippets to start read/ listen to Kate Daniels again. I find listening adds a depth to the book for me. Hope all is well with everyone in your home. Jones county Mississippi where I am from took a devastating blow from 2 tornadoes yesterday. Prayers are appreciated..
Raglan? the yarn is beautiful, so there is no need for a patern. an without a pattern its a fast knit. 🙂 enjoy your yarn
I can’t picture doing anything with Miss Babs yarn that doesn’t end up on my person, but I can see how you might be tired of shawls.
Six times the 345 meters in each of those skeins puts you in sweater quantity territory. But if you don’t want the sartorial commitment implied when you put on a sweater, you could make a poncho instead. Perhaps square or triangular in shape, then with several rounds of one yarn followed by a transition into the next yarn based on the Fibonacci sequence.
I love the first pattern you showed in your post- it’s very stylish. My sister in law wears drapey things like that all the time. Maybe one of your daughters would enjoy it paired with a tank or camisole? The colors of the yarn you bought are so pretty! And as other people have said- if the knitting itself is therapy for you, maybe it doesn’t ultimately matter if anyone wears it as long as YOU enjoy the creative process and finished product?
Firstly, your yarns are beautiful! Like any artists/artisans, we drool over colors.
I’d recommend socks, but socks are what I knit. Not sure the shiny would be comfortable though.
A thought on WIPs, they can be troubling since we want to finish what we started. (no doubt some semi-misguided work ethic) (and, yes, I have my share of UFOs) What I finally realized was that some (not all) projects were abandoned because I had learned what I needed to from them.
I knit often, i have made several in different weights.
Joji Locatelli and Helen Stewart are often my go to designers.
I would say look in your wardrobe and see what clothing ensembles you would wear with each of the options you have.
I found that helped me
The yarns at the border project seems like something that you would/should totally wear. 🙂
Also, I love your planet.
As both Brady and wrap are wearables: 1) have you been through your wardrobe to rematch pieces for new looks/outfits, replace worn out pieces, and
2) would either pattern match an outfit, and
3) do you have enough yarn to finish that project?
I’ve been bulldozing through my audiobooks to review – I’m on #1350, and ebooks – don’t know how to count kindle reviews.
I’ve really enjoyed several of your personal book recommendations. Have any new ones?
Ilona, Do a bed spread if you dare. The colors are perfect for it. Good luck.
+1!!!! Especially using the Y at B pattern. Just my opinion becuz I love spreads with intricate colors like that. And the shiny will give it “slumber sparkle. “
So I’m going to give you something from left field, that’s easy and you’ll probably wear. Socks! Get through a simple pair of socks and go from there. Outside of that , I’d recommend a poncho or scarf or something that goes with your wardrobe.
I am the type of visual person that is driven by color. As I no longer crochet, needlepoint, cross-stitch, or knit, I probably would go a totally different direction. I would get a tall, clear glass container and place all of the loops inside. I would put it someplace where my eyes could rest on it at will like a shelf in my office. Every time I needed to rest my eyes, feel the urge to meditate or solve a mental problem, I would use this wonderful feast of color to unwind.
I like this idea!
This removes any derogatory thought from a project not yet envisioned—great idea.
Lovely idea! An inspiration spice(sparkle) jar of color. You could always use the yarn later, when you have a delicious recipe that needs that sparkle!
+1
I love the first shawl; very trendy, and yes, I think you would wear it. Perfect over jeans. I also think just a throw would be attractive, although it may turn into a cat bed. I also love the world.
I like the first picture design. It’s just so pleasing to the eye. You could do it and gift it out.
Why not the Shleeves shawl with sleeves on Ravelry?
https://www.ravelry.com/designers/mary-annarella
Are you too cool to wear a crochet beanie like an artist type person? Or maybe an open vest? The colors are amazing btw.
I have been dealing with that same need to accomplish something. Lately, I’ve been making reusable cloth masks with a small local group that donates them to those who need them. We use cute fabrics in sunny colors and have turned out more than 200 total so far, with no end in sight. It gives me something useful to do.
I’m loving watching crochet videos on YouTube. Since this strange time has started I’ve taught myself to crochet an easy shawl (don’t have to think about it can just be, working on my second as my young one wraps up in it when it’s colder in the evenings) a bumblebee, a shopping bag ( which I can wash and re-use) and various flowers. Your yarn looks soo pretty!
I used that yarn (so sparkly!!!) and made a Catawba Cowl. I forget the designer. Easy but not boring and perfectly finite!
**Catawba Falls Cowl by Wendy Ory
I thought you might enjoy this.
????
Glad I’m not the only one who drools over new yarn. The second shawl looking thing ean breeze wrap 2? I would do that. Tedious or not, look at it as a chance to let the mind wander. I usually listen to audiobooks when I work with crafts. Or watch YouTube. It helps with the more tedious time consuming projects so I can get them done. Good luck!
I love the multicoloured yarn. Who says you have to wear it? I have a couple of lovely shawls, which I drape over the back of a chair or a tallboy.
I am in awe of your skills to create these patterns into actual real things…! I have wonderful creative thoughts but no skill on the practical side. Have you ever thought about running a few competitions with these beautiful items as prizes, I am sure people would love them, or perhaps auctions for your favourite charity if that would give you more of a purpose to create. Just a thought.
Love the world! (In fact I love all the worlds that you all create!)
I have problems finishing projects. I hear it’s a perfectionism issue. But right now I think it is anxiety related.
Have you heard crochet shorts are back in style? Think Gordon would like a pair in sparkly ?????
https://www.boredpanda.com/crochet-shorts-schuyler-ellers-lord-von-schmitt/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=organic&utm_campaign=organic
I never let little things like “will I wear it” get in the way. 😉
I buy (hoard) yarn because I love it, then I look for the pattern that 1. I don’t hate and 2. will show off the yarn best.
Often, when I’m done with something it goes into a box of gifting knitting — when I need a gift for someone that is knit-worthy i’ll pull something out. I really just keep wearing the same few favorite items but I must knit!
It’s gotten even worse now that I’ve started spinning…I keep making more and more yarn just to see how the colors or breed wool will look spun, or to learn a new technique.
Cate, I’m a spinner too. Right now I am working with a tussah silk/baby camel blend and a Gotland roving. I also have a silk/yak that is waiting in the wings. I am learning to knit (again) and just doing scarves.
Ah, but collecting yarn is also a good thing! I finally had to give my collection away (sob) when I realized that I hadn’t made anything in 8 or 9 years. I even stopped going through the boxes and thinking about what I might make with it. Now I collect beads. I have forbidden myself to even look at yarn. I walk right past it in craft stores I frequent. I refuse to look at knitting magazines. I have given away most of my knitting books. I still have a drawer full of knitting needles, though.
I’m a yarn and fabric lover. Haven’t made antything for a while so put my colourful fabric in a curio-cabinet until I get motivated. It is beautiful, .akes me happy to see all the colours. Since it is in my livingroom, it is a conversation started. I like the idea of creating a large throw, afghan or bedspread. Your yarn colours are lovely. I knit while I watch Netflix or Amazon Prime videos. Works great as long as you have the lace pattern memorize and your anchor lines run through so if you miss a stitch you can rip back. Whatever you make, enjoy.
When I encounter a gorgeous skein of yarn with amazing luster and color I often just want to hang it on the wall. Knitting will change most of what I love about it in the skein – sad but true.
So, feel free to just place them in a bowl and pet them once in a while – like tribbles.
Ilona, one of my friends hosts a sheep-to-shawl every year for her birthday (this year will be remote). The resulting beanies, scarves, and shawls are donated to a woman’s shelter. They can give them to the residents or auction them off to raise operating expenses. I think Collette mentioned that one item brought in over $600 for the shelter.
I was in homeless & in shelters for 18 months so yes anything donated is always welcome & appreciated. Or maybe caps & blankets for newborns or maybe scarfs & hats for young kids. Because maybe the idea of someone else wearing what you make would excite you. Just enjoy your yarn & whatever you make.
Gorgeous yarn! LOve the idea of displaying it until you use it. Sometimes at least for me, it takes a while for my yarns, fabrics, creative mediums to “speak” to me, letting me ”see” what they want to be. So if you’re unsure what to create, wait until you see a pattern you just adore. I do have a suggestion for you, though, because you asked the question, “would you wear it?”
I love the idea a a shawl, but they drive me nuts when I actually wear them. My solution has been ruanas, like the Rolling River Ruana, free on Ravelry. They are larger than a shawl, shaped so they can be worn like a jacket, poncho, or wrap. I’m built very much like you and a ruana gives me a longer, sleeker line. They can be worn in so many wonderfully flattering ways.
https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/rolling-river-ruana
Whatever you choose to create with your lovely yarn, please share it with us.
If you use the rectangle dimensions you can use any stitch you want in either knit or crochet. Then you can use the 5 colors on the left in stripes of at least 2 rows of each, separating the 2 obvious variegated skeins with the subtle green and purple skeins. The skein on the far right looks like it clashes with the rest, but that may only be in the picture and not when you’re looking directly at them. Look up Laura Bryant (who owns Prism Yarns) on Youtube (Knitting Daily)for tutorial. She actually teaches classes and has written books on this subject. The biggest problem my students have is that they eliminate the all important border all around. you must use a border to keep your piece from curling. Good luck. can’t wait to see pictures of finished project. ????
Ooo…I love the Yarns at the Border one. You (or anyone) would look lovely in that! I wish my poor arthritic hands could do that kind of work!
I am not a knitter and only do basic crochet. What I think would be very pretty (the yarn is gorgeous!) is some type of loose top. Something in a pattern like the CJ Brady shawl in your first project picture. You could wear different color shirts, tank tops under it to change it up. I think it would be so beautiful! And it would be cool (as in not too hot for the weather ????), which is important, as you live in Texas. You could wear it to celebrate getting out of the house once we are free again????.
My problem is that while I love to look at variegated yarn I rarely wear items made from it so when I am gifted any I tend to consider accessories. Frankie Brown on ravelry has many clever and interesting items from the very small but intriguing Pinwheel Purse which would make a great tiny gift bag, a Reading Rest thingy to prop up an e-reader, or the ambitious but stunning Ten Stitch Blanket.
The yarn is drool worthy. You could make a wall hanging and enjoy it every day. I saw a gorgeous piece of threading artwork at our state fair. You could start with something very simple. And I really like the idea of simply displaying the yarn as is!
How about a fade style sweater or a blanket? You’d get a lot of use out of those I”d think. I tend to make shawls, wear them once to get adoration for making it and then send them to a new home. I”m working on spinning some of my own alpaca right now to try and make a sweater of it. After hoarding her fleece for 5 years its time I finally just do it!
An infinity scarf with an open or loose weave would be a much smaller project and the perfect accessory for solid tops. I love scarves , especially ones that are not bulky; I’m too short and round. The rich colors of your yarn are intriguing and satisfying on some mysterious level. Enjoy!
I work from home. I vote for using some beautiful yarn for shawls. Be brave once you start wearing them you never stop, I use my over my lap on cool days, over my shoulders in place of a sweater, over my head if it’s cold and I forgot a hat (there is always one in the car)). One day I wore one and used it to rescue a stray pup that had been abandoned(how clever I was to have a shawl to carry and comfort that pup). I think our grandmothers had it right – shawls are all purpose from head to toe. I wear them summer winter and in between. Even in Zumba class. My kinds act like “what can we do.” My grandkids just smile and say
“ yup that’s Grandmama” gotta love her.
The skeins are so pretty.
My only advice (cos I’ve had to learn it more than once) is to not do a pattern. If you want the yarn to shine, then a something simple, while bring to knit or crochet, will show it off better.
I also struggle with when and where to wear scarves and shawls. I do love shrugs though. They are a great present (for yourself as well as others) and perfect for around the house or another layer (like a cardi). This is my favourite pattern.
When i need Inspiration, I look into “Stephanie Dosen-
Woodland Knits“-it is really sweet.
I love my Butterfly-gloves and my fox-scarf, they make me smile whenever I look at them and wear them 🙂
I like to look into “Stephanie Dosen
Woodland Knits“- it is really sweet.
I love my butterfly gloves and my fox scarf, they make me smile everytime 🙂
Maybe you find ideas there too…..
Absolutely lovely! You could always make a shawl or socks or sweater and if you decide you don’t want it…have a book contest and give it to a lucky fan!!! 🙂
The yarn that you chose is really beautiful. A shawl is nice, as well as practical in the coming summer months. It gets chilly at night. You could also think about doing some kind of colorful tank top or short sleeved shirt. If it’s a lightweight yarn wearing a cami underneath it will result in a pretty and practical knitted thing that you can wear casually. Of course my personal favorite is always socks.
Everything you shared had me drooling. Loved it all and I completely feel your pain. You might think about making colorful lap blankets or shawls for your local nursing homes. So make the shawl, in the end if you don’t wear it you know it will be put to good use. Thank you for your generous spirit.????
Starting a long piece that you won’t finish and will in turn make you feel guilty, should be a non-starter. You don’t need that kind of negativity in your life. I speak from experience. Make shorter projects that put a smile on your face. That’s why we do crafty things anyway. If you won’t wear them, give them away.
Then you get to experience the joy of buying more yarn! We love Gordon!
Please stay happy and healthy…don’t know what i would do without your writing. There are so few writers that absolutely guarantee an awesome read. More Innkeeper, please.
Hello Ilona,
The yarn you bought is beautiful. I am proud of Gordon for having used the “w” word.
The following are simple wool projects that do not take too much time (approximately an hour at most) and can be used to embellish past, current or future projects. They don’t use much yarn, so they are perfect for the remaining wool from other projects. The projects below require a needle and sometimes another household item;
A fork:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfrrNS3cFoY
Macramé style, your finger is needed:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZAG5oVwMJk
A ruler:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xSEc217FA8
By the way, if I was rich and you were to sell these under the category “Arts and crafts by awesome author” I would totally by these from you!
I told my parents that I would be posting a comment on your site, so they asked me to pass along our galactic “Hi” to you, so from the depths of our heart: “Mook”, “Mook” and “Cookie!”.
P.S. the carbohydrates are doing wonders for ma curbs.
XXX
Just wanted to share a possible knitting project for you called the Whatever sweater. You can find it on Ravelry. It’s a great stash buster and you can do anything you want color/yarn-type-wise. I’ve got some great single fingering weight skeins to use with it. I’m going to also try to do my own design with a cardigan.
I love the first project you suggested. I have this same challenge of wanting to make something but not something to go unused. My solution? Pick something you like and might use, and have a backup plan to gift it to a particular person if you decide you won’t use it :). Commit to wear it 2-3x within the first 2-3 weeks after finishing it. The first time being the morning of the next day after it’s done. After the first time if you ever really don’t want to wear it, examine the feeling and consider gifting it :). Then if you don’t use it it won’t take up life in your closet making you feel uncomfortable every time you look at it. Alternatively I sometimes know I don’t want anything but want to make something. Plan it as a gift from the beginning, but don’t tell so there’s no pressure to hurry ????:), unless you want the pressure at a particular time to force a finish. Beautiful yarn by the way ???? 🙂