Juggling Projects
Spring and summer knitting plans
This weekend I was messaging with my sister about knitting (as we often do), and I confessed that I was racing to get projects off the needles because I was feeling overwhelmed. At the beginning of last week, I had two pairs of socks on the go, a summer t-shirt, a jumper, and a number of hibernating projects that I don’t particularly fancy thinking about at the moment. For me, that is too much.
By nature, I am the kind of person who likes to focus deeply on a project—knitting or not—and prefers to finish something before moving on to the next. This applies to writing books, reading, watching TV shows, even cleaning my house. I get a real sense of satisfaction from both process and product, and knitting is no different.
I am also the kind of person who enjoys planning what to read, watch, write, etc. next. I find it exciting to think about what might be around the corner, and sometimes that excitement can spill over to starting something just a bit too early.
That, I suspect, is why I have what feels to me like a lot of WIPS on my needles and that is why I am racing to bring that number down.
A sweet spot
My sister and I agreed that our sweet spot both seems to be having a large project like a jumper and a set of socks on the go at any given time. For me, socks have proven to be the perfect portable travel knitting when I am running around London. Jumpers, shawls, and other larger projects on the other hand can stay happily at home in my knitting basket.
The only exception I might make to the large project rule is mindful vs. mindless knitting. Some projects require focus, like lace and other more complicated constructions, while others are prefect accompaniments to watching TV or movies. This spring and summer, I am planning to knit some garments to plug gaps in my wardrobe including a couple of cardigans. One of those knits is the Kuutar Cardigan by Sari Nordlund (I already have the yarn for it) and the lace pattern on top definitely takes this one out of mindless knitting. However, edging more into the mindless side, I have several stockinette summer tops that will be perfect for knitting while watching baseball.
Looking ahead
It has been some time since I laid out my project plans for 2024, so I thought this would be the perfect time to revisit them, focusing more on the spring and summer knits I have ahead of me.
If you want to take a peek at these patterns all in one place, check out my Ravelry bundle.
Kuutar Cardigan
Pattern designer: Sari Nordlund
Yarn: De Rerum Natura Candide in Sucre Glace
Intended for: Me
Rosa Cardigan
Pattern designer: Along avec Anna
Yarn: John Arbon Textiles Knit by Numbers DK in 19 (Red)
Intended for: Me
Umbria Summer Top
Pattern designer: Cookie the Knitter
Yarn: Knitting for Olive Pure Silk in Wheat
Intended for: Me
Olive Cardigan
Pattern designer: Knitting for Olive
Yarn: Pigment & Ply SWM Sock in Windswept Draperies and Knitting for Olive Soft Silk Mohair in Dusty Violette
Intended for: Mum
Roving Summer Top
Pattern designer: Irene Lim
Yarn: De Rerum Natura Antigone in Lune
Intended for: Me
Cumulus Blouse
Pattern designer: PetiteKnit
Yarn: Hu Designs Hu Twist in Agnes Grey
Intended for: Me
Colour Pallet Socks
Pattern designer: Laura Moorat
Yarn: Prin & Ainsworth 4-ply mini sock bundle
Intended for: Me
Vanilla Socks
Pattern designer: The Crazy Sock Lady
Yarn: Birdstreet Yarns 4-ply in Deeper
Intended for: Someone who reads this so I can’t say
Sock pattern TBD
Pattern designer: TBD
Yarn: Emma’s Yarn Beautifully Basic in Salt Water Taffy
Intended for: Someone who reads this so I can’t say
Thaleia Shawl
Pattern designer: Sari Nordlund
Yarn: Pigment & Ply MCN DK in Cave at Tintagel
Intended for: Me
Oaken Shawl
Pattern designer: Tin Can Knits
Yarn: Malabrigo Rio in Fresco y secco
Intended for: Me
Find Your Fade Shawl
Pattern designer: Andrew Mowry
Yarn: Lichen and Lace1ply Superwash Merino Fingering in Linen ; Eden Cottage Yarns Hayton 4 ply in Sand; Weku Yarn Merino/Nylon in Coral Pink; Weku Yarn Merino/Nylon in Orange (the ultimate stash-buster!)
Intended for: Me
Kuutar Socks
Pattern designer: Sari Nordlund
Yarn: The Camel's Yarn Standard Sock in Tom Bawcock’s Eve
Intended for: Me
Is that realistically too much to knit over the next 4-5 months? Yes. Will I have to prioritize some of the silk and linen projects to make sure I can actually wear them this summer? Absolutely. Will I have a blast doing these projects? Without a doubt.
What are you planning to make this spring and summer?