2014 Knitting Highlights

2014 was an incredible year for knitting. I had so much fun, tried so many new things and learned so SO much about this craft I love. 2014 was the year I cast off my first sweater. It was the year I learned to make socks. It was the year I joined my first knit along. I had my first experience test knitting for a designer and published my first major pattern. 2014 was even the year I started having more than one WIP at a time...

Here are a few of the highlights in a bit more detail. These are not necessarily my favorite projects, because I'm not sure I could really choose favorites. But they are some of my favorite knitting moments from the past 12 months:

1. The Journey KAL

About a year ago now, I joined in my first ever knit along, hosted by Jane Richmond & Shannon Cook to celebrate the publication of their new book Journey. It was a tough choice but I ended up making the Onward Shawl (by Shannon Cook). It was such a fun experience working on my project at the same time as so many other knitters and I was really proud that I managed to finish within the time frame. 

2. Socks

I was inspired in the Spring to make my first pair of socks. I started by making the Polka Dot socks by Anna Wilkenson (first a pair for me, then another for a friend). Then I did a pair of self striping socks which, to be honest, I didn't love. But then I made a pair for Waldi that turned out so perfect. I am so incredibly proud of these socks and he loves them! Win win. Since then I cast on a pair of Hermione's Everyday socks but am only finished the first cuff. I'm thinking I'll pick them up again this spring.

3. New Designs for Raincloud & Sage

I really grew a lot this year in my designing. I challenged myself to try new and harder things and really developed more of a personal style. A big moment for me was publishing the pattern for my Dubliner Hat, which was the first major knitting pattern I had written. But I also loved working on the Moorland Mitts (pattern hopefully coming some time soon) and creating some custom designs for my friends and family over the holidays. 

4. Blankets

2014 was the year of starting blankets. I began 3 blanket projects this year, and finished one- my Comfort Baby Blanket. The other two are a crochet granny square blanket and my Beekeeper's Quilt. I'm in no hurry to finish either, and am really just enjoying the process. I'm glad I finally gathered up the courage to begin them.

5. Building my Handmade Wardrobe

Over the past 12 months I feel like I have learned so much about the types of garments I like to wear. I also learned the hard way about a few things I thought I would love and then really didn't. I decided to really make the effort to wear the things I make, and to start intentionally building my handmade wardrobe. I learned that it's ok to be a selfish knitter sometimes, and it's even ok to say no when someone asks you to make them something. (I love making things for others, but I've learned this past year that I do not want my hobby to be taken over by the stress of not knowing when to say no). I made a few really great additions to my handmade wardrobe this year that I am really proud of.

So what's up for 2015? Well, for one thing, I'm hoping to learn more about the fiber I'm using and where it comes from. I am also planning to continue writing and publishing patterns. I would love to add a few sweaters (and maybe a cardigan) to my handmade wardrobe and am playing with the idea to of starting a monthly hat project. Lastly, I'd love to continue building connections in the fiber community and to go out of my way to support designers, spinners, indie dyers and other knitters.