Looking Back at a Year of Knitting
This past year, I knit five garments for myself, three gift garments - one for each of my brothers and one for my partner - and two pairs of socks. I have been knitting pretty constantly for the last 3 years, and it seems this year's makes were higher quality and the most worn.
I also started a natural dyeing business this year. Two of the garments and one of the socks were knit as samples for that work.
Looking back, the year feels less about quantity and more about trying new techniques, making more wearable garments, and using more natural yarns.
Ebba Pullover by Sari Nordlund
Knit using Joelle Superwash yarn I found on Facebook Marketplace. Last year, I made a big purchase of Joelle yarn. This was the third knit I've made using that stash and I still have a couple more colours to go. It is a nice reminder that yarn already in circulation can still become something well-loved, because this pullover is one of my favourites.
Ranunculus by Midori Hirose
My first Ranunculus, and like everyone else, definitely not my last. Knit using Aymara Lindo Alpaca yarn from Quenti Mill. This yarn was a dream. It is a blend of Alpaca, Merino and Bamboo. It's so drapey and soft. This is likely one of my most-worn garments this year. The weather in Cape Town is quite mild. This is a drapey top with shorter sleeves, but with a yarn that does keep you warm, this is perfect for those mild days.
Celeste Sweater by Petite Knit
Knit holding two strands of African Expressions mohair. So fluffy! I love the way this colourwork worked up, such nice colours. And since this is all mohair, this sweater weighs next to nothing and still keeps me toasty warm.
Drops Evening Star for my partner
Knit using Elle Classic Wool. This project involved a crazy amount of colourwork and a lot of small adjustments to get the fit right. It still ended up accidentally too cropped on him. Not perfect, but worn constantly.
Melange Sweater Man for one of my brothers
First time knitting for someone other than my partner or me. My brothers are twice my size, so it was a labour of love to get this one done and not be cropped. But the yarn was so nice to work with. Knit using one strand of Cowgirlblues DK in Terracotta.
Sailor Swift Top by Kutovakika
Knit using Wildest Wool Sock in Cape Point and Tankwa. This was made as a sample for my dyeing work. Love how this turned out!
Baltic Flower Socks
Knit using leftovers from the Sailor Swift Top. A small project, but one that made good use of what was already there.
My Sheepy Sweater
Based on the Puntal Sweater by Belén Fernández, with my own sheep colourwork design added. Knit for my other brother, also using Cowgirlblues DK. A fun knit, until the endless body, also not allowed to be cropped, unlike most of my own knits.
Rosie Sweater by LeKnit
Knit using Wildest Wool DK in Cape Point and Tankwa. I love this sweater. It’s soft, comfortable, and looks far more impressive than it felt while knitting. I finished this in the spring, so I haven't had the chance to wear it yet, as it is quite a toasty knit.
Step by Step Cardigan by Florence Miller
Knit using Elle Merino and Cowgirlblues Mohair. A nice basic knit that flew off the needles, and that actually gets worn almost every day. It just hangs out on the back of my chair, and anytime it gets slightly chilly, this is what I grab.
Looking back at these projects, I notice how much my knitting has slowed and settled. I spent more time thinking about fibre, fit, and how pieces would be worn, and that care shows up in daily use.
Plans for the new year?
- I am currently knitting the Vivi pullover by Sari Nordlund, an all-over cabled pullover, which is taking its time. That was the point of it though. I want more complicated or finer gauge knits that fit well and will get worn.
- Another Ranunculus is on the cards. More summer knits I'd say. I have quite a few from the previous years, but they are so versatile here in this climate.
- I'd like to use up yarn that I already own. I don't have a huge stash, but I do buy large quantities off Facebook Marketplace when I can find them, so it is building up a bit. With slower, finer gauge knits, I need to be more mindful of the quantity of yarn I bring in.
- I also spin my own yarn now. I'll make another post about that sometime, but that increases my stash.
- I'd also like to dip my toes in knitwear designing. I'll not say more, but watch this space!
One change this year is that now all my knitwear has cat hair all over it. Oh well!
