Last year, I remember being so shocked to discover that I had only finished six projects within the span of the year. This year I’m equally shocked to find I finished thirteen! But this having been my Year of Sleevelessnees and of holding yarns triple, I guess it’s not that surprising! And it’s really more a dozen than a baker’s dozen, since my first FO of the year — my Amanda cardigan from the first Fringe and Friends Knitalong — was knitted in the last four months of 2014 (the reason for that year’s low count) and only finished in January of 2015. But still, I’m pretty proud of this list. Even more for the success of the items than the quantity:
– My Bellows is easily the most-worn handknit of my four-year knitting career.
– My “vintage waistcoat” was modified from a WWII-era knit-for-the-troops pattern, and led to the full reworking that is my Anna Vest pattern — my proudest moment of the year.
– The green vest was a test-knit of the vest pattern for the Fringe Cowichan-style Knitalong, which was followed by my black/natural/grey Cowichan-ish vest. That’s some of the most fun I’ve ever had knitting, and a garment I adore. (Although I still need to do something with the armhole edges.)
– The purple shawl for my grandmother’s 90th birthday may (or may not) have been the last shawl I’ll ever knit, but I loved having that to give to her, regardless. And as a profoundly unexpected bonus, I was pretty thrilled when Instagram asked if they could use my cast-on photo in the promo spot on the Explore page to promote 25 great knitters to follow.
– The two versions of my sleeveless turtleneck — camel and black — were super fun to knit, and although I’ve tried your patience, I’m flattered by everyone who has been begging for the pattern. Getting that written and tech edited is at the top of my to-do list for the new year.
– I’m a little bummed to have only finished 4 of the 6 Fringe Hatalong hats by the year’s end, but I’m also happy to still have the other two ahead of me! Pictured are my Audrey, L’Arbre, Hermaness Worsted and Laurus. And I love that my niece claimed L’Arbre while modeling it for me and Bob claimed Laurus as soon as it was off the needles. I couldn’t be happier with the range of patterns I wound up with for the Hatalongs, and am so grateful to all of the designers and knitters who participated with such enthusiasm! NOTE: It’s never too late to cast on for any of them!
– Which just leaves that one last hat up there, which was a quickie I knitted to use up the leftovers from the black turtleneck and turned out super cute. I’ll be along with the simple pattern for that one any minute.
I even got them all listed at Ravelry!
Thank you so much for all of the support and encouragement you guys have given me this year. You’re always very generously telling me how much you get out of the blog — and I appreciate that so much — but it’s a two-way street, you know. Happy new year to you! And I’ll see you in 2016—
I just love waking up to your blog posts and always find some inspiration from your writings. I keep eyeing your Bellows. Do you love it due to the fit? or the neutral gray? Did you make it more fitted as it looks not as boxy as the original (and I like they way yours looks:)). And if possible can you share whether or not it has seed stitch? That would be my nemesis.
Best wishes to you Karen for a wonderful, productive and healthy New Year!
I also want to know what yarn you used as well on the Bellows and any tips. The heathered grey is very nice. I want so much to knit a sweater without size 11 needles and bulky yarn. They are just so hot!:) Happy 2016!
All of the projects are linked to the blog posts about them, so you can find all of the yarn and needle and modification notes by clicking through to the individual posts. But this one is worsted held double on 11s, so apparently not what you’re wanting! ;)
Really 2 strands and 11’s? It does not look too big at all. I am excited that I can knit another without giving up my chunky yarn and big needle obsession:) Thank you for all the tips.
I love everything about it. I did make mine shorter and with less ease than the pattern recommends, so it’s both more fitted and more boxy. And there is no seed stitch in the pattern.
I have no idea what I’ve completed this year…I haven’t really tracked the projects (maybe I should). You should also add trade shows, business moves, house closings etc. on the list of accomplishments…It’s been a year of whirlwind activity!
I’d been remiss on adding FOs to Ravelry so had to go back through blog posts and Instagram to figure it all out. I keep saying I’m going to be better about this …
I need to add Bellows to my list, it’s just lovely. This year was a huge one for me with knitting sweaters. I can’t wait to see what I can accomplish in 2016. Happy New Year!
It’s really a fantastic sweater.
Everything you made this year is beautiful.
Thank you, Jennifer — it’s fun seeing it all together!
I’m seconding the sentiments of “spinning…” in that what you have accomplished with this blog amidst all the changes in your life, is impressive and inspiring. I don’t know you well, or personally, but i do remember you mentioning some of your hopes for it early on. You seem to be making your dreams come true. Awesome, and hugely inspiring, Karen. On top of all that, your knits are gorgeous and timeless. 👍⭐️⭐️
Thank you, Clare, I appreciate that.
Beautiful and productive year. Looking forward to more in 2016. Cheers.
Cheers to you!
A good year, Karen! I love your blog and ended my year by finally ordering from Fringe. While you have inspired minimalism in me, I think these “nice things” were justified, and I also really wanted to support you. Thanks!
(And hoping 2016 will bring me an S crochet hook :))
Such lovely projects! My favorites are Bellows and Amanda cardigans! Love the texture!
70% of your favorites are my favorites too. Congrats for such accomplishment! I too knitted a lot this past year (mostly presents for family) but your projects are more beautiful. Thank you for the beautiful blog posts you used us with – I appreciate it. Happy New Year!
I love reading your work now that I found you. I always find something interesting and you help me stay inspired to stick to my three day a week blogging schedule. Happy new year to you too!
Great round up Karen. Out of curiosity, why are you speculatively giving up shawl knitting?
Lovely work, Karen – so inspiring! Happy 2016 – look forward to seeing more of your beautiful projects.
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Happy New Year! I too look forward to your blog every morning before dashing off to work. You have inspired me many times over the last year and I’m sure you will continue to do so this year, as well as posting some great products that I have added to my supple of knitting tools that I love! I finally purchased the lovely wooden bowl from Fringe and Co💕💕💕💕 so once again thank you and keep the blog rolling!
a lovely set of finishes this year, I’m not sure I have finished anything for myself except a head band this year! I’ll have to go back and check :p
Heres to a brilliant and productive 2016
Congratulations on your effort! That sleeveless turtleneck, I along with the others cannot wait for the pattern!
http://www.wllwproject.com
So much knitting! I’ve done almost none this year. My resolution is to get back to it. And your blog!
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