It seems like there are new, fun knitting patterns being released each day. I love planning for my next projects and wanted to share what’s in my knitting queue. If you’re looking for some knitting inspiration, here’s a look at the projects that I plan on knitting this year:
KNITTING BACKGROUND
I first learned the basics of knitting when I was younger, but I didn’t really make anything until I knit my first pair of socks almost two years ago. I was so happy with my socks, and I started knitting more and more.
Last year, I really wanted to challenge myself with some more difficult projects and new stitches. I am so happy with all I learned and every project I completed in 2020.
2021 KNITTING PROJECTS
I learned a lot about what types of projects I like to knit last year — the colors I prefer to knit with, yarn I like working with, and what FOs I will actually use/wear.
Applying what I learned about myself and what I enjoy knitting, I have quite a few projects planned in 2021:
Honeycomb Aran
I have had this Honeycomb Aran on my needles for a while now. I love the look of this sweater and I was so excited to make it for my husband. But this is my first all-over cable sweater and I had to take a bit of a break when I twisted a cable the wrong way. I’ve since fixed the error and I’m really enjoying this project.
I am using the Nimbus Gray color from Malabrigo, and alternating between skeins each row to help the color blend better. I’m working on the sleeves now, and I’m really happy with how it’s looking. I love the cables all over, and how soft it is.
UPDATE: I finished the Honeycomb Aran; read my experience here!
Fantastitch Shawl
I never knit shawls, but I decided that the Fantastitch looked like a lot of fun. I am using a variety of colors that I had from La Bien Aimee and it’s beautiful so far. I love the different sections with color/texture changes and different stitches throughout. Moving on to a new section is really motivating and keeps it feeling exciting.
I think I’m a little over halfway through, and the rows are already really long. I am moving a little slowly on this project because I only knit a few rows at a time, but I’m excited for my first completed shawl. I even bought blocking mat squares so I could properly block it and get the points at the end to look really crisp.
UPDATE: My Fantastitch is finished and I love it! Read my Fantastitch Knitting Experience here.
Perle Cottage Socks
I want to start knitting a lot more socks this year. I mentioned how knitting my first pair of socks is really what opened my eyes to the hobby after all these years. Socks are a quick/easy project that can help me feel accomplished while I’m working on more challenging projects.
These Perle Cottage socks have an interesting detail pattern on the top of the foot, and a unique welt section at the cuffs. I am just using whatever scrap yarn I have to make these, and I actually love how they look so far. I also recently started using my Chiaogoo minis which are perfect for all my sock-knitting needs.
Pengweeno
I’ve had the Pengweeno in my queue for so long, but I never got around to making it last year. I want to make this sweater for my niece’s birthday, so I’ll cast this on (even though I have other WIPs) soon.
I’m looking forward to using some of my other scrap yarns from @sprinkledfibers from my Briochevron Blanket, and the little bit I have left from @sweetnesting from my Marled Magic Sweater. I love all of those colors, so I think it’ll look really fun and cozy.
UPDATE: Read my Pengweeno Knitting Experience here.
Nomad Socks
Another fun pair of socks! These Nomad Socks have a really unique cuff, and a fun triangle/mosaic pattern throughout. I am really looking forward to making these in a rainbow colorway.
I am on the lookout for some cute sock blockers to help shape my socks, but to also have a cute way to photograph them. I’ve seen a few different types on etsy, but I’ll need to research a bit more.
Penguono
This sweater is the star of the show; my main knit of the year. I know this is an older pattern, but I am so excited to make my very own Penguono. I had so much fun making the Marled Magic Sweater (also by Stephen West), that I think I will love making the Penguono.
UPDATE: My Penguono is finished! Read my knitting experience here!
This is just the adult sized version of the Pengweeno, so hopefully I’ll have learned from that project any tricks or tips. I actually have been planning my Penguono for a while now, and even commissioned a special palette from @sweetnesting; I am in love with the yarn she made. I can’t wait to start working on this project.
I have a bit of a yarn stash going on right now with all my project planning for the year. I ordered this cube storage + baskets to hold my stash, and WIPs. It’s been really fun to display all my beautiful yarn, and enjoy it each day.
Hermione’s Everyday Socks
These socks look quite simple, but have an interesting detail all over. Hermione’s Everyday Socks seem like a perfect sock project to knit a few rows in between some more difficult projects. I’ve really been enjoying using a contrast color for the cuff, heel, and toes of my basic socks and this looks like a fun sock to also use a contrast color.
Starflake Shawl
Since I’m enjoying the Fantastitch so much, I thought I would try a few more shawls this year. The Starflake Shawl was a mystery KAL when it was released, so there are videos and forum posts all over to help. I like to go through those posts to get an idea of what I want to do with mine. I think this will be a good sized project that I’ll enjoy making!
UPDATE: See my finished Starflake Shawl here.
October Hat
This October Hat is a free cabled beanie pattern. I thought this would be the perfect easy/quick project to knit between larger projects. I already have yarn for this hat from La Bien Aimee, so I am looking forward to making this. Since I’ve been getting so much practice knitting cables with my Honeycomb Aran, I think this hat will go smoothly.
UPDATE: Read about my October Hat knitting experience here.
Hiberknitting Cowl
I saw this cowl a few times, but wasn’t sure if it was really for me. I’m not sure if I’ll get much wear out of the Hiberknitting Cowl, but it looks like a project I’d enjoy making. I love the colorwork triangles, stripes, and different texture stitches. Plus, it looks relatively small, so it might be a good quick project to make in between the more challenging ones. I plan on using leftover yarns from my Penguono for this cowl.
UPDATE: Read about my experience knitting the Hiberknitting Cowl.
Brioche Toe Up Socks
I have always wanted to make these Brioche Socks, but I didn’t get around to it last year. This version is actually for sock yarn (not DK). I really love two-color brioche and I’m hoping to make a few different pairs of socks this year — so these are going to be perfect for me.
The Susurrate Shawl
This Susurrate Shawl is a bit of a stretch goal. I hope to be able to make it and continue to practice my brioche. It seems like a good size and a fun challenge. The brioche pattern reminds me of Lord of the Rings a little; like something Legolas would have.
Advent Socks 2020
I started to knit these socks last year, but the yarn I had was too variegated to be crisp in my colorwork. I already had three projects going at the time, so I scrapped it. But I would love to make these cozy Advent Socks when I have more solid color yarns to work with.
Intersections Socks
Another pair of socks! These cabled Intersections Socks look really fun and would give me more practice with cables. Eventually, I’d like to become proficient at cabling without a cable needle. I hope, by the end of this year, that I can feel more comfortable with different sock constructions — heel, toe, and either toe-up or cuff-down.
Honeycomb Aran Sweater
I want to eventually knit another Honeycomb Aran sweater, but this one for myself. I already have the yarn for this and it’s gorgeous; mostly greens with a little royal blue. I am hoping that knitting this sweater will go by a little faster after having completed the one for my husband.
Bonus Knitting Projects
My knitting plan for 2021 is already really ambitious. I would love to make all of these things, but I realize it may not happen as I planned. These three sweaters are honorable mentions — I’d love to make them eventually, but there’s only so much knitting time in the day! Each is a cabled sweater which I’ve really been into lately: the Botanist Sweater, Taking a Break Sweater, and Snow Crocus Sweater.
FIBER ARTS & DESIGN
Knitting and finding the perfect yarn for my projects has made me appreciate color and fiber arts a lot more. I realize that so much goes into dyeing yarn and creating a unique color story. This year, I thought it would be fun to try to dye some yarn at home. I saw on Pinterest that you can use KoolAid to dye bare yarn. I want to give dyeing a try and I’ll definitely share my experience!
UPDATE: Read all about my experience dyeing yarn – How To Dye Yarn With Acid Dyes.
I have knit a variety of projects and I feel comfortable making minor adjustments and customizations. I can understand the construction of an item from reading through the pattern, and knowing what each stitch looks like. At some point this year, I’d like to try to make my own pattern — probably something simple/flat, like a blanket or shawl. Or maybe a colorwork pattern/chart. Something easy just for myself to learn and practice more aspects of knitting.
UPDATE: I made this mash-up shawl of my two favorite shawl patterns. One step closer to making my own pattern!
Dyeing yarn and pattern design seem like a natural extension of knitting, and another fun way to get to be creative.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I’m really excited about my knitting project plans this year. I’m so happy with my little yarn stash and I’m excited to start using it. Check out my Ravelry Project Page to see my WIPs and FOs!
UPDATE: I posted about all my finished objects and WIPs now that we are halfway through the year. Take a look at my progress and see how I adjusted my project queue for the rest of the year.
