Knitting Daily with Sandi » 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly

2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly

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At the end of one of last year's posts, I added one of my favorite sayings: "Be a fearless knitter." That one little sentence prompted many of you to write in about the ways in which Knitting Daily had given you the courage to try new things, to try scary things, or even just to rip the same old thing in order to try to make it better the second time around.

Those letters got me to thinking. What if we looked back over the knitting we did last year, and then we each asked ourselves: Was the knitting I did the kind of knitting I REALLY wanted to do? Was I happy with the finished projects? Did the knitting end up looking as good as I'd hoped it would?

Did I, in fact, Knit Fearlessly?

Here's how I answered that question for myself: I tried cables, and found out I liked them. I started getting serious about knitting sweaters for myself, sweaters that were attractive and fit my real body instead of the body I imagined I had. I got brave enough to share my failures as well as my successes with you folks, and I learned more from doing that than I ever would have imagined. So, I guess I did OK...but I can also think of so many things I'd like to work on in my knitting. I'd like to do more designing. I'd like to do a challenging lace project. I'd like to experiment more with customizing sweaters for different body types.

So: That's me.

How about you? Did you Knit Fearlessly? What would you knit in 2008 if you were really the knitter you've always dreamed of being?

Here's some things to think about:

    • Is there something you haven't tried because it seems Too Scary?
    • Is there a technique you want to learn, or learn to do more skillfully?
    • Is there something that stumps you?
    • Is there something that you are dying to try, in your secret knitter's heart, but haven't dared because you think you're not a good enough knitter?
    • Are you always knitting The Same Old Things, and you'd like to try something new?
    • Do you always knit for others, and never for yourself? Or perhaps you only knit yourself accessories, but never a lovely cardigan or pullover to wear?

The magic of Knitting Daily is that we are all in this together, and if you have knitting dreams, maybe Knitting Daily can be a part of making htose come true. Let me know what your knitting hopes and schemes and wishes for 2008 are, and together we can make 2008 the best knitting year ever.



Free Pattern! The Cecily Beanie

A Cute, Quick, (and Free!) New Year's Project!

I've started my spring cleaning a bit early this year, and over the holidays I re-discovered a box of my grandmother's vintage buttons—all sizes, all shapes, all colors. There's aren't many that match, so I've always wondered what I might do with them. When I saw the pattern for the Cecily Beanie in Knitting Little Luxuries, I was delighted to find such a clever melding of the old and the new...a perfect way to bring the best of the past forward into the new year! Cecily Beanie is our very first featured free pattern of 2008, with all our wishes for a great knitting year ahead.






Sandi Wiseheart is the editor of Knitting Daily.

What's on Sandi's needles? I'm almost done with the cable on the front of the Gathered Pullover. I did not finish my husband's pullover in time for Christmas (oh well), but I did finish the hood and am halfway done with the sleeves.



Posted Jan 02 2008, 12:00 AM by KD Sandi
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Comments

LauraB wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 1:39 PM
This year i'm going to make something that isn't flat, isn't a hat, and isn't just garter or stockinette. I've got a knitting group now, so the moral (and material) support should help, and my hubby gave me a gift card to my LYS so I think a class might be in order too!
KatiH wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:01 PM
I have a dream of knitting beautiful things that are colorful with even floats and clean seaming. My other goal is to knit one item for charity for every one item I knit for myself/my family/friends. I will actively try to join a knitting group so I can learn more and be inspired by the energy of other people who "speak my language."
Rebecca S wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:06 PM
2007 was a great year! I finished more projects than I ever had before and tried several new things: Felting ( I became addicted and made a vest, 4 bags, 4 sets of slippers and an Ipod case), socks, socks and more socks, a shawl made from a dreamy alpaca, and my favorite thing in 2007 - learning to spin. Now I am addicted to that as well as knitting! 2008 will be a year of fearlessly adapting projects to use my handspun yarn - its going to be a great year!
DanielleK wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:07 PM
I did not try socks in 2007 because I thought it would be to hard to work with double point needles, know "turn" a heel and pick up stitches. However, during this year I made a toy dragon from "Knitty" where I learned how to turn the needles to create lumps and bumps in the fabric. I decided to make a pair of gloves for myself, and learned how to use dpn's and worked on a blanket where I learned to pick up stitches. None of these new techniques I learned were difficult. Without realizing it until just a week ago, I learned all of the skills I need to make socks. So this year, I will make myself a pair of socks with excitement rather than with the fear of failure.
LindaW wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:10 PM
Not exactly knitting fearlessly, yet - but thanks to Knitting Daily I was able to make a sweater fit! I received a beautiful sweater for Christmas - not hand knitted, it was from a department store. The sweater fit kind of ok, but to me was a bit snug, especially at the hips.So using what I learned from Knitting Daily, I blocked it and was able to loosen it up just enough that it skims my hips and no longer clings to them! Who knew!

Linda W
LeeR wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:22 PM
This is the year I will make that first pair of socks. DPN's have intimidated me but I am finding I like circs. I bought a kit from Knit Picks and I am going to try them this year.
ElizabethH wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:24 PM
I threw caution to the wind and made my first Cat Bordhi moibus/mobius/whatever scarf, and it came out so well I knitted it FIVE MORE TIMES for special Christmas presents! the first two times for the intriguing cast-on technique required all animals and one husband to stay outdoors for total quite and concentration by me indoors. And it worked!! Other projects included a Kiri scarf (very stressful since I was knitting with a yarn which felt like cobwebs) and many other scarves and hats. This year I would love to learn how to knit with beads. Finding the right beads for the correct yarn is quite a challenge. Any assistance from your avid, adventuresome knitters out there will be gratefully appreciated. Happy skeins to all!
AmyM wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:25 PM
I started knitting in July after a 25+ year absence. Before that, I only knit about a year and only did ST st. During the week of Christmas, I knitted the Hemlock Ring blanket at Brooklyn Tweed. I was pretty impressed with myself. What the heck. So no, I figure, I can knit anything and have had that attitude since coming back to knitting this year. I did not have that attitude before. So, my next hoped for different project is a fairisle sweater. :)
KayA wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:26 PM
Honestly, I learned a lot last year. This year, though, I want to go one step further, and mess with my mindset, too. I need to stop thinking of frogged knitting as wasted time, and instead think of it as learning from my mistakes. I need to stop thinking that the patterns I have or will design all must be offered free all the time because none of them are worthy of being submitted for publication and/or sold on my website. I also need to avoid talking technique with people because I'm afraid I don't "know enough". I also need to stop shying away from patterns because they confuse the crap out of me upon first look, because everyone knows that things have a way of seeming much more clear with yarn and needles in hand.

Here's to 2008.
MzMelly wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:27 PM
I also learned how to spin in the latter part of 2007, and I've already cast on and am knitting a sock out of my very own handspun. I feel so empowered now!
Also this year, I am going to take the plunge and knit a pullover for my sis and modify the pattern to her tastes. I'm also wanting to knit myself a cardigan from the neck down with no seams. Seems scary but I will prevail!! It's time to learn new knitting skills!
LindaM wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:34 PM
You are all inspiring! This year I am going to learn to knit Continental (holding yarn in left hand)as I am sure it will give my fingers wings and save enough time to knit more socks. I love socks!
BethanyH wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:38 PM
I have yet to try knitting in the round despite wanting to make hats and sweaters!
My goals for knitting this year are:
to learn to knit in the round.
Actually try cables.(I know how just haven't done it yet.)
Knit with tiny needles. :)
Make a knit stuffed toy.

I have goals for all of the things I can do and feel it's good to set them so you have something to accomplish!
Last year I wrote my own crochet patterns! This year knitting in the round! And Perhaps next year writing my own knitting patterns!
CarolineS wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:40 PM
If I was REALLY a fearless knitter, I'd quite my day job and just knit! :)

Caroline
PennyM wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:42 PM
Hi Sandy: Funny that you are thinking this way. I also have decided that 2008 will be my year of knitting fearlessly. I am going to knit a sweater with steeks. Not only with steeks, but with a snowflake pattern that magically works without appearing to break over the join for the sleeves. I will need help figuring out the pattern (a real beauty from Schoolhouse Press with all the percentages of chest-to-waist,that EZ's progeny are famous for) but I know that I can do it. Here's to an adventurous '08!
LizA wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:47 PM
I fearlessly learned to use DPNs, not for socks, but hats and sweater ornaments. For an all-thumbs knitter, that was a lot. To be truly fearless, I'd have to let go of my knitting looms and fully embrace all that needle knitting has to offer. Dare I jump?!
Cora Shaw wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:49 PM
I have learned many new techniques for knitting in the last year.

> mobius
> beaded
> knitting with wire
> illusion knitting (even wrote some of my own patterns)
> entrelac
> felted bags (even designed two of my own)

I have found that I am very comfortable in my knitting.

One of the things that I want to do is to learn more techniques in crochet. Such as

> illusion crochet
> entrelac crochet
> as well as more designs in crochet.

My other hope is that knitters and crocheters will get along in 2008 and beyond. I love both crafts for various reasons and hope to see more up-to-date fashions and other fun stuff with with both needle arts.

Cora
KyiraK wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:51 PM
It's true, although I succeeded with my first entrelac project this year (a beautiful Noro scarf) I continued to avoid knitting a sweater. I get really caught up in possibility that I'll put in ALL THAT EFFORT and that it won't fit me nicely . . . that's usually during the first few inches. This year, I will fearlessly KNIT MY FIRST SWEATER!! thanks so much, Sandi, for the encouragement.
SharonV wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:55 PM
Fearless knitting, eh? In 30 years of knitting, I've only made myself three things and one of 'em is missing. The first was a sweater that cause me to itch badly (it was back in the 80s with less than quality mohair), the second thing was the Sunsport Shawl (I still have it, but who knew that cashmere was so sensitive?) and a pair of socks which I only made to get rid of the yarn.

So I BEGGED for the fair isle sweater kit ? equipped with a pattern book for the sweater and socks and 50 skeins of yarn! I got the kit & started right in on the pattern. Did about 50 rows of about 450 rows and put it down. And there the story ends in Dec. 2006.

Because of the amount of time, concentration and my intense fear of steeking (seriously) it may never get done. My method of operation for dealing with steek fear is to pinch the yarn of off the big project and make other stuff (socks, layette sets, gloves, etc.).

I need moral support for my issues with making vs. not making the sweater:

1) by the time I'm finished with it, I'll be too fat to wear it so what's the point? 2) what if I just use some of the yarn to make a little sweater and give that to someone else? 3) honestly, what's wrong with stripes?

Am I destined never to make anything for myself? Was I just sucked in by the pattern and all the pretty colors?

But for real - steeking? Is there therapy for steek fear?
RitaW wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:55 PM
2007 was good for trying new techniques and skills. Tried entrelac, lace shawls, lace mitts, gloves, and knit a sweater with over 2000 beads in it!! This year I plan to try designing my own patterns snd knitting 2 socks together on circs. Always a new challenge - that's what makes it fun! Happy New Year to everyone.
SharonV wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:56 PM
Fearless knitting, eh? In 30 years of knitting, I've only made myself three things and one of 'em is missing. The first was a sweater that cause me to itch badly (it was back in the 80s with less than quality mohair), the second thing was the Sunsport Shawl (I still have it, but who knew that cashmere was so sensitive?) and a pair of socks which I only made to get rid of the yarn.

So I BEGGED for the fair isle sweater kit ? equipped with a pattern book for the sweater and socks and 50 skeins of yarn! I got the kit & started right in on the pattern. Did about 50 rows of about 450 rows and put it down. And there the story ends in Dec. 2006.

Because of the amount of time, concentration and my intense fear of steeking (seriously) it may never get done. My method of operation for dealing with steek fear is to pinch the yarn of off the big project and make other stuff (socks, layette sets, gloves, etc.).

I need moral support for my issues with making vs. not making the sweater:

1) by the time I'm finished with it, I'll be too fat to wear it so what's the point? 2) what if I just use some of the yarn to make a little sweater and give that to someone else? 3) honestly, what's wrong with stripes?

Am I destined never to make anything for myself? Was I just sucked in by the pattern and all the pretty colors?

But for real - steeking? Is there therapy for steek fear?
YvetteR wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 3:59 PM
i tried to be fearless knitter in 2007. i taught myself to knit last january and since then i have knit, socks, cables, lace, my first fair isle project and a sweater i designed for myself!

in 2008 i want to knit some fantastic old school argyle socks! intarsia, here i come!
Glenda wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:01 PM
Great question. Last year I found myself dismissing many patterns because there was one feature or detail that I didn't like and then I would see that someone had knitted the sweater with modifications and I would think wow! I want to able to modify a collar or a sleeve or really be more observant when looking at designs. What options does one have with a boat neck for instance? I really dislike boat neck sweaters. Just don't like the way they feel. That's my big thing this year.
MarilynB wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:04 PM
I was taught to knit 58 years ago by a very wise Aunt Rachel. After knitting a small pot holder, my first project was mittens with a cable up the back knit on 4 double pointed needles. After that she told me I could knit anything I wanted to and I believed her. What a wise woman to let me think I could knit anything. Too often we start people such simple projects which make them think they can?t do more. I like to let new knitters pick almost anything they want to try right at first.
KarenM wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:30 PM
I've been knitting for 2 years, and think I made good progress in 2007: lace knitting, trying several new, more complicated patterns, and learning finishing techniques. I've also joined a knitting group at my church and we've completed a couple of projects together too.

Two things I want to achieve this year: to make myself a sweater (I just bought the yarn and pattern over the holidays, so here I go...) and cables.

BTW, I love Marilyn B.'s philosophy! For so long, all I thought I could do was scarves...
Ilvwncru wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:34 PM
In 2008 I would love to knit a Norwegian Olympic Sweater where you steek. Have never had the guts to knit and then cut apart. I knit a Dale baby sweater once and figured out how to knit it without steeking but would like to be a little fearless this year.
TenliY wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:34 PM
My biggest fear is seaming -- I want to take a seaming class in 2008 so that I can fearlessly knit something complicated and in pieces, like, for example, Oblique!
SusanH wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:38 PM
2007 was the year I actually felt entitled to call myself a knitter. I finished my first pullover sweater and just at the very end of the year I finished my first cardigan. But the moment I knew I was actually a KNITTER was when I found myself looking at a pattern in a magazine and noting what I would keep and what I would alter in the pattern. What a eureka moment. I was thinking outside the confines of the written pattern! I started 2008 trying to teach myself Fair Isle knitting and it is working out, albeit only on a scrap piece of nothing that I am using only to practice. My dream projects would be a reindeer sweater with Fair Isle highlights and argyle socks. I would also like to get into some lace knitting, but that's way off in the distance. First, I have to knit a cardigan for my Dad. He asked for it about 2 years ago, and I think 2008 will be the year he gets it.
AnitaM wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:39 PM
I love how encouraging and supportive KD is! And it's great to hear so many of us vowing to push the fear aside and really challenge ourselves in our knitting.
Like Amy M I came back to knitting last year, after more than 25 years (and I have a daughter called Amy, so "Hi!").

I felt like most of 2007 was spent knitting fearlessly - everything was new. But I had my most productive craft year ever. And now I'm pretty much willing to give anything a go. I'm absolutely obsessed with lace - 3 shawls done already and another 3 on the needles - but this year I really really REALLY want to learn how to knit socks.

And Sandi - THANKYOU! Because my most satisfying project in 2007 was definitely your Summer Lace Shawlette. I loved every single moment working on it. Even the couple of small mistakes I made - I really enjoyed fixing them, because I knew I was learning. And the end result? Absolutely gorgeous, and just adorable to wear. I get compliments every time I wear it. :)
Yngvild wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:40 PM
My biggest issue is spinning up yarns, then knitting with commercial yarn, old and new. A classic example is the Caspian Sea Socks. I get the pattern, I know just what yarn I want to spin for them and I spend the winter spindle spinning it all up. Then I work on something else! I must have a fear of using my own handspun. I've also got the 2001 Spin-Off Anniversary sweater in my queue.

I get lazy about design, preferring to use other patterns than make up my own.

On a positive note, I'm all but done with the Icelandic lace shawl (Thordis) and I'm loving it. It's commercial yarn, but I dyed mini-skeins from the guild dye garden flowers. It was wonderful travel knitting for the holidays, lightweight and more knitting to do than socks.
PatriciaD wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:41 PM
Ladies, I wish you each live down the block from me, after knitting some 45 yrs...I thought I'd captured it all and then some..well for fearless knitting I capture knitting a pair of socks on circle needles as well toe up..the more you learn the more fun there is at what you can accomplish. Being somewhat bored with the plain and simple I am renewing my love of cables, with Alice Staremore Aran for my son's '50' birthday.
Take classes,ask questions,try, try soon you will be so full of pleasure at what you have accomplished.
Jeanne wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:43 PM
I have learned that I love the challenge of knitting lace, though my husband suggested I stop knitting for awhile during my last "challenge", the Flower Basket Shawl. And, I want to challenge myself with more complex sock patterns...I have a list of patterns to try.
Reading knitting blogs makes me a more fearless knitter. It makes me realize that even the best knitters make bone-headed mistakes! I'm not hopeless!
Raynebair wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:43 PM
I haven't liked all the projects I've done in the past. I look at other people's projects and think that mine were blah! I frogged too many projects in 2007, so in 2008, I'd like to actually finish more projects. I'd like to make more projects that I'm happy with. There's not really anything I won't attempt, so that isn't a problem. My problem is the finishing. And it's not that I start too many projects either. I just never finish the ones I start. That being said, I plan on learning fair-isle, as well as practicing cables.
LynnC wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:46 PM
Re the Cecily Beanie: The young girls are wearing this kind of beanie with a standout brim on it.
Since the 1970s, I have tried to take a picture of everything I make. Now it is easy with digital cameras. It is fun to go through the pictures to see all the things I forgot I'd made through the years.
DM wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:46 PM
Just last week, I posted on my blog that I wasn't going to be afraid to try new techniques! I admit, I'm fearful of knitting things that aren't one piece. The idea of knitting a front, back, and sleeves of a sweater really scares me.
ChristineH wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:49 PM
Knitting Fearlessly.
You have summed it up expertly! I have been translating my Great Aunt's knitting journals. Most of her patterns are really her notes, so I have had to make some serious leaps of faith. Written for an expert knitter, the patterns are engineering marvels. Booties, Hats and Sweaters that require almost no sewing becuase the shapes are engineered into the knit work. If I had one comment to make about myself Knitting Fearlessly, it would be that there are SO MANY modern patterns out there that I would love to try. But for now, working on my Great Aunt's journals is a labor of love that I am enjoying fearlessly!
CindyK wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:52 PM
Wow! Knitting fearlessly, going where no knitter has gone before - well, maybe not that fearless. For starters, it's not knitting but I'm submitting a comment. I want to experiment with lace. I have a collection of patterns, but haven't gone there yet. I also want to make something for myself. Other than some felted bags, scarves, things like that, I give everything away. I love cables and perhaps can learn more of them and be more adventurous in their use. What fun to think of the possibilities.
tabitha wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:53 PM
I did a lot of fearless knitting in 2007. Sometimes fearless to the point of lunacy. Got myself in way over my head on more than one occasion but I learned something every time. I plan to do more of the same in 2008. Hopefully, this year will bring more knitting successes than failures!
Raynebair wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:55 PM
In addition to what I already posted, I hope to finally make a cardigan for myself. I'm also going to learn to weave and I'm learning to loom knit.

In 2007, I did my first colorwork project and I learned tunisian crochet.
MichelleD wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:57 PM
I've learned to knit through books. I've been knitting for 24 years and have tackled everything with the help of books written by experienced experts. I have the car washing rags to prove it! I think I do pretty well considering. 2007 broght me the adventure of desiging sweaters by myself. I know for everything I know, there are thousands of things I don't. I have every book and article (I think!) on how to knit socks and still can't seem to even get a good cast on. I NEED VIDEO! I tend to make for others. This year I actually started (they are still UFO's) 2 sweaters for myself. 2008 will get 'em done! I've been fearless in admitting it's a true affliction not to be able to walk by a knitting magazine and not buy it nor just window shop in the yarn isle. My tote's runneth over and I still buy more! I'm sure there is a support group for this affliction but I really don't want to join! I'm hoping in 2008 to stretch myself more and finish, at the very least, those 2 UFO sweaters for myself and find someone to show me how to or a truly good (free) video on how to knit a sock!
JacquelineS wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 4:59 PM
Sandi,
Knitting daily has inspired me to knit a sweater for me this year. Yes, one that really does fit. I love the hoodie and will probably be knitting one for me. Thank you for all your encouragment to forge ahead on this wonderful new year, one of new beginnings. Happy New Year to all!!! May health and happiness be yours.

Jackie
PaulaW wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:00 PM
The thing that I want to knit in 2008 is a saddle pad. It would not be an ordinary pad but would be an arty saddle pad. No one else would have one!
Paula Wojasinski
Annporotti wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:05 PM
After my mom died i found a a closet filled with sock UFOs--they were in all sizes, gauges, and too many of them in acrylic yarn. But their common thread (so to speak) was the use of double pointed needles. The mechanics of these flimsy constructs were so scary to me that...i carefully removed the yarn from needles and boxed needles and yarn separately. Ten years have passed. Now I knit daily, and socks on double points are an emerging passion. 2007, my year of knitting fearlessly, gave a dozen family and friends wonderful socks--no two of which were exactly the same!
AgnesL wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:07 PM
Hi Sandi, Happy New Year! And thanks for your wonderful knitting daily! You have inspired me, made me laugh, and gave me courage to try some new things. Having started knitting when I retired about 3 years ago, I am really kind of new to this addiction. I think I am somewhat of a fearless knitter. New things I tried in 2007: knitting my first sweater, designing a cabled sweater, colorwork on tomato sweater. Next year I would love to make the beautiful Hedgerow coat from the fall issue of Interweave Knits
Korie BethB wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:15 PM
I love the idea of knitting fearlessly -- I would like to live fearlessly. My knitting goals for this year? I would like to learn seaming -- I currently can knit complex patterns but am stymied by seaming. Consequently, I knit socks, mittens, hats, flat pieces, and seamless sweaters. I would like to expand that.
ShelleyR wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:15 PM
I've got a few terrors lurking out there. My main failing is that I am really a slow knitter, for a couple of reasons. Because of pain I can't knit for long. I am self taught, and learning after 50 precludes a certain speed that comes with knowing this a younger age. I am also left handed, but knit right handed, and that slows me.
So I'm starting this year by finishing that pair of socks that's been a lurking UFO.
Then I have already cast on a lacy scarf to do left handed.
My two big hurdles are an Alice Starmore-like pullover with 24 colors, and then a huge honking cable sweater to live in.
A sister wants some fingerless gloves, and I may do those for the rest of the family as well.
Also up on deck in a double stitched-floral pattern pullover.
Oh, and yeah, that floral felted chair cover.
oops, best get knitting!
KirstenH wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:22 PM
I faced my fear of felting this year, but in the geeky way of having to make swatches, measure the results, try to predict the final outcome, and then still get surprises. I love the Knitting Daily galleries where sweaters are modeled on different bodies; I still have a fear of making something that will end up not being right for the flat-chested pear-shaped gal that I am. I stick to basic shapes with wild colors and patterns to disguise it all, and then feel to shy to wear the gaudy sweater! Nonetheless, what I would REALLY like to see are more multi-color, multi-yarn, modular funky-colored things that let me go nuts with my sparklies, mohairs, silky wools, and other fibers that I like to combine. I tried modular knitting this year and it turned out better than I expected (along the lines of the stuff in "Dazzling Knits.") That has me addicted to making tesselated knitting shapes, but other than Kaffe Fasset's intarsia, there is little inspiration or example out there! I find myself coloring designs on graph paper with my daughter's markers, and then trying to work up the patterns into knitting. Surely I'm reinventing the wheel... are there other modular multi-yarn knitters out there?
Geminidream wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:29 PM
Knitting Fearlessly - it's a great goal! I'd say I knit ambitiously and experimentally (very scared of colourwork though). My mom was one of those people who could knit socks with her eyes closed, so for years I sewed instead...tried knitting in the '80s but it didn't stick, and then a couple of years ago I started felting (fearlessly, 'cos a handbag didn't have to fit) and have now made some sweaters THAT FIT (yay) for me and bunches of funky hats for other people.
I love circular needles and even dpn's (was scared of those last year) and have become a fan of raglans since I have figured out how to make them fit.
I don't think I'll ever be a dedicated sock or lace knitter, but you never know...next big design project in my head is a 'pretty' skirt, kinda flare mixed with a-line - if it works out I will put it on ravelry,
happy new year,
Pat in Ottawa
YavannaC wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:37 PM
I picked up knitting 6 years ago while living in Japan. Using visuals and a basic knowledge of Japanese, I figured out how to knit and purl from those wonderfully visual graphics in the Japanese books.

I guess, because I learned under such ambitious circumstances, I've always been a bit of a fearless knitter. From the very beginning I began tackling cables and double pointed needles and even making my own patterns.

I strayed from knitting for a while into the land of crochet. I am obsessed with crochetting lace.

This year I taught myself fair isle knitting and lace knitting. I also knitted my first socks from the toe up. this year I plan on advancing my skills by learning more technique and designing more of my own patterns.
YlkaO wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:38 PM
I want to knit 2 socks on 2 circular needles. I am still reluctant to try, but I will as soon as I buy circular needles. I have never knit with them.
MaxineP wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:41 PM
I've learned a lot in the last year and there are many techniques/goals I'd like to learn or continue with: reading and knitting from cable charts so I can knit the Elsebeth Lavold sweater I love; not using crap yarn (I went onto knitting victory in the Olympics, love the sweater style, but hate the finished product for its pills and slightly too big size-I will reknit it for a better fit with better yarn); knit from stash, for charity, and for gifts throughout the year as well as for me; tackle different sock methods; try my hand at designing an afghan; and lastly, well, lace really isn't hard, it just may not as portable and may require a wee bit more concentration. And I do have a skein of laceweight waiting...
Thanks for being cuch a strong source of education and inspiration. I'm grateful for all I've received from my knitting community, local and online.
AntoinetteD wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:55 PM
My grandson was born 10/06..beginning of 2007 I ran out found some wonderful yarn ands the store recommended a particular pattern, I have started and restarted many times, I want to "finish" a sweater before Christopher goes to "college". I really hope to gain confidence in myself, be less critical and just finish something other than "dishcloths and afgans" in 2008.
BarbaraR wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 5:56 PM
I struggle with getting the correct gauge. Although I reduce my needle size to get the correct number of stitches per inch, I still have trouble with number of rows. I'd love to hear some advice. Thanks, Barbara R
Mary BethB wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 6:32 PM
I spent more time knitting had more FO than any other year. I knit many things for myself prompting my husband to ask "another sweater for YOU?" i guess he thought i should spread the proliferation around!
I did challenge myself trying knitting socks on two circulars and picking some more challenging patterns (like Eunny Jang's Tangled Yoke). This year i want to experiment more with customizing patterns for my body (more voluptuous than the models and dimensions), maybe incorporating short rows in the front chest area?? Sandi, I would love to see you offer more advice on this topic.
I also discovered many beautiful yarns and have gotten better at selecting the colors and textures to spotlight the item.
Happy New Year everyone and, here's to another year of fun knitting.
DeniseR wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 6:53 PM
I learned to knit from my mother at age 12. One of my first projects was a pair of socks for my grandpa. There were three socks in the pair, all of them a different size. I had not made a pair of socks since then. Just last month a friend gave me a book, 'Knit Christmas Stockings. I was so excited about the book, I picked up the first yarn I saw, which was tan and blue (not quite Christmas stocking fare) and started knitting. They ended up perfect for a snuggly cold-evening footie slipper. And, they were both the same size!! I am ready this year to make a real pair of socks.
KayE wrote re: 2008: The Year of Knitting Fearlessly
on Wed, Jan 2 2008 7:27 PM
This may seem like a kind of weird goal for 2008, but mine is to discover the best way to weave in all those yarns tails at the end of a project, especially fair isle ones. I would LOVE to have you do a series on the proper techniques for weaving in tails for different styles of knitting in order to end up with a finished project that I am just as proud to have folks see the wrong side of as I am the right side. Video demonstrations of various techniques and when to use them would be outstanding!
Kay E.