Have you branched out in your knitting? I started with scarves (knitting 20 or 30 of them, probably) and moved on to socks. I thought I’d prefer sock knitting for the rest of my life. Then I tried shawls and quickly became hooked on those, instead. It’s interesting to see how things evolve as you learn and grow, isn’t it? I’m glad that I didn’t just stick with scarves. Or socks. And I’m glad I’m not going to stick with just shawls forever, either. There are too many fun things out there to work on.
Two things I want to try next. First – Colorwork. In particular, colorwork mittens. Oh, I tried one. But I need to get much much better at my tension, before I feel like I can enjoy the whole colorwork knitting process. There are bunches and bunches of wonderful colorwork patterns that I have made note of, for when I get good at this.
I’d also like to learn to knit those cute little amigurumi/mochi creatures, just because they’re adorable. I bought this book because of the cute gnome on the front. (And several cute patterns on the inside.) I think the little creatures would be fun to pop in the mail to a friend or tie on a package. I also might need a few sitting along the top of my computer.
So that’s one important technique on my To Learn list, and one just-for-fun thing on my To Learn list. What is on your To Learn list? Leave a comment below and we’ll do a drawing next week for Loopy Gift Certificates (so that you can pick out something and move forward on one of your new projects or techniques!).
Sheri thatcolorworkmittenintheabovelink?Itturnedoutwaytoobig.
Iamstilllearning……
I would love to learn double knitting and to master short rows (I know, it sounds easy but mine never look right) and knitting fair isle using both hands (knitting both English and continental at the same time!)
I have a set of handcarders on their way to my house, and I can’t wait to play with them! My goal is to conquer the raw-fleece-to-sweater process once the weather warms up and I can wash fleece outside. In the meanwhile, more spinning!
On my To Learn list is knitting a FLAK-style sweater for perfect fit. On my For Fun list is a something in two (or more) colors. Other than last year’s Camp Loopy Project #2, I haven’t knit anything with multiple colors in more than 20 years.
I want to learn colorwork and continental-style knitting so I can (hopefully) finish projects faster.
I want to learn alternative sock heels . . . like heel-out sock construction found in the double heelix socks!
I’d like to try to crochet, but in knitting, I want to find the best afterthought heel pattern and master that. My first one didn’t work out very well!
Entrelac is on my list of techniques to learn. I found a set of simple instructions on Ravelry, and the yarn is in the mail. I decided that for my first entrelac project I will make a scarf with self-striping yarn, so I can focus on the technique alone and let the colors change themselves.
I have tried color work several times and have yet to master it. Maybe one of these days!
I have done a little stranded colorwork but want to get better at it and, wait for it…SOCKS! I never thought I wanted to knit socks but I really do so that is big up on my list. Oh and full finger gloves (that fit)!
i have made a MILLION baby sweaters but i’ve never had the guts to tackle an adult size one. This is the year!
I would like to learn lace. I have made a few small projects with little pieces of lace but I want to conquer something larger. Not an Evenstar but maybe a pie shawl!
I am taking a class next weekend in making mittens with multicolor patterning like the cupcake mittens. I knit one adult male Icelandic sweater 30 years ago which was my total experience with colorwork. Other than that, I knit mostly socks and scarves but would like to try some lace.
I would like to get better at continental knitting, and to learn to purl that way, just ’cause!
I promised flip top gloves to my niece. So, I definitely need to learn to knit those pesky fingers.
I would like to try steeking- yikes! I would like to do more color work too 🙂
I would like to try steeking. I love cardigans but prefer to knit in the round. Steeks would be perfect for me.
I’ve just barely dipped a toe (ha, ha) into sock knitting, so I’d like to get really good at that. I also want to get brave enough to tackle a big lace shawl, esp. after I spin the yarn to knit it (yes, I have the fiber and pattern picked out already…).
Ha! Great minds!
I want to learn to knit with lace weight yarn. I’ve made several shawls with fingering yarn, but my one attempt with lace weight defeated me.
I want to learn how to steek. It scares me, but seems like it would be soooo useful!
I want to try colorwork mittens. I have SO many in my queue, and none of the right yarn. I”d also like to try toe up socks after I finish my current shawl.
Color work socks are next for me – and then designing my own colorwork socks. Also designing an Aran sweater wusing Elizabeth Zimmermann’s directions. And then there’s an adult ASJ – after I’ve made a couple of BSJ’s. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
I have been working on fair isle and entrelac lately which has been really fun as well as continental knitting (but not purling yet). I want to work on purling continental style and would love to try double-knitting sometime….
also want to master a 3-ply fingering weight yarn in spinning.
I would love to learn more techniques such a magic loop and different types of cast ons and cast offs.
Socks and sweaters–I’m not sure which I’ll tackle next. I knit hats and shawls and lace–I think it’s probably time for me to branch out…
I am planning on making a vest this year…hopefully seamless and top-down. I have also never done entrelac, or a mitred square…perhaps I can those checked off my knitting bucket list this year.
I would love to learn the technique of controlling my stash 🙂
I am not sure that is possible.
Colorwork for me, too.
Reading has my curiosity.
That should have been beading.
I’m trying to learn better lace techniques, including relying solely on charts.
Hmm…probably entrelac and to become a more proficient fair isler
I’ve taken a couple of color work classes, but I’m not thrilled with it.
I’ve been getting into sweaters and learning different techniques there. Getting better at getting the right size for me, so I’ll actually wear it!
I’ve been wanting to try a fair isle project for awhile now, I try to learn a new technique each year.
I would like to learn how to use double pointed needles. I have used them for I cords but that is as brave as I have been with using them I would like to know how to use them to make something circular.
I want to learn fair isle and double knitting.
I’m looking to move on to more intricate lace! I’m addicted to lace!
I’m interested in trying a shawl. I’ve knit one out of DK, but never lace. That’s in the plans for the near future.
I want to learn to finish the heal of a sock and to do cables. 🙂
Colorwork, both fair isle and intarsia. I wish I enjoyed it more. My husband has gotten me some really wonderful kits that use both these techniques, and I feel bad to confess that I find the techniques tedious.
Lace, shawls and socks are much more up my alley!
I started with socks, then scarves and shawls, and back to socks. Did you know toe-up socks can become mittens if you just don’t turn the heel? I never decide until I get to the heel/thumb length which it is. I want to finish the colorwork mitten I started and make a matching, in color only, mitten. I use Franklin Habit’s idea of knitting it around the inside to keep the tension loose enough to prevent that dreadful pucker.
I have been trying to learn Continental knitting – finally signed up for a workshop, and hope that works! I’d also like to try some colorwork.
My short list includes learning magic loop, double knitting, and trying to design a few projects for myself.
I would definitely love to try some colorwork. There are so many great fairisle mitten patterns that I’d love to try but am kind of afraid to even get started.
I want to learn nålbinding. I have had 2 short introductions to it but never got beyond a little strip. I have the yarn for a cap and am determined to get going on it one of these day.
Most of what I’m learning right now is weaving-related, like Overshot or tablet weaving. I am also on a sharp learning curve for designing knitting projects, however, which is also fun!
I really want to learn to spin. I think it is from watching a lot of podcasts. A cheaper, more attainable goal would be learning to do magic loop for knitting sleeves.
I would love to learn entrelac. And I always wanted to learn tap dancing so I’ve been taking lessons since Sept, and I’m 55 so it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks.
I’ve yet to create a really impressive lace shawl. I tried the nordic shawl a few years back but it came out lopsided because I tried to fix a mistake without ripping back. I have a wedding in May and a shawl would be just the thing to cap off my outfit. When I find the pattern, it will be made!!!
It’s been over 10 years since I tried to knit up a shell top. That and to gather up the courage for a lace shawl or shawlette are the heading up the top of my 2012 checklist.