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……
On my learn to list right now is steeking and darning. I bought a used vest at GoodWill to practice the first, and I’m trying the second with a pair of worn out socks.
Strategic use of short rows and steeking.
I’m a simple person.
I’m still trying to get good at shawls. I’ve done sweaters and am good at that.
I definitely want to tackle crochet: I think its a useful skill for my atsenal. Especially to make amigurumis and those cute Japanese top patterns with crocheted edges/embellishments…
I recently learned stranded colorwork, but I haven’t knit a lot of projects that way yet. I have charted some designs though and that is my next personal challenge.
I want to learn how to knit 2 socks at a time using the magic loop. I want to perfect my cast-on for toe up socks. I want to learn how to knit Estonian Lace, and I just love learning new stitches and patterns (which is why the Socks a la Carte books are some of my favorite pattern books). Oh yes, I also want to learn a good stretchy bind-off for shawls, scarfs and socks!
Fair Isle. I’ve knit a Fair Isle cowl but would like to learn the technique in greater detail. Also top down socks, as I’ve done only toe up, which I love.
I want to learn how to knit socks toe-up, and then TAAT using Magic Loop. I’m envious of all the nice toe-up patterns out there and want to learn how to knit them!
Amigurumi! I keep looking at the patterns but they intimidate me for some reason.
Next on my “to learn” list is lined mittens. I have had the Fiddlehead mitten pattern for a while now, but haven’t been brave enough to try it yet.
I’d really love to learn color work. it looks so beautiful, but I have to admit that I am a little intimidated to even try.
2nd on my list is two socks at a time. I just think it would be wonderful, not to finish one and feel like I have to start all over again.
I have done a couple of colorwork projects, but I would like to get good enough to where I actually *enjoyed* working on them, and it didn’t take forever to finish a project.
And maybe some cool crocheted edging – my crochet skills at the moment pretty much begin and end with a crocheted provisional cast on!
I’d like to learn short rows. Have failed at it a few times and did a passable job once but I have not done a short row heel on socks yet.
I would like to learn toe-up socks – that weird cast-on confounds me! Also, I want to learn to crochet granny blocks.
I want to get better at colorwork and eventually knit myself a fair isle sweater (or two) and there is always more to learn about knitting lace!
My dad wants a sweater. An XL size. The technique I want to learn is gauge and sizing for an adult sweater. I do okay with tiny sweaters.
I want to make sweaters…..I’m not sure how often I will wear them but dangit, I want to make them.
I have two things I want to learn. The first is Enterlac and the second is colorwork.
I’m making an afghan as a wedding gift though, so I don’t know if I’m going to have time to learn new things for awhile. The afghan I’m doing has a lot of cable work on it though, so that’s a good challenge!
Double-knitting, mostly so I can make the Bird on a Wire hat.
I just took a class on reading japanese patterns that was fascinating.
I’d love to put my mad new skills to work.
Fair Isle is definitely something on my “To Try” list. I even have yarn and a pattern for a scarf all ready to go, just need to take the plunge and try it.
Also, last week I found a new technique I want to experiment with — Intentional Pooling of variegated yarns. Apparently, you can plan projects so that the colors line up or make a cool argyle pattern. I love variegated yarns, but don’t always like the way they behave when knit up, so I think I could have a lot of fun with this.
I have done alittle of a lot….but my main vice is Socks..love them.
I’m going to try and conquer a few foes at once this year: colorwork, corrugated ribbing and making a sweater that FITS. Mine are always too big in the end. I’ve been collecting Tosh Merino Light to make a Paper Dolls sweater.
2011 was a huge year for learning for me – I learned to knit shawls and lace, as well as my first sweater!
My big knitting goal of 2012 is to knit all of the socks in Cookie A’s Knit. Sock. Love. I am one sock into BFF right now (with Wollmeise that I bought from you guys <3 ) and I did cables for the first time! I love how there are many different techniques in her socks, many of which I still haven't done.
Colorwork and beading!
I’ve tried just about everything, but I still haven’t done a lace stole or shawl. The plan is to have one before I am the mother of the groom.
I also want to learn colorwork mittens – I have the yarn picked out, but now I need to find a pattern and the patience to do them! 🙂
I want to knit a sweater next. I bought yarn for my first sweater quite a while ago but then have put off starting it in favor of less complicated projects such as socks and shawls. One of these days I’ll just go for it! Hmm . . . now that I’m thinking about it, maybe I’ll just have to start this week 🙂
I’m pretty competent with knitting techniques, but I would like to learn to crochet one day. Thanks for the giveaway!
I want to learn how to spin my own yarn…starting with a drop spindle!
I want to learn how to knit socks and how to double knit!!
I think it’s time for me to try my hand at crochet.
While I would love to learn colorwork (Fair Isle and Intarsia both) I would DEARLY love to try a beaded project. Never done one – and I don’t care if we start small. I LOVE beads and I LOVE knitting, so it only seems natural.
Thank you for asking!!
I want to get better at knitting sweaters that fit and look good on me. Also would like to test the waters in spinning, but am a little afraid I will end up with a roving stash that will rival my yarn stash in size.
I too would like to do some colorwork gloves… I’m pretty good with sweaters, but gloves seem just so unforgiving gauge-wise. I think I’ll probably take that up next fall.
I came here from Facebook to say knitting on an edging to a shawl – I’m only 40 rows away from that adventure (but they are LONG rows, and I will have plenty of stitched to knit my first edging on to!) but scrolling through the comments I realized I want to try Fair Isle and illusion knitting as well. So many projects (and so much yarn) so little time.
I have no problems with knitting colorwork, lace or cables, but my crochet skills end with putting a simple edging on an item. Crochet directions make it seem like it would be SO much less complicated than knitting, but I just don’t get it! I would like to get good enough at crochet that I can make more than just a square.
Definitely color work/Fair Isle. I can do it, but like you I need to work on my tension. I bought the yarn to do a hat for my grandson in all fair isle, then I am going to move on to some mittens then eventually a sweater.
Colorwork! Both fair isle and intarsia.
After that double knitting.
Eileen
I plan to learn to knit socks from the toe up SOON. I also want to learn to spin this year.
Oddly enough, color work mittens are on my to-do list this year. Trying to decide on a pattern from Anna Zilboorg’s book or Charlene Schurch’s – I have the yearn already. I also want to make a pair of socks this year – finally. The goal is to be very warm and snug next winter!
Color work definitely! I have purchased a pattern and saved a few free patterns and even bought some yarn. But haven’t tried yet.
I’m trying hard to improve my spinning – would like to be a lot better at it than I am – also want to really get into the sweater knitting – sadly, I think I’m getting bored to easily with it and it sits in time out – will bring with me on vacation and hope the mojo comes back
Would love to learn magic loop! But also want to try a project with a steek (scary!). So much to learn!
Entrelac and toe-up socks are my next on list of things to learn.
I want to get better at making sweaters that fit and flatter!
I would also love to do a pair of colorwork mittens! I’m waiting on the perfect pattern and the right yarn, that’s all. I would also love to do some really intricate lace!
I just finished lesson 2 of 3 on knitting 2 socks at once. I like that technique a lot. I also want to actually do one of the lace patterns I’ve downloaded with some of the lace yarn I’ve bought. Those little needles scare me!
Well my pipe dream is a Bohus sweater, but I’d like to do something patterned/steeked this year. And my first Niebling lace!
Every year I try to accomplish ay least 1 new technique. Last year was Entrelac. This year I’m going to master doubleknit. I’ll also be working on my Masters Level 1.