I usually have only 2 going at the same time, and one of those is socks (as you said for portability and for something to knit mindlessly). But I have at least 20 in my head, jockeying in the next project queue.
Thank you for another great read. I try not to have more than 3 projects at any one time and totally agree that variety is key. I always have a pair of socks (my go to relaxing wip), a jumper or cardigan and then usually I work on a commission. Have a lovely weekend xx
Usually four or five WIP at a time- the lovely cashmere sweater I can only work on in the day time-so hard to see the tiny stitches in this soft as butter sport weight midnight blue yarn-what was I thinking, except how beautiful it will be when it is done! The Aran weight pink turtleneck I can only work on in quiet concentration to get the complicated yoke pattern right (stop picking the most involved pattern in the book, but it will be a breeze once I get past the yoke!) The no attention required seed stitch bulky yarn headbands which are my go to carry along. Actually just finished one, waiting for a special skein of yarn to come in the mail to start the next one. I wear them with everything, to justify yarns of every color! The color work hat from the book of National Park Hats that has wool which needs winding to start. The magic loop both socks at a time worsted weight cozy socks that are around here somewhere, where did they go??? LOL! Knitting problems…
Lol!! Loved reading about your knitting 'problems'. A seed stitch headband sounds like a soothing cheerful project to carry around. Even a seemingly no-detail yoke can be attention-seeking because the main construction bits happen there. Also designers tend to pack "invisible details" in that area for fit reasons. No wonder a detailed yoke requires nothing less than quiet concentration. :)
As a designer I find I really have to have more than a couple of WIPs on the go at any one time. There are times when you have the brain space to figure something out or be inspired to take your work in a different direction. And there are times when you just want/need to knit round and round 🤣
I usually have 2-3 at a time. Always a pair of socks to carry with me. Usually a sweater or simple shawl—lots of garter or stockinette. And something more complex, like a lace shawl.
I love this post - I am definitely someone who has many projects on the go. Right now I have some socks I'm making. These I can only do in the daylight hours and when I can concentrate and count. I have a stranded colorwork sweater going which I seem to be able to do while listening to a book, watching netflix or even at knitting group, but I need larger chunks of time. Today after I finish chores I'll cast on a new hat that will allow for mindless knitting at any time. Different projects for different circumstances. I always plan on finishing them. :)
I love how you spell out the "optimal requirements" for each of your project. Stranded colorwork has its rhythm and I love that yours is good for relaxing. Looking forward to see your projects around here. Have a great weekend!!
It's like you've written this for me Kavitha! Another reminder to have other projects on the go. I loved this - It took me a while to learn to take care of myself in this way—by having the right project ready at the right time. 🤎 Gradually, having multiple projects in progress has become a normal, regular part of my creative process. Thank you :)
I’m a juggler. I need something small to knit on the go and something aspirational. I appreciate the tips for juggling. I just went through all my bags and frogged a few things.
I usually have no more than two projects on the go. I finished a sweater last evening so I’m now considering what to replace it with as I finally have no requests! Possibly a pair of socks to use some languishing stash
Ohh well done!! That sounds so neat and crisp! I can only wish about that kind of crystal clear finish and starts. My stash habit is somewhat like what you say though. I try to plan and work through most of it before acquiring more.
I know right! I have brought them down to two right now. Both are designs needing some attention. So I am trying hard not to start anything else for a while.
This is a very insightful post and this series has been very inspiring to me.
As I am writing this, I am mentally counting how many wip's I have in crochet and knitting, I have one in knitting, and one in Tunisian, a couple more in crochet. The Tunisian and knitting wip were started mindlessly (because I loved it on first sight), there are a few more crochet which I might abandon for the simple reason I have got bored with them. I do think time and again that I should plan and organise all projects, but I am yet to get there.
Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad these posts have been helpful. We all do abandon projects from time to time. We also work out our own methods for doing things eventually. :)
When I first started reading this post I was convinced I was not a juggler, but then I realised that I do juggle. Not so much with lots of knitting projects on the go, but projects in general. I knit, crochet and do macrame and find that I'll start a project in one craft, when I need a break from it I'll start another project in a different method. I tend to not start another project in the given method until I've finished. I guess I mix the juggling and dedication to one project depending on my mood and the project in progress. We all have our methods of working, isn't it wonderful how we can all achieve success in so many different ways. 😊💚
Exactly! Even when we think we have just one project, there are other life things that gets into juggling, dictating and demanding on our moods. It is absolutely wonderful how we all work out our methods!! Oh knit/crochet/macrame sounds like a fun mix btw. :)
I am a spur of the moment cast on girl. I have many projects on the go and choose by mood. It’s been too hot for some of my knits lately so I have knit cotton dishcloths to keep my fingers busy. I’m also knitting the shoulder straps of a bought top that I unravelled because the straps were too long. It’s been a challenge and I’m nearly finished. Having 4 foster kittens has added some ‘joy’ as they like to steal the yarn, chew on the needles, and rub against my face while I’m counting.
On my needles are a bright red mohair fisherman’s rib cardigan, the back of a cushion cover to complete, 2 toy beaded raspberries to sew & stuff, another cushion to crochet a button loop onto, the mending project mentioned above, a man’s zippered jacket that needs button band & pockets to be sewn together.
I also like to sew, hand and machine, therefore another mountain of projects to choose the mood for. Not enough hours in the day and I have new ideas bouncing around in my head.
Sometimes it is overwhelming but mostly it’s my happiness, my creative sanctuary to immerse myself in when peopling is too much of a struggle. On this Valentines Day, I choose to love my creative energy and nurture my inner soul that cries out for the sparks of joy that light up when I am making. It’s all about the process for me.
Oh, thank you for sharing about your pursuits. Wow, unravelling and knitting into a store-bought top sounds intriguing! I love that we can use our crafty skills to make things better.
Red mohair cardigan sounds divine! There definitely is a mood that gets associated with our projects. I hear you about peopling struggles. Crafting has been my sanctuary in that area too.
Oh my thank you so much for sharing these thoughts. I am so humbled and thrilled to hear the posts are being helpful. What can I say - I am talking about bits and pieces of life itself, while talking about knitting. Because I too can't help seeing these connections. I am glad to hear you take care of yourself with graceful exit points. And yes I realize as you say, books and knitting have so much in common too! :)
I usually have only 2 going at the same time, and one of those is socks (as you said for portability and for something to knit mindlessly). But I have at least 20 in my head, jockeying in the next project queue.
Lol!! That is so true!! Don't even start me on my mental wardrobe. :)))
Thank you for another great read. I try not to have more than 3 projects at any one time and totally agree that variety is key. I always have a pair of socks (my go to relaxing wip), a jumper or cardigan and then usually I work on a commission. Have a lovely weekend xx
Sounds like you've worked out a lovely mix for yourself. Looking forward to hear about your projects. Thank you so much and you as well. :)
Usually four or five WIP at a time- the lovely cashmere sweater I can only work on in the day time-so hard to see the tiny stitches in this soft as butter sport weight midnight blue yarn-what was I thinking, except how beautiful it will be when it is done! The Aran weight pink turtleneck I can only work on in quiet concentration to get the complicated yoke pattern right (stop picking the most involved pattern in the book, but it will be a breeze once I get past the yoke!) The no attention required seed stitch bulky yarn headbands which are my go to carry along. Actually just finished one, waiting for a special skein of yarn to come in the mail to start the next one. I wear them with everything, to justify yarns of every color! The color work hat from the book of National Park Hats that has wool which needs winding to start. The magic loop both socks at a time worsted weight cozy socks that are around here somewhere, where did they go??? LOL! Knitting problems…
Lol!! Loved reading about your knitting 'problems'. A seed stitch headband sounds like a soothing cheerful project to carry around. Even a seemingly no-detail yoke can be attention-seeking because the main construction bits happen there. Also designers tend to pack "invisible details" in that area for fit reasons. No wonder a detailed yoke requires nothing less than quiet concentration. :)
If you start with an odd number of stitches, then every row begins with a knit stitch, and it is totally about the fingers, no attention required.
That's perfect indeed.
As a designer I find I really have to have more than a couple of WIPs on the go at any one time. There are times when you have the brain space to figure something out or be inspired to take your work in a different direction. And there are times when you just want/need to knit round and round 🤣
Lol!! You had me at the "round and round" :)) Absolutely agree about WIPs that require different levels of concentration.
Exactly. Sometimes you have more brain space than others 🤣
I usually have 2-3 at a time. Always a pair of socks to carry with me. Usually a sweater or simple shawl—lots of garter or stockinette. And something more complex, like a lace shawl.
That sounds like a great mix. I too love socks on my needles any time.
I love this post - I am definitely someone who has many projects on the go. Right now I have some socks I'm making. These I can only do in the daylight hours and when I can concentrate and count. I have a stranded colorwork sweater going which I seem to be able to do while listening to a book, watching netflix or even at knitting group, but I need larger chunks of time. Today after I finish chores I'll cast on a new hat that will allow for mindless knitting at any time. Different projects for different circumstances. I always plan on finishing them. :)
I love how you spell out the "optimal requirements" for each of your project. Stranded colorwork has its rhythm and I love that yours is good for relaxing. Looking forward to see your projects around here. Have a great weekend!!
It's like you've written this for me Kavitha! Another reminder to have other projects on the go. I loved this - It took me a while to learn to take care of myself in this way—by having the right project ready at the right time. 🤎 Gradually, having multiple projects in progress has become a normal, regular part of my creative process. Thank you :)
Awww, what a lovely thing to say Jodie! You are so kind with your words. I am so happy to hear the post resonated and helped in some way. Hugs.
I’m a juggler. I need something small to knit on the go and something aspirational. I appreciate the tips for juggling. I just went through all my bags and frogged a few things.
I am so glad the post was helpful. I too am slowly realizing the potential of small knits on the go.
I usually have no more than two projects on the go. I finished a sweater last evening so I’m now considering what to replace it with as I finally have no requests! Possibly a pair of socks to use some languishing stash
Ohh well done!! That sounds so neat and crisp! I can only wish about that kind of crystal clear finish and starts. My stash habit is somewhat like what you say though. I try to plan and work through most of it before acquiring more.
I have about 6 WIPs right now! The struggle is real!
I know right! I have brought them down to two right now. Both are designs needing some attention. So I am trying hard not to start anything else for a while.
That is smart! I need to take your example ha!
🙈 Trying to! Let's see how long I'll last. 😅
Haha you got this!!!
This is a very insightful post and this series has been very inspiring to me.
As I am writing this, I am mentally counting how many wip's I have in crochet and knitting, I have one in knitting, and one in Tunisian, a couple more in crochet. The Tunisian and knitting wip were started mindlessly (because I loved it on first sight), there are a few more crochet which I might abandon for the simple reason I have got bored with them. I do think time and again that I should plan and organise all projects, but I am yet to get there.
Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad these posts have been helpful. We all do abandon projects from time to time. We also work out our own methods for doing things eventually. :)
When I first started reading this post I was convinced I was not a juggler, but then I realised that I do juggle. Not so much with lots of knitting projects on the go, but projects in general. I knit, crochet and do macrame and find that I'll start a project in one craft, when I need a break from it I'll start another project in a different method. I tend to not start another project in the given method until I've finished. I guess I mix the juggling and dedication to one project depending on my mood and the project in progress. We all have our methods of working, isn't it wonderful how we can all achieve success in so many different ways. 😊💚
Exactly! Even when we think we have just one project, there are other life things that gets into juggling, dictating and demanding on our moods. It is absolutely wonderful how we all work out our methods!! Oh knit/crochet/macrame sounds like a fun mix btw. :)
Definitely a fun mix. I’m never bored. 💚
I am a spur of the moment cast on girl. I have many projects on the go and choose by mood. It’s been too hot for some of my knits lately so I have knit cotton dishcloths to keep my fingers busy. I’m also knitting the shoulder straps of a bought top that I unravelled because the straps were too long. It’s been a challenge and I’m nearly finished. Having 4 foster kittens has added some ‘joy’ as they like to steal the yarn, chew on the needles, and rub against my face while I’m counting.
On my needles are a bright red mohair fisherman’s rib cardigan, the back of a cushion cover to complete, 2 toy beaded raspberries to sew & stuff, another cushion to crochet a button loop onto, the mending project mentioned above, a man’s zippered jacket that needs button band & pockets to be sewn together.
I also like to sew, hand and machine, therefore another mountain of projects to choose the mood for. Not enough hours in the day and I have new ideas bouncing around in my head.
Sometimes it is overwhelming but mostly it’s my happiness, my creative sanctuary to immerse myself in when peopling is too much of a struggle. On this Valentines Day, I choose to love my creative energy and nurture my inner soul that cries out for the sparks of joy that light up when I am making. It’s all about the process for me.
Oh, thank you for sharing about your pursuits. Wow, unravelling and knitting into a store-bought top sounds intriguing! I love that we can use our crafty skills to make things better.
Red mohair cardigan sounds divine! There definitely is a mood that gets associated with our projects. I hear you about peopling struggles. Crafting has been my sanctuary in that area too.
Great tips! Personally, I can’t have more than two projects going at once because it gets overwhelming!
Thank you! I hear you. I am like that about my stash. Too much can be overwhelming.
Oh my thank you so much for sharing these thoughts. I am so humbled and thrilled to hear the posts are being helpful. What can I say - I am talking about bits and pieces of life itself, while talking about knitting. Because I too can't help seeing these connections. I am glad to hear you take care of yourself with graceful exit points. And yes I realize as you say, books and knitting have so much in common too! :)