A Year of Projects - Introductory Post

As my original list of knitting/crocheting goals for 2011 was woefully inadequate, and lasted less than six months, I am throwing myself headlong into a new project which should keep me occupied well into next year.

A Year of Projects is the brainchild of Keri over at When Did I Become A Knitter. Basically we're all working our way through a list of patterns, either all from one book or a list we've compiled ourselves. Click on the picture above to be taken to our group on Ravelry, where you can find a full list of blogs taking part along with links to each week's posts.

Without much further ado then, I present to you my list for the Blog-a-long. [Please note all links to patterns are to the Ravelry pattern pages]

Knitting Projects

I've opted to include a number of knitting projects, in an attempt to learn some new skills, challenge myself and hopefully to pave the way towards knitting my own garments. I shall attempt these projects in the order listed below, as this represents a neat progression of skill levels required. By the time I've completed all these projects, I will be a fully fledged Knitter.

1. Easy Lace Stole by Arlene's World of Lace - this introduces some new stitches and will be my first go at using circular needles. It will also be the first pattern I use that comes with a chart.

2. Thinking of You Scarf by Jackie Erickson-Schweizer - a slightly more intricate lace pattern, again with a chart as well as written instructions.

3. Victorian Scarf by Kerin Dimeler-Laurence - a really pretty one skein lacy scarf which may be wearable as LRP kit!

4. Hypernova - The Scarf by Arlene's World of Lace - well I love scarves, and this one is stunning. I'm hoping this will be my most impressive project to date, and I am treating myself to some of the fabled Malabrigo to make it.

5. Sojourn Falls Scarf by Jamie Roe - yes, yes I know, another scarf. I like scarves, ok? This scarf however will introduce cables. And beading. I am very much looking forward to it!

6. 198yds of Heaven by Christy Verity - for my first foray into triangular shawl construction, I've opted for a classic Ravelry favourite. A major plus being the heavier weight of yarn required - no worries over teeny laceweight yarn and teeny needles when I'm confused over the lace charts!

7. Ribbed Lace Bolero by Kelly Maher - my first knitted clothing.

Crochet Projects

Rounding off my project list to an even 20 projects, I have selected 13 crochet projects of very different styles. Hopefully I will learn new things, but mostly I want to make stuff I will enjoy crafting, and love using.

8. Sweet Pea Shawl by Amie Hirtes - I plan to have this finished by the start of August, to wear to a wedding.

9. Crochet Lacy Wrap by Moda Dea - something warm for the winter.

10. Jane Austen Shawl by Wendy Lewis - I have been eyeing this one up for months! Need it done by the end of September, to wear to another wedding.

11. Geometry Dress by Lily M. Chin - I thought this would be a great project for pushing myself to make actual fitted garments.

12. Diamonds Shawl by Kristin Omdahl - I fell in love with this pattern when I saw this project on Ravelry and knew I had to make it for myself, complete with beads. I think I ought to splash out on some luxury hand dyed yarn for this one, so it may be the last thing I make.

13. Cherry Wrap by Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby - I saw this in the magazine and wanted to make it straight away. I think it will be great for wearing in the office to combat the over-enthusiastic air conditioning.

14. Fern Cowl by Claire Montgomerie - I've gone a bit bonkers for cowls and ponchos lately, and this pattern really pops.

15. Sunflower Jumper by Robyn Chachula - I'm not 100% convinced by the collar on this jumper, but I love the motifs. Maybe I will modify it a bit. This one will also be a challenge from a construction point of view.

16. Sapphire Shrug by Shannon Mullet-Bowlsby - hopefully one to get done before the Christmas party season.

17. Phoebe Jane Vest by Jenny King - Jamie's not 100% sure about this pattern, but I really like it. Another one for layering in the office. Yarn choice will be critical for the success of this project.

18. Hexagon Baby Blanket by Elisa Purnell - I still have babies to crochet for! This one will be for my new nephew/niece when he/she arrives in the autumn. I will also be branching out and using Lion Brand yarn for the first time, having found a supplier in the UK.

19. Persimmon Pullover by Doris Chan - I love Doris Chan patterns and when I saw this one I immediately saw myself wearing it. I know the pattern will be well written and easy to work with.

20. The Pineapple Monokini by Tracy Knowles - something of a jokey pattern here, put in to add a bit of a smile to everyone's faces! Hopefully by next summer I will be in good enough physical shape to actually want to wear it out in public.

I have created a separate Page for the Year of Projects; as I progress through the challenge, I will update that page with links to the Ravelry project pages for each pattern. You can also search the pattern tags on Ravelry projects for YOP11/12 to see other projects from the group.

Updates on progress will come in the form special Year of Projects posts on Sundays, although I am sure the projects will also make regular appearances in my usual WIP Wednesday posts. Clicking on my Year of Projects logo to the right of the main screen will bring up all relevant Year of Projects posts. Posts will also link back to the group discussion thread for the week, for ease of finding other people's posts on the subject.