In order to apply the skills I want to learn, I need to first pick a project I want to make. There are countless options when it comes to knitting patterns. In order to choose a project I needed to narrow down my criteria. To do so, I decided to think about which patterns would allow me to practice the skills I was most interested in learning.
#1: Using circular needles/knitting in the round
As I discussed in my last blog post, any knitting project that can be done on straight needles can also be done in the round. However, I wanted to choose a project that with my current knowledge is inaccessible to me in order to motivate me to learn this new skill. Therefore, I’m going to choose a pattern that specifies knitting in the round.
#2: Using stitch markers
Already by knitting in the round one is likely to use stitch markers to mark where the round starts and ends. However, as I learned earlier, stitch markers can be used for a variety of reasons, and I’d like to experiment with these tools in more ways than one. Therefore, I am going to choose a project that involves pattern changes or increases rather than a continuous stitch in order to practice this technique (I anticipate that I will also be using the stitch markers to mark a dropped stitch at at least one point during the project, but I won’t actively plan to do that).
#3: Blocking
Depending on who you talked to, some will say that all projects should be blocked, while others would disagree. However, just to ensure that I can fully understand the importance of blocking, I am going to choose a project that specifically instructs me to block the project upon completion.
Taking all of this into consideration, I have chosen the following project: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/the-miriam-cowl
Additionally, I wanted to ensure I was setting myself up for success by choosing a pattern that was still within my level of experience. This pattern was generally rated easy, but it introduces me to lace knitting, which I haven’t done before.
Here’s a list of resources I consulted in the process – there are thousands of projects to peruse through (free and paid)!