Unsure of how to fill my time in 2020, I picked up several hobbies. In the peak of the Arizona summer, I picked up gardening, and in September, when I was still dripping sweat from the heat, I set my mind on knitting a sweater.
As it turns out, knitting one sweaster quickly gave me the “I can do anything mindset” and I bought enough knitting patters and yarn to last me through 2021. Oops.
I quickly ordered yarn from different brands including We Are Knitters, Wool and the Gang, Malabrigo, Knit Collage, and Loopy Mango to find a few of my favorites and set my heart on different projects.
I knit up a storm in the end of the year, so here’s a little recap on most of my projects.
Winter Blues Sweater
This was my very first project this year. The color is stunning but this thing is so oversized, I can wear it as a dress. I hadn’t yet learned the mattress seam, so the seaming is visible.
Since I decided to reseam it, I ultimately decided to frog the yarn for another project.
Pattern: Winter Blues Sweater
Yarn: Wool and the Gang’s Crazy Sexy Wool in Hot Punk Pink
Winter Blues Cardigan
This cardigan was similar to the pullover and my second project. Of everything I knit this year, I sense I’ll get the most use out of this one because of the wearable color and cozy fit.
Pattern: Winter Blues Cardigan
Yarn: Wool and the Gang’s Crazy Sexy Wool in Latte
Winter Magic Ribbed Sweater
This was one of the most popular sweaters I knit this year. It was so easy and the result is something really unique! I would definitely make this again!
Pattern: Winter Magic Ribbed Sweater
Yarn: We Are Knitters The Wool in Skylovers
Nanaimo Cardigan
One of my favorite knits, this cardigan has a bomber style feel. I knit the entire piece in thie gorgeous chocolate wool from Malabrigo.
Pattern: Nanaimo Cardigan
Wool: Malabrigo Rasta in Belgian Chocolate
Dawson Beanie
I have now made this beanie over 5 times. It’s so fast, I can knit it in a day, and the results are so pretty.
Pattern: Dawson Beanie
Wool: Malabrigo Rasta in Pagoda
Vicky Knits Vest
I love this vest pattern, however I would make it longer in the future. It’s so easy and knits up fast enough that you can make it in every color if you want.
Pattern: Vicky Knits Vest
Yarn: We Are Knitters The Wool
Cropped Cable Jumper
This ended up being my Christmas sweater this year and my first cable project. It turned out so cute and I loved adding the little white detail on the trim.
Pattern: Cropped Cable Jumper
Yarn: Wool and the Gang Crazy Sexy Wool
Vintage Princess Cardigan
This was definitely one of my longer projects. I might add some length in the future, but I loved the sprinkle denim on a simple pattern with a neat lace stitch.
Pattern: Vintage Princess Cardi
Yarn: We Are Knitters The Petite Wool in Sprinkle Denim
Cable Headband
This ended up being my mom’s christmas present. This free pattern is a pretty simple stashbuster and makes for a great first cable project.
Pattern: Cable Headband
Yarn: Wool and the Gang Crazy Sexy Wool in Bordeaux
Waterbury Plaid Blanket Scarf
This was probably my favorite piece of 2020. The pattern is available for free, but be warned, it’s pretty time consuming. However, the results are stunning.
Pattern: Waterbury Blanket Scarf
Yarn: Lion Brand Re-Tweed
Items I’ve Knit
While this isn’t everything I knit in 2020, It’s pretty close to everything. I may have left a few small things out, but at least my favorites are here.
If you’re looking to pick up knitting, I would say most of these are easy enough for a beginner to take up on their own. I did all of these with fewer than 2 months of knitting experience.