Last year's makes in pics

Even though I've been blogging mostly at Crafting Fashion, I thought it would be fun doing a yearly roundup of personal projects here. While at Crafting Fashion, I write mostly about the process of cutting and sewing sweater knit fabrics, this is the place where I can discuss the construction and knitting of the fabric.

My first finished "object" (that is, something other than a length of fabric, lol) was this pair of mittens.

I called them my Doubly Mittens, because they're double knit fabric, lined with more double knit fabric. They are warm. :) I love knitting mosaics. They're still magic, though I'm getting better at imagining how a mosaic will turn out. Alessandrina has compiled a list of online pattern generators, including some mosaics. I'm looking forward to playing around with some of them.

Next came my hat in four sections.

I called it my "Seams Like Spring" hat, because it was all about the seams. I created it as a starter project for anyone who wanted to become comfortable with cutting and sewing sweater knits. The fabric that I knitted and used had a series of tucks alternating with wales of plain knit stitches to tame the "stretchyness" of the tucks. I used the fabric sideways to give it even more stability and because I liked the look. The yarn is a 10/2 cotton.

In April 2014, I completed this shrug.

I did not knit this fabric, but I'm including this piece for one reason. Though it doesn't really show here, the yarn is rather fuzzy. I've mostly shied away from knitting fuzzy yarns, but I found this fabric remarkably easy to cut and sew, however, because the cut edges didn't run easily. Despite the openness of the fabric, the "halo" fibers kept the edges mostly secure. I've since acquired some fuzzy yarn to knit, and I'm looking forward to working with it when I have the time. By the way, if you like this lovely stitch pattern, it was easy to decipher. (I can't help myself!) If anyone's interested, let me know, and I'll post the stitch pattern instructions in a future post.

July 2014 brought this poncho-like creation. It's wool and silk, warm and soft.

Lots of tucks and slips and added silk strands tied on to give the illusion of tied up loose ends.

In August I made something a little more seasonally appropriate, my Last Minute Fancy Sweater Knit Dress.

You can see the fabric a little better below and see more pictures here.

Yes, it's sideways in this pic. Racking with tucks and some needles out of action made nice little eyelets in the fabric. I also liked the way the openwork fabric I knitted worked with the sheer fabric, which I bought. (More pics here.)

My last personal project of the year was my shawl collar cardigan.

The fabric is a double bed jacquard with a striper backing. As you can see, I chose to use the striper side as the public side. I call the stitch pattern an off-kilter plaid. It's merino, and it was favorite sweater in 2014.

Best wishes to all for a happy and creative 2015!