Well it’s already March. The holidays and beginning of the year were hectic for me and I lost track of time. But I haven’t lost track of my crafting. If anything, I’ve been crafting a lot more now than I was a few months ago. Partly because I’ve been recovering from all that stress and my brain is no longer fried. Like last year, I have selected nine patterns to be my #MakeNine goals. Unlike last year, I did not include any sewing patterns as I seem incapable of sticking to sewing goals and moderately successful sticking to knitting ones. Like last year, I chose makers who have values that focus on increasing and supporting greater diversity within the knitting community, whether it be racial, size, or neurological diversity. My other goal to me Make Nine was to focus on using stash yarn so I chose patterns that I knew I had the yarn to knit (okay one or two I quickly bought the yarn right before the year ended but I think they should still count). Without further ado, here is what I will be working on in the coming year.
- The Drifter by Tamy Gore
- This was on my Make Nine list last year and I never got around to it. It became my New Year’s shawl cast on so I didn’t risk that again. Tamy’s shawls are a delight to see, with lovely use of color and shaping. And, having completed Section Two of this shawl, I can now say her patterns are easy to follow and well written.
- Ursa by Jacqueline Cieslak
- Jacqueline has been doing incredible work in the fight for size inclusive designs and fat acceptance. Her designs are lovely and functional with this one having the added bonus of being super comfy and knit out of bulky yarn. I definitely recommend checking out her Instagram to learn about fatphobia in the making world.
- Tundra Bandana Cowl by Lavanya Patricella
- I have always admired Lavanya’s color choices and amazing brioche designs. I chose this cowl as a showpiece for souvenir yarn I got when on our family vacation to California.
- Infinity Gauntlets by Shireen Nadir
- In addition to designing lovely patterns, Shireen runs The Blue Brick yarn store based in Canada. She ships her Canadian themed yarns worldwide.
- Cottongrass Jumper by thepetiteknitter
- Weichien uses her arctic surroundings as inspiration for her beautiful colorwork designs. She has been a lovely advocate for size inclusion and, along with her partner, grades her patterns in order to fit most. This particular sweater fits women up to 61″ (plus 2″ of ease) and men up to 63″ (plus 2″ of ease)
- Azula by Woolly Wormhead
- Woolly Wormhead ranks in my top three favorite hat designers (I can’t just pick one). Her hats are innovative and challenging, without being frustrating, to knit. She provided important insights on what it was like to be a Brit living abroad during Brexit. She also shares her experience with mental illness.
- Ember by Yuko shimizu
- This is one of those patterns that I saw on Ravelry, audibly gasped, and bought right away. Yuko’s other patterns are equally impressive but I ended up having just the yarn in my stash. This sweater isn’t as size inclusive as it should be but the designer just added a 60″ finished bust size. Though I think the positive ease means that size should be for a 54″ or so. I believe she is adding more sizes to her patterns as well.
- Party Top by AbbyeKnits
- Another great BIPOC designer, Abbye’s patterns have amazing colors and/or textures. I’m really into the crop sweater phase as it makes it more affordable for me to buy indie dyed yarns for them. She also makes sure her patterns are size inclusive. This one will fit up to a 64″ bust.
- Bonfire Socks by Dawn Henderson
- When I first found these socks, they had no projects in Ravelry. I couldn’t believe it! I happened upon them and all of the sudden a skein that had been in my stash for at least two years popped into my head. Dawn’s patterns are so lovely and she has also gifted us with her knowledge and wisdom on what it means to be a black knitter in our community.
What are you planning to knit this year?
