The No-Guilt Cast-On
It's the rare knitter who doesn't have a twinge of guilt when considering *another* cast-on.
Whether you're a "monogamous" knitter or the type with a half-dozen projects going at a time, you know the allure of starting a new project, the excitement of a fresh start. Maybe you saw an Instagram post of the latest "must knit" shawl. Or you've been using nothing but fingering weight and suddenly see a pattern for a quick bulky slipover. Or you get a package from your favorite yarn dyer with that gorgeous yarn you pre-ordered a few weeks back.
But then that little voice starts up in your head: "Finish one project before starting another." It says that you need to be more disciplined, less distracted. You feel the weight of negativity pushing the fun of a new project aside.
What if we try to let go of those guilt-inducing feelings and just embrace the joy of knitting - including the joy of starting a new project? You don't need an excuse to let knitting make you happy.
Because knitting isn’t (just) about productivity. I mean, sure, you wind up with something useful when you knit. But we all know that if you just wanted a sweater or a pair of socks, you could buy them for less money, and a lot less time, than if you make them yourself.
Knitting is about comfort, creativity, the satisfaction of making something with your own two hands, and sometimes a bit of escape. Some days, a lace shawl soothes your soul. Other days, it’s the mindless joy of stockinette in the round. Each WIP holds a story, a season, a mood. And with a new season, a new mood, a new day, you can make a new story.
So what will you cast on today? I have a few suggestions of patterns to consider and yarns to shop below. As for me, I am going to grapple with this bouclé yarn that I bought on a total whim at Cakepalooza at Rhinebeck last year. Swatching this stuff is likely to be a nightmare; counting stitches among all that fuzzy curliness will be akin to trying to count stitches on an actual sheep. But despite already having a few WIPs, I am plunging in. Wish me luck!
Do you carry WIP guilt? Post a comment below or email me and tell me your tale —no judgment here!
A few patterns to grab when you want a quick way to scratch your cast-on-itis itch:
Aspenglow Hat: easy stitch pattern with bulky yarn ~ Sledding and Snowballs Hat: classic cables with fingering/sock yarn ~ Beach Breeze Shawl: simple and soothing with DK yarn~ Coral Cove Shawl: easy to memorize stitches with fingering/sock yarn
And for your yarn shopping pleasure…
~ Some of my favorite yarn sources ~
{I'm not affiliated, just a fan.}
Megs and Co. ~ A master of jewel tones dedicated to offering locally-sourced yarns.
Purple Lamb Fiber Arts ~ Gorgeous depth of color with inspiration from classic works of art and architecture.
Wool and Company ~ A yarn retailer carrying yarn from my favorite larger dye houses, with no minimum for free shipping.