Traditionally, I’ve shied away from having a basket full of unfinished projects. When I had a job in IT, hunting for efficiencies was a badge of honor. Old habits die hard, as they say, and I’ve avoided works-in-progress (WIPs) in my personal knitting pursuits, almost like WIP limits for an Agile team.
In reality, I’ve always understood why knitters, specifically, choose to have multiple projects going at the same time… On-the-go projects, tucked away in bags, waiting for that moment of unexpected knitting time. Simple stockinette for social stitching, where the focus is fellowship. Intricate charts and delicate stitches set aside for cozy nights. These right time, right place, right knit considerations are plentiful.
The right knit for every knitting moment is best, of course. But, in truth, this is not the only reason I, personally, found myself with multiple active projects in a matter of days.
Here’s how it happened:
- The first project I cast on was a cuddly blanket for a toddler. This gift is made with a super bulky blanket yarn (Eco Chenille Yarn by Loops & Threads – from Michaels). With the size US 19 / 15.0mm needles, it is no surprise that my hands tire after just a few rows of this project. I quickly knew that I needed a lighter project to work on when the blanket became too heavy for my wrists to endure.
Ultimately, I thought: ‘I need an extra project. This blanket can be a side project for a few months and still get done.’ And so, I cast on item #2… - The next project to hit the needles was the finishing band on the beanie/beret. I have been hesitating with this item, and the nagging feeling of “should I have just frogged this?” hasn’t fully gone away. However, I picked up stitches for the band in hopes that it would be a good break from the heavy blanket. After two rows, I realized that I had reason to add another WIP to the mix – Valentine’s Day is coming!
Ultimately, I thought: ‘I need for this re-invented project to rest a bit longer anyway. I should make something for Valentine’s Day.’ - And so, WIP #3 is a very small knit valentine for my best friend’s young daughter. My plan is to knit an envelope and embroider her name on the front. (And maybe a heart stamp?) I decided to make this small knit multi-purpose by using the same yarn that I planned to knit a gauge swatch for a future short-sleeve cardigan for myself. So, I’ll measure gauge for my next big project before adding the finishing touches.
So, three knitting projects in flight, a quick escalation from my usual one-at-a-time approach! But, I’ve learned something important – creativity yields more creativity.
As my WIPs have increased, my creativity has truly blossomed as well, even in some unexpected ways. One of those ways is starting a software project with my husband. We both have decades of IT experience between us and love to solve small problems with simple solutions. I’ve been learning so many new skills and leaning into some old skills too. It has been satisfying work, and I’ve found inspiration for a platform that I would like to use within my own knitting practice – a digital gift-giving journal to keep track of the knits that I make for others.
I’m excited to start using it to log my progress toward making a gift (especially to make sure I’m never missing an important occasion!), keep track of my favorite recipients and their preferences, prepare gift tags/labels/stickers to package the perfect present, and have a catalog of gifted items.
Here’s a sneak peek of this unexpected WIP:
Made with Love: Gift Journal (Preview Only)
I love seeing how many ideas can sprout from a single seed. I’m letting inspiration guide the number and types of unfinished projects I introduce, and this first digital product feels like the right intersection between many things that I enjoy – knitting, gift-giving, and technology. As it comes together in concept, it somehow feels more and more like a blank canvas, ready to be the foundation of the next idea that blooms.
How do you track handmade items you’ve given away? Do you save any mementos? I save the gauge swatch (if I made one), the yarn ball band(s), and pictures. I’m sentimental for my handknits, and keeping a piece of the project just feels right to me.
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