Knitspiration: What to make next?

My recent blog posts have been personal essays of gratitude for my dearest family members (Gifted, Step Up, and Don’t Forget to Feed Your Knitter!, in particular). Today, we return to regularly scheduled programming for a knitting blog – what to make next?!

I was stuck on my last project for a while. Travel, holidays, and other commitments could easily be blamed, but the excuses are dwindling as I continue to procrastinate on starting a new project.

I want to make something for myself with some leftover yarn, so I am more constrained than normal while browsing patterns. My yarn options include:

3 balls of Rowan Cotton Revive in Cherry Blossom (leftover from my Radish tank)
Lots of Rowan Pure Wool Superwash Worsted in Cream (used for lots of gifts)
1 ball of Undyed KFO Cotton Merino (leftover from my AI experiment Tee)
1 ball of Cream KFO Soft Silk Mohair or
1 ball Sage KFO Pure Silk (leftover from my Tip Top Tank)

I’ve been considering a grandpa-style cardigan in the cream Rowan Pure Wool, but I think I might be craving the quick-win of a smaller project, which might be more suitable for the smaller amounts of KFO.

So, I decided to take to Ravelry for an advanced search on these yarns to get some ideas.

First up, the Knitting for Olive Cotton Merino!

Search Criteria: Craft = Knitting, Suggested Yarn Name = KFO Cotton Merino, Yardage = 150 – 300, and Yarn Held Together = 2 strands (to see if I could find some with the Mohair)

A beanie was already on my radar, and I don’t actually have one that I’ve made for myself. It might be just the quick project I need. I also LOVE the Venilia Shawl by Sari Nordlund. I started listening to Sari’s podcast a few weeks ago too, and I truly enjoy hearing about her process. I don’t think I want an all-over lace project for this next project though. Simplicity might be best.

Next, I’d love to make a dent in the Rowan Pure Wool Superwash that I have. I originally purchased a large quantity with two baby blankets in mind, but I adjusted my plans after the yarn arrived. I’m happy that I’ve been able to make so many gifts with the stash, but I’m ready to make room for something new. So, I decided to look for larger projects with this one.

Search Criteria: Craft = Knitting, Age/Size/Fit = Adult, Category = Cardigan, Colors used = 1, Fiber = Wool, Weight = Worsted, Availability = Free

Cardigan options for a worsted weight wool yarn are plentiful! Seeing so many styles made me reconsider the grandpa-style, and I’m considering the Knit Envelope Cardigan from Yarnspirations or the Sigrid Cardigan from Hobbii as possible options.

Lastly, I did a search to see what might be possible with the remaining Rowan Cotton Revive yarn quantity.

Search Criteria: Craft = Knitting, Colors used = 1, Fiber = Cotton, Meterage = 600-750, Suggested yarn name = Rowan Cotton Revive

I really like the indulge tee, but since my yarn is in the pink, Cotton Blossom colorway, I’m not sure it would be the best use of the yarn. I relaxed my filters to remove the specific yarn name, and it made me think this pink cotton might be best as a small accessory, but I found no patterns that sparked my interest today for this yarn, so it seems destined for more time in the stash.

It seems that my indecisiveness persists, but instead of waiting for an epiphany, I plan on starting on a beanie with the cream KFO leftovers. I hope the return to my meditative knitting practice will bring clarity on my upcoming 2026 projects!

What’s next on your project list? I’d love to see your recent makes or upcoming project plans! Happy Knitting!