thoughts on the 52 Knits project

I'm delighted to say that I've finished this project. Let me be honest, I didn't think I'd accomplish any of my 2012 goals. But turns out I'm more likely to stick to goals when there's some pressure from blog readers.

I've knitted a bunch of stuff, from cat toys to shawls to dish clothes to sweaters. I'm delighted at the mountain of projects I knitted this year (minus a bunch of stuff I gave away!). That's a mountain of over nine pounds of knitted items!

It's a great feeling to finish a year-long project and call it a success. I couldn't be happier about how it turned out. I learned a lot from knitting 52 projects. New knitting techniques, what kind of yarn works well for me, how to read different 'chart languages' and how important good tools are.

I rarely left the house without a project bag. Turns out those short knitting moments (knitting on the bus, in-between classes, in class, while waiting in line, ...) add up to several pairs of socks over a year.

I conquered my fear of knitting in public during my year in Vancouver. Knitting in public helped me make lots of friends and I had many great conversations with strangers on the busses. Turns out Canadians are really fascinated by knitters and have a bunch of questions, whereas most Germans either look at me in a funny way or just ignore my obsession.

I also learned a lot about photography. Taking pictures without a tripod can be challenging but it's definitely fun. I used to get anxious when other people touch/use my camera, but over the past year I had to pass my camera to so many people to take pictures for me(and none of them broke it) that I'm fine with other people handling my camera. I probably explained the basics of shutter speed and aperture about a hundred times this past year and how to change the focal point.

Handing over my camera to other people resulted in a bunch of different styles of photography and composition ideas I wouldn't have come up with on my own.

All of the 52Knits photos were taken with my Nikon D7000 + 50mm 1.4G lens. I couldn't be happier with my camera! Some shots were taken using my iPhone 4 which makes decent pictures. I also loved being able to share the projects right away on instagram('froggeddesigns') and getting to know some awesome knitters.

Probably the most important thing I learned is that not every pattern works with every yarn. I frogged several projects simply because they wouldn't go together. Also, some patterns just weren't for me. Take for example the buttercup sweater. I casted it on three times using two different yarns but it simply wouldn't work out, although all other people who knitted it said the pattern is wonderful. I guess I'm not meant to knit it.

Investing in good tools is really worth it. I started of with a bunch of knitting needles my mom gave me and lots of flea markets. My first investment was a set of knitpicks interchangeable circular needles. There are always people out there who complain about needles but I couldn't be happier with them. I added a bunch of DPNs over the past year and a beautiful custom-made yarn bowl. The latest addition to my knitting gadgets is a daylight lamp my mom got me for Christmas and a wooden yarn holder.

My favorite projects were:

• juneberry triangle shawl
• mr fox
• vancouver fog fingerless mittens
• dryad scarf
• habitat hat
• burberry inspired cowl

52 Knits // the final countdown

#49: 2013 fingerless mittens

Pattern: a variation of the toast pattern

Yarn Used:  leftovers of ONline Linie 310 Alpaca (100% Alpaca)

Needles: 4.5mm DPNs

Modifications: 2x2 ribbing and added some colorwork

Note: I wanted to get rid off some of my Alpaca stash so I knitted another pair of fingerless mittens. I added some colorwork to celebrate the new year. I'll be wearing these for New Year's Eve :)

#50 & 51: Calorimetry

Pattern: Calorimetry by Kathryn Schoendorf

Yarn Used: 1/2 skein of unknown Noro yarn (worsted weight)

Needles: 5mm circular needles

Modifications: CO 92 / 88 stitches

Note: Another project that was in my queue forever. My mom had a skein of unknown Noro yarn left (it's worsted weight and soft) so i decided to make a calorimetry because it's perfect for Noro! I only wanted to knit one but I had 22grams left - just enough to make another (slightly smaller) calorimetry! For the second one I casted on 88 stitches which was still plenty. 

#52: super-soft Burberry Inspired Cowl

Pattern: Burberry Inspired Cowl Neck Scarf by Julianne Smith

Yarn Used: 0.8 skeins of Aslan Trends Royal Alpaca (100% Alpaca)

Needles: 6mm circular needles

Modifications: 4 repeats

Note: I bought one skein of the softest alpaca yarn you can imagine. Seriously, imagine the softest fiber you can think of and add some extra softness and you get a slight idea of what this yarn feels like. It's the softest fiber I've ever knitted with. I've had this yarn in my stash since January. After almost one year of occasional cuddles I finally decided to knit another burberry inspired cowl. I knitted one last year but it turned out quite big and the yarn isn't nearly as soft as the royal alpaca.

This is definitely a glorious final project. If I had to decide which projects I liked best this cowl would be in the top 5. Great pattern and the yarn is a dream come true. They're the perfect match.

These are projects #49-52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41-43, 44-47 and 48

52 Knits // Scrollwork Hat

Pattern: Scrollwork Hat by Irina Dmitrieva

Yarn Used:  less than 2 skeins of ONline Linie 310 Alpaca (100% Alpaca)

Needles: 3.5 and 4.5mm circular needles (+4.5mm DPNs)

Modifications: none (yet)

Note: When I saw this hat in the BT Wool People 4 Lookbook I knew that it was perfect for the last skeins of ONline Alpaca I bought last month. I have four skeins - enough to make the hat and the cowl. I can't decide yet whether I wanna make the cowl out of the same yarn or choose a different color.

The alpaca yarn is wonderful - soft and fluffy and perfect for the pattern! I plan on adding a fleece lining to prevent the hat from getting bigger and bigger but I haven't found a matching fleece fabric yet. 

There are more photos and details on my ravelry project page.

All pictures were taken by my mom :)

This is project #48 of 52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41-43 and 44-47

52 Knits // #44-47

#44: toast variations

Pattern: Inspired by the toast pattern

Yarn Used: ONline Linie 310 Alpaca (100% Alpaca)

Needles: 4.5mm DPNs

Modifications: see below

Note: I started these thinking that I would knit the toast fingerless mittens that I've had in my queue for forever (probably since the day I signed up on ravelry). Well, after only a couple of rows I got pretty bored and thought 'Why not use these to practice your stranded knitting skills?' so I did. I also added 1 2x2 ribbing and made them waaay shorter than the pattern suggested.

#45: Big Mug Hug

#46: Brown Mug Hug

#47: Lacy Mug Hug

Pattern: Mug Hug by Rebecca Gunderson

Yarn Used: worsted weight leftovers

Needles: 4mm DPNs

Modifications: added different design elements

Note: A variety of mug hugs for some friends. I made a large one for my dad because he thinks the average size is too small for men hands. The brown and the red ones are for friends. These are really addictive to make, the design possibilities are endless and everyone enjoys a hot cup of coffee/tea/hot chocolate, right?

These are projects #44-47 of 52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41-43

52 Knits // #41-43

I'm very excited to wrap up this project (and year!). Since I'm getting somewhat tired of posting what seems like tons of 52 Knits posts I decided to stack the 'less exciting' posts. There'll be another post tomorrow and then an overview of my favorite projects of the year on the 31st.

I've got a new huge project on my mind for 2013. I'll share more details soon. Anyone else out there who's excited to start the new year? I love fresh beginnings!

#41: julekuler for my grandma

Pattern: Julekuler by Arne & Carlos

Yarn Used:Less than 10grams of Lana Grossa Meilenweit 6-ply(80% wool, 20% polyamide)

Needles: 3mm DPNs

Modifications: none

Note: for my other grandma. This is the last julekuler that I'll post in 2012, promised!

#42: Blue Socks

Pattern: My simple Sock pattern

Yarn Used: 80grams of some sock yarn (75% wool, 25% polyamide)

Needles: 2.5mm DPNs

Modifications: none

Note: My dad bought the yarn for these socks but didn't get around knitting them yet(yepp, my dad knits too. I guess it runs in the family...). Since I have quite a lot of time to knit during class I offered to knit the socks for him. He was delighted and gave me yarn for another pair too (the ones below). I gave him the knitted socks for Christmas.

#43: Pink Socks

Pattern: My simple Sock pattern

Yarn Used: 80grams of Drops Fabel (75% wool, 25% polyamide)

Needles: 2.5mm DPNs

Modifications: none

Note: The second pair I knitted for my dad for Christmas. You can't have enough socks, right?!

These are projects #41-43 of 52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40

52 Knits // Raspberry Cowl

Pattern: Candle Flame Cowl by Julia Allen

Yarn Used: 70 grams of Drops Alpaca Classic (100% Alpaca)

Needles: 4.5mm circular needles

Modifications: I knitted two repeats plus another 8 rows of the chart before I started the border.

Note: I knitted this cowl for my mom for Christmas. When I finished knitting my first one she mentioned that she wanted to knit one, too. So I got out my yarn again and knitted another one.  I love the combination of the pattern and yarn.

This is project #40 of 52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38 and 39

52 Knits // socks... again.

Pattern: My simple Sock pattern

Yarn Used: 60grams of Opal Cotton sock yarn (75% wool, 25% polyamide)

Needles: 2.5mm DPNs

Modifications: none

Note: A pair of light cotton socks I knitted a couple months ago. The yarn looked much prettier as a skein but they're perfect for summer - light and soft.
Blogging about socks is even more boring than knitting them (didn't think that would be possible) so I put off blogging about these for months. 

This is project #39 of 52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37 and 38

52 Knits // Reindeer Julekuler

Pattern: Julekuler by Arne & Carlos

Yarn Used:Less than 10grams of Lana Grossa Meilenweit 6-ply(80% wool, 20% polyamide)

Needles: 3mm DPNs

Modifications: none

Note: More Christmas knitting! This time I made a Christmas ball for my grandparents. Every year, they claim that they don't want any presents for Christmas because they have 'everything the need'. A knitted Julekuler isn't something you need but certainly something you want ;)
I wrapped it in cellophane and closed it with some red yarn. 

This is project #38 of 52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37

52 Knits // Mini Mitten

Pattern: my own (there's a pattern for a similar mitten here)

Yarn Used: Zitron Trekking XXL (75% wool, 25% nylon) 

Needles: 2.5mm DPNs

Modifications: -

Note: I saw a similar mitten in a store and decided to make one as a gift tag / tree ornament for my mom. I used fingering yarn from my stash in a pretty 'Christmas red'. Quick and fun project - only took about 45mins to complete! 

This is project #37 of 52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36

52 Knits // Men's Ski Hat

Pattern: Men's Ski Hat by Irina Dmitrieva

Yarn Used: Wolle Rödel Soft Merino (100% merino)

Needles: 3.5 and 4.5mm circular needles

Modifications: I added a fleece lining

Note: I made this hat for my brother for Christmas. He requested a warm hat in either gray or blue. For extra warmth I added a 3" wide fleece lining to keep his ears warm. This was a fun and easy knit - the cables made it interesting to knit without having to pay too much attention - great TV knit! The decreases are really neat and the pattern is written clearly. But I think the hat would've turned out too big without the fleece lining. If I were to knit it without adding a lining I'd skip a few rows or decrease faster.

This is project #36 of 52

As part of my 2012 goals, I want to finish 52 knitted items this year. You can see all the items I knitted so far on my blog or on ravelry.

See knits 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12,  13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34 and 35