Not so long ago, I discovered Annie’s knitting podcast, the Live and Learn Knitting Podcast. (Annie also has a blog as well!) First off, it is always exciting for me to discover another knitter who is from my state (Wisconsin!). I don’t have any local knitting friends, so watching people in the same state at least feels a little special.
One of the things that I really enjoy about Annie’s podcasts is that she discusses her old knits. She has been knitting for a very long time, and has talked about and shown items dating back to the 80’s. My own knitting journey has not been that long. I started knitting in 2008 (maybe 2007?). It was a slow learning progress aimed at knitting a Harry Potter scarf. My Ravelry account has projects from that time, but it seems I ended up not posting a lot of projects on there…. they weren’t that good, to be honest, so it is no loss.
I have, however, very consistently ‘favorited’ projects since my early days. Needless to say, my wish list and plans for knitting far exceeds my output ability…. and wallet. But I have been inspired by Annie to go back and look at some of those old favorites that I have knitted in dreams, even if not in reality. And I wanted to share some with you!
Hats, mittens, blankets… I feel like those can be pretty timeless. I think it is in the sweater category where I found that things felt a bit dated. Fashion now days is very different from the mid 2000’s. While there are sweater designs that are much, MUCH, older that are still popular and wearable today, a lot of what I had favorited very is very much “out of fashion”. (And not to digress too much, but as someone who still loves a lot my 2010’s millennial fashion, does it matter if it is ‘out’ as long as you still feel good in it and enjoy it? Maybe a discussion for another time!). So with that in mind, I decided to pick patterns that I would still happily cast on today to share with you.
Cat Mittens by Jorid Linvik
Anyone who knows me shouldn’t be surprised by this pattern at all. The only thing that should be surprising is that I haven’t knit it yet! These mittens are ones I really need to make time for this year.
Anemoi Mittens by Eunny Jang
I actually have had yarn picked out for these for at least 10 years. I fell in love with mitten knitting shortly after I started knitting. I was confident in my scarf and hat skills, and sweaters and socks were too scary, so mittens seemed like a good inbetween!
February Fitted Pullover by Amy Herzog
I loved this sweater when I first saw it, and I love it now.
Nesselrode by Norah Gaughan
This sweater has always given me cozy Up North vibes.
Thermal by Laura Chau
I love the thermal stitch pattern. This is one of those sweaters that I feel maybe a bit dated? (Remember where wearing multiple layers of tank tops with another shirt over them was a thing??). I would still wear this today. Tell me your thoughts!
Hot Water Platypus by brella
As someone who is perpetually cold, hot water bottles are a must! I actually have this guy started and in a bin in the basement from ages ago! I wonder if I could even pick up from where I left off or if I would need to start again?
Bandiera Shawl by Orna Ferenz
I have a love/hate relationship with shawls. I tend not to like triangle shawls as much as I do rectangular wraps. I always feel like my arms are just never covered enough with triangular shawls. A rectangular wrap like this one that you can really snuggle up in is more my jam.
Gelsomina Aran by Veronik Avery
I have always found Veronik Avery’s patterns to be beautiful and timeless.
Winter Twilight Mitts by Laura Rintala
These feel so dreamy and magical! I am really loving fingerless mitts this past year for yard work in colder weather or driving.
Hap Blanket by Ysolda Teague
Ysolda Teague was one of the first designers I followed when I first started knitting. Knitting a blanket wasn’t something I had ever thought about before this pattern. While I still have never made it, anyone who knows me now knows I love knitting and crocheting blankets!
So those were just a few of the patterns I had favorited in my early knitting days. Are there any that you would knit? I would love to hear from you what older patterns you love and still want to make (or already have made!)
Until next time,
-Alison
Old Pine Hollow 