Three Ways to Get Out of a Knitting Rut

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You guys, I don't know if it's the incredibly shitty news coming out of my home state, the warm weather, or maybe it's the way the planets are aligned, but I haven't felt like knitting at all for the last couple of weeks. This has really gone on long enough. I'm desperate for something to change, so here are some things I'm going to try over the next few days to snap myself out of this rut.

Scroll through Ravelry

I honestly don't know what spurred this rut that I'm in. I have a few not so fun projects going on right now, so that may be part of it. Maybe what I need is to start a new project. My thought is, if I go through all the wonderful projects and patterns on Ravelry, maybe it'll spark something in me and I can get excited about knitting again.

Organize my knitting binder

A few weeks ago, I talked about my method of organizing my knitting binder. At the time I really had no desire to go through old projects and organize them. But now I'm thinking if I take the time to go through my finished objects it’ll inspire me to want to create some more finished objects.

Go through stitch books

Sometimes I just need something small and a little challenging to remind myself what I love so much about knitting. I’m going to try to pick a few stitches and make a few swatches. Who knows, I might even come up with a fun sweater pattern while I'm at it.

Some of my favorite stitch books books are:
400 Knitting Stitches: A Complete Dictionary of Essential Stitch Patterns
The Essential Stitch Collection: Creative Guide to the 300 Stitches Every Knitter Needs to Know

Also I'm really enjoying the 100 Days of Stitches Jennifer from Brome Fields Knitwear is doing and can see myself getting some inspiration from there.

What are some of the ways you guys get out of a knitting rut? Let me know in the comments.

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What I'm knitting this summer

I don’t know about anyone else, but I always find it really hard to motivate myself to knit once the weather starts to warm up. I get very little knitting done in the summer. But once those cool September nights come back my needles are flying.

With all of that said, none that really makes much sense to me since I'm not an outdoor type of person. I tend to sit in my air conditioned house most days anyway. So, why am I not knitting?

This summer I'm going to try my hardest to get myself prepared for winter. Below are some of the things I’m going to work on.

Hats

I always have it in my head that I want to knit a new hat for everyone before winter comes. But I tend to start planning them way too late, and then by time I get to picking the pattern and yarn, winter is almost over.

Seaforth by Karie Westermann
“Once Upon a Time” Inspired Ruby Beret
Ravelry Hat Bundle
Pinterest Hat Board

Sweaters

I just don't have nearly enough finished handknit sweaters in my life. Plus I’ve promised my sister at least a dozen cozy sweaters and have finished exactly zero for her.

Beatnik by Norah Gaughn
Que Sera by Kristen Kapur
Ravelry Pullover Bundle
Ravelry Cardigan Bundle
Pinterest Sweater Board

Socks

I have so much Knit Picks Felici to knit through. And I like the idea of socks for when it's too hot to have thick yarn running through your fingers.

Bubbles Down the Drain by Staci Perry
Froot Loops by Kristi Geraci

Does the warmer weather tend to slow you guys down when it comes to knitting? What are some things you do to get over it?

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Free Vintage Pattern: 1940s Men's V-Neck Pullover

Look dapper in this classy 1940s pullover cable sweater. It could easily be worn to the office with a business casual look or on a lazy weekend afternoon in front of the fire with your favorite book and beverage of choice.

This pullover is knit in pieces from the bottom up with set-in sleeves. It features a cable pattern on the front and a simple 2x2 rib on the back. The pattern is written for one size with a chest measurement of 38”.

If you’d like to size this pattern up or down, I highly recommend Tasha’s knit-along on her website By Gum By Golly. Or check out some other sweater knitting resources.

Specs

Publication Date: 1947

Publication Name: Jack Frost #45 - Sweaters for Men and Boys 

Gauge: 6.5 sts = 1in

Sizes: 38" chest

Yarn

The pattern calls for 400 grams of sport weight yarn.