Today, I’m sharing a round-up of all my completed 2023 knitting and crochet projects. To be honest, with all the quilting I’ve been doing, I’m surprised how many garments and accessories I managed to finish!
Without further ado, let’s get into it. I hope these 2023 knitting and crochet projects inspire you to make something amazing in the new year!
1. Kismet Knitted Sweater
The Kismet Sweater, is designed by Rachel Illsley and was knitted with my own Voolenvine Yarns. I used the colorways “Grimm”, “Poe”, “Laudanum”, and “Weep” — all dyed on my Nouveau base.
Colorwork projects are usually a long-game for me, but the simple, quick-changing motifs were so engaging, this sweater practically flew off the needles! Also, if I had to choose, Kismet is probably my favorite of all my 2023 knitting and crochet projects.
2. EZ V Knitted Pullover
Caitlin Hunter’s EZ V was a pullover I cast on in September of 2022 using a fun combination of Knitting for Olive Worsted and Spincycle Yarns.
I admittedly let it languish for a while before finishing it in April of 2023. I came for the colorwork knitting and stayed for the “Flashdance” off-the-shoulder style!
3. Oslo Knitted Hat
I wanted a simple black winter hat to go with everything. Enter: The Oslo Hat (Mohair Edition) by PetiteKnit.
I decided to omit the mohair, only using Ella Rae’s Cashmere Sport yarn — and couldn’t resist adding a big ole fluffy pom pom! Friends, I can’t tell you how much wear this hat has been getting since I finished it in January of 2023. I think I need one in a camel color.
4. No Frills Knitted Pullover
The No Frills Pullover, another pattern from PetiteKnit, was my 2022 Christmas Eve Cast On. Like the Ranunculus sweater by Midori Hirose, this is one of those patterns that everyone seems to be knitting and now that I’ve made one, I can see why!
Not only was it a quick knit, but the fit is perfection! Needless to say, this pullover gets a lot of wear.
I knit it marling two strands of Voolenvine Yarns, Ghostlike and Wolke in “Gashlycrumb” —a subtly speckled mauve-brown colorway inspired by Edward Gorey. This cozy, fluffy business was completed in February of 2023.
5. Tidesage Crochet Doily
In the past, my dabbling into crocheting doilies never resulted in a finished object. Well, that changed after watching Nora Ling’s YouTube channel where she shared her stunning Tidesage doily, a crochet pattern by Julia Hart.
In hindsight, during my initial doily-making attempts, I didn’t have the crochet muscle-memory I have have now. I knew the basics of crochet, but was unfamiliar with all the nuances.
About a year ago, I fell hard down the crochet rabbit hole and when Tidesage came on my radar, I felt confident enough to dive back in!
While it’s an intricate pattern that requires undivided attention, I found the crocheting process so enjoyable and meditative. I loved it so much, went on to cast on another doily, ASAP!
6. Summer Splendor Crochet Doily by Denise (Augustine) Owens
The Summer Splendor Doily, a (FREE) crochet pattern by Denise Augostine Owens, was my follow-up to Tidesage. I crocheted it using Aunt Lydia size 10 crochet thread in the “Wasabi” colorway — a color outside my usual palette, but this year, I found myself drawn to shades of chartreuse. (Don’t tell Mauve!)
The vibrant hue adds an unexpected yet delightful pop of color to my space, and I like to think of it as a homage to Kate’s metaphorical Lime Green Sofa, over at the Last Homely House.
Inspired to add a twist, I transformed the crochet piece into a snazzy throw pillow. I backed the crochet work with natural linen and chose Liberty Tana Lawn fabric for the reverse side. To complete the look, I trimmed the pillow with matching lime green pom-poms. The whole process was a blast!
6. Tineola Knitted Shawl
Tineola was the very first pattern that I knit by Ambah O’Brien and it did not disappoint. As complicated as it may look, the pattern was pretty simple. I breezed through most of it on “auto-pilot,” only needing to concentrate on what my hands were doing during the intricate “moth” motifs.
It’s quite a small shawl and only required about half a skein of yarn; I used Voolenvine Yarns’ latest yarn base, Gosling, in the “Bewitched” colorway. The blend of silk and alpaca in the yarn gives the shawl a gorgeous drape.
7. Age of Brass and Steam Knitted Shawl
2023 is the year I got back into spinning! I had 4oz Wooly Witch rolags in the colorway, “Chocolat” that I spun into a, somewhat, thick and thin DK weight yarn.
The Age of Brass and Steam by Orange Flower Patterns is a super easy, minimalistic design and is perfect for showcasing the beautiful dark rich chocolate tones with subtle pops of violet and sparkling stellina!
Toward the end, I realized wouldn’t have enough yarn to finish the pattern. So, I modified it to have a picot bind-off. This actually worked out for the best because I absolutely love the effect! It gives an otherwise simple pattern a feminine touch.
8. My Favorite Socks (My FREE Knitting Pattern)
It’s been a while since I had knit a pair of socks. Mostly, because I don’t usually gravitate towards wearing them. Granted, socks have and will always be my go-to project for social knitting.
At the time, most of my projects were at a point that required me to focus on what my hands are doing. So, when friends came calling, I cast on My Favorite Socks pattern and I was off! I used a skein of Voolenvine Yarns’ Footsie in “Strangers With Candy”—my latest Halloween colorway.
To be honest, my list of knitting and crochet projects of 2023 would not feel complete without a finished pair of warm and cozy hand knit socks.
As the year wraps up, I realize there are a few projects I started — some are still works in progress and others that will most likely be shoved under the rug for a rainy day. Regardless, I’m still impressed with how much knitting and crocheting I’ve done, especially with all the quilting that’s taken over my life.
I’m excited to see what the new year has in store for my needles and hooks. May your own projects bring as much joy and satisfaction as these have brought me. Here’s to a make-tactic 2024!
