I’ve been teaching knitting to students all over the US since 2020 and I have observed that most of us knit like we read.
Are you a one book at a time kinda reader? You will most likely also be a one project at a time kinda knitter.
Do you have several books that you are making your way through? You will mostly likely be happier having multiple knitting projects in process, too.
Now, the reality is you can only be actively knitting one thing at a time – whatever is in your hands. (and the same thing is true about reading, unless you try to read a physical book while listening to an audiobook… if so, tell me about your experience, I want to know 🙂
But, having more than one option can be really helpful in keeping you moving forward and feeling good about your projects.
From a book perspective first – I am nearly always reading at least three books at the same time – one audio, one physical and one digital.
I love audiobooks for multitasking, say while knitting, cleaning the kitchen or cycling somewhere.
I love digital books while I am waiting in line or just have a couple spare minutes on the train.
I love physical books because they give me a chance to really commit to being present and doing just one thing. Besides, I am also working on my goal to read all the books I own, so making time for a physical book helps me with that goal!
Besides format, content also matters. If I am getting ready for bed, I don’t always have the mental capacity to learn from a dense non-fiction book, so I am glad to have a lighter read that I can enjoy in that setting.
This carries over to knitting – both for me, and for my students.
Seeing progress is very rewarding – so having something on your needles that is quick and simple can give you that boost every time you pick it up.
Learning new things and being reminded that we can do hard things is also very rewarding – so having a stretch project can help us gain more experience and confidence. But, if we are feeling overwhelmed, or get stuck we also know we have our simpler project to pivot back to.
Another element I think about in relation to projects is their portability and whether or not they are social knitting projects.
Portability = can it fit in my purse or backpack?
At the very beginning of any project the answer is almost always yes! (and maybe this is another reason I regularly start new projects? 🙂
Washcloths are a great option for this through the whole project. So, when I was working on my goal to design a washcloth for each month, I always had a great portable project!
Socks are another good option for portable projects – I have knit my way through many live sporting events working on a pair of socks (Pro Tip: It is ideal not to be at the heel, and I also recommend avoiding starting toes in this setting as well)
Blankets and sweaters on the other hand are better suited for some Netflix binging or Library Knitting Group time.
Then comes the question of how amenable the project is to social knitting:
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Is it something you need to constantly look at the pattern to do? Better to do this one (or that part!) at home with less distractions.
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Is it an easy to memorize pattern? Bring that right along to social gatherings!
NOTE: “easy to memorize” is going to vary from person to person, and over time, and that is just fine!
You may find that when you start your pattern you need to be in total silence (or maybe have soothing music in the background) and then discover after working on it for a while it “clicks” and you are zooming away without constantly checking the pattern!
Whether you are a single project knitter or a multi-project dabbler, pull out those needles and have some fun!
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Comment to share what type of knitter you are, and what project, or projects!, you have on your needles