Top Nine 2021

Hi friends!
It's been a while! I had to take down the blog for a bit, but now I'm back! Today I'd like to share with you some of my favorite knits and crochets from 2021. The list includes socks, housewares and plenty of new crochet techniques. 

Let's jump in!

First up is my Patience Beanie. I only got around to finishing one pattern this year but I am very proud of how it turned out. It was a very long design process in the middle of a very long year, it will always remind me of 2021. You can read more about this hat here.

Secondly, on the list of favorites is my Faux Fur Sheepskin Rug. This rug was so much fun to make. It is one of the largest and quickest projects I made last year! It adds a touch of soft coziness to the living room. You can find all the details here.

Next up is my DK Mirrored Socks. These socks were a test knit for Maven Crafted aka Rachel Raimo. This was a quick and easy pattern to work on and the cashmere merino yarn was such a delight! I have been wearing these socks at least once a week since I finished them. You can find the pattern here. 

Number four on the list is Cassandra! This Doctor Who themed wall hanging was a custom commission for a good friend. I used some floral wire, cotton yarn and felt backing to create this masterpiece. The design is inspired by this pattern by SteekjelosCrafts on Etsy. It was a challenging project and I'm happy with how it turned out. 

Next up is my Tegna top. After a year and a half of work I finally finished this sweater. I ended up adding extra length to the body and going up a few sizes in the arms as well. I think it turned out beautifully, unfortunately the yarn is a little scratchy so I'm not sure how often I'll actually wear it. I will try to get some model shots of the sweater in action so you can see how it fits! 

I also learned how to create macramé plant hangers. This is one of those crafts I thought I would fall in love with but after making several I was pretty much over it! They did turn out so pretty though and I made one for myself to remember my macramé journey by. I might make more in the future but for now I'll bask in the glow of my success of learning a new fiber art. You can find the cording I used here. 

Next we have my blanket stitch scarf. This project is part of my ongoing stashbusting journey. I have really been enjoying learning new crochet stitches and I'm loving the squishy texture of blanket stitch. I'm obsessed with this color combo, I almost want to keep it for myself! This scarf is crocheted in KnitPicks Brava and is listed in my Etsy shop here. 

Next up is my Bavarian crochet cowl. It was so much fun learning Bavarian crochet in the round, I used this tutorial. I'm working on writing up a pattern for this project. Ideally I would like to make this cowl in a few sizes, this one being the smallest. I'd like to make one double the width and length and ending with a scalloped edge. I've got a few other project on my needles right now but finishing this pattern is definitely on my 2022 list.

Last on the list are my Chic Cabled Slippers. These puppies took me about three days to make and have kept my tootsies nice and toasty. I've never tried crocheting cables before so it was a new adventure, I would definitely recommend giving it a try if you haven't yet! I ended up lining the insoles of these with fleece and spraying the bottoms with rug grip to make them more cozy and durable. Slippers are crocheted in Knitpicks Wool of the Andes. 

In addition to creating all these beauties, I also made a fair few amigurumi friends. I meant to make just one but they became so popular I ended up making ten! Most of these patterns are from the book Tiny Yarn Animals by Tamie Snow. Dragon pattern can be found here. 

All of these stuffies have headed off to their forever homes. They're super cute but I must admit I'm glad to have a break from working with all the little fiddly pieces. 

Those are my favorite projects from 2021! I'm already compiling a list of projects I'd like to make in 2022! What's on your creative list for the New Year!? Comment below! 

Thanks for reading!
-Ashley