It is the time of year where everyone who knits, or loves Fall has Sweaters on the mind.

Every time I start planning a new project, I think about where I am going to wear it. How will this item adventure with me? Will I wear it to a farmers market, or to a concert? Will it hike mountains with me, or protect me from a cool evening breeze by the ocean? Who will be with me, how will this moment be remembered? This might be my most favorite part of deciding on a project and the actual making of the thing. The thinking is also the slowest part of the process for me.

Even with all those grandiose ideas and thoughts looming every though distills down to the following: Is it useful? Do I love it deeply?

While this is deep, and helps me from making things that I just don’t need, or will never wear. I can’t help but feel like I am KonMarie-ing my knitting. Making things that only serve me and also bring me joy.  If I make them and they don’t fit into that criteria,  I actively try to fine them new homes.  These changes in my personal “making” have come from learning about how we shop and consume textiles. All the information available has struck a nerve. Now I think about where things are made, how they are made and if they are really necessary.

Distilling my decisions down to those two little ( yet big) questions has come from the thoughtful discussions from Karen Templer of  Fringe Association. Thanks open dialog through Me Made May, seasonal wardrobe planning and Slow Fashion October  I spend more time really thinking about the life of the items in my closet. What are the impacts of having items that I have knit and are not being used? What is the impact of my stash of yarn and knitting supplies for that matter? All the while I still and feeling the urge to create constantly.

Right now I crave that soul filling feeling that comes from knitting something you really want. Something you are really proud of. Not that it has to be a complex display of skills. A piece of knitting that fits into my wardrobe, that I reach for regularly because I not only like the way it looks on me, but I like the way it makes me feel. It is an exterior portrayal of creativity and my desire to be only me.  I have a few pieces that make me feel that way… and despite wanting a less is more situation, I am always on the look out for the right new “make.”

On my making list are the following, and I would like to think I could finish them before New Years!

A Featherweight Cardigan: Grey or cream – and every day wearable piece.

A Deschain Sweater: Because I love to layer and it would be a coast to coast wearable sweater.

A Black and White Striped Cardigan: A statement piece of basic clothing.

An Atlas Sweater: Because color work fills my Christmas Heart. It will be my gift to my self this winter, and in a some what neutral palette it will be a staple and a work sample.

So what about you? Anything haunting your dreams pattern wise?  Anything weighing on your heart as needed or unneeded?