Fun Projects to Knit for Fall

I already have a list of too many things I want to knit before it gets much colder (not to mention some knit toys for my daughter for Christmas; I’ll share the inspiration behind that on Monday), but there are at least a couple of things on this list of fall knits that have crossed my email recently that I really want to knit. Like, right now.

This Transitions Sweater from Wisdom Yarns is one. I love the look of it, and the fact that it’s made with super bulky yarn — held double, and size 35 US needles — in a really simple pattern means this really might be a sweater you could knit in a weekend or so.

I also really want one of theses Kauni Cascade Vests (pattern at Noble Knits). The combination of a solid yarn and a striping yarn makes this project look a lot more complex than it is, but it’s just simple stripes. There’s not any shaping at all, just bind offs for the armholes, so it’s really a pretty basic pattern that will go pretty quickly.

The Soft Linen Vest by Tonia Barry for Classic Elite Yarns is one of those great transition pieces you can wear over long sleeves now and a sundress later. It’s a linen/wool/alpaca blend yarn, so there’s still some warmth in it even in a project without sleeves.

Speaking of Wisdom Yarns, by the way, I also love their one-skein Sweetie Cowl, which proves that lace can be effective even on a really big scale. The Tilted Scarf pattern is another great one for quick warmth and an easy gift idea.

Boot toppers are another great gift idea. They bring a little warmth to the leg when wearing boots that maybe don’t hug the leg perfectly, and they give you another chance to wear something knit without breaking out your legwarmers (not that there’s anything wrong with that). The Frosting Boot Toppers from Knit Picks are super cute. Another bulky project, they’re worked mostly in a fun herringbone pattern with ribbing to help hug the leg.

Knit the trends with this great Plaid Hat from Vickie Howell, inspired by the Adam Lippes collection now available at Target (which I love and have been trying hard to resist). This one is worked in a roving yarn in two colors, with a sweet pom-pom topper. It’s available in three sizes and in snug and slouchy versions, so it’s perfect for everyone on your list.

Are you knitting like crazy now that the weather’s starting to cool? I’d love to know what you’re working on!

Specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get, well, knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next.

Looking for Yarn online? Check out Lionbrand our preferred source for purchasing yarn online.

Looking for Fall patterns to Knit? Check out these Fall knitting patterns we found on Etsy.

Not too long ago I did a test knit for another designer that was for a cabled cardigan. It’s really cozy and nice but it just about broke me in a ton of different ways. I couldn’t get gauge, which I suppose is my own problem, but mainly I was somehow both bored and forced to pay attention at the same time.

Because it used the same cable all over, I always had to know what row I was on, but nine out of ten of those rows, nothing in particular was going on. So I couldn’t stop paying attention, but what I needed to attend to was boring.

It may have ruined me for knitting cabled sweaters, but maybe I just need something that’s more engaging. Like this Modern Aran Cardigan pattern from Lion Brand Yarn.

This is a reworking of an old pattern from their archives, and you can tell that form the classic look of the cables and the oversized feel (nothing cropped about this one!). It has allover cables, but like a classic Aran sweater it’s not the same cable, so you’ll have to pay attention to what row you’re on and what cable turns happen for which cables on that row.

Because of this, it’s considered an intermediate knitting pattern, but if you’re comfortable working from multiple charts at once it shouldn’t be a problem for you. There are three different charts and seven different cable moves.

Also because the pattern is so big and boxy there are only two sizes available, with a finished chest measurement of either 49 or 63 inches (that’s 124.5 or 160 cm). It’s up to you to decide how much ease you would like and whether that will work for your body.

The pattern uses worsted weight yarn (and calls for another classic, Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool). It calls for six buttons and includes pockets to make it extra cozy.

This one looks like a great winter project to make and to wear if you’re up for a bit of a challenge. You can grab the free pattern or buy a kit with the yarn needed direct from Lion Brand Yarn.

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]

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