I've finished my Coronal Mass Ejection socks (yes, I'll be getting lots more of that in about a month), and now I'm trying to decide on my next project. I could start my second Papyriform sock, but because it's a more tinky pattern, I'd also like to start something that's somewhat simple maybe another pair of simple stockinette socks. I'll likely start it soon anyway because I want to wear the socks! While knitting only for myself last year, I found that the projects I finished the quickest were self-patterning or self-striping yarns like those from Opal (like the Antonia and Hundertwasser 3 collections) and the three projects I knit with String Theory Colorworks yarn. While I thought I was a hand painted or semi-solid knitter, I found that while I do love those yarns, they aren't the projects that I finish in a timely manner. I think it's because the self patterning yarns do all the work for me and I can simply knit row after row of mindless stockinette while watching TV at night. I just don't find much time during the day to knit anymore, even on weekends, and so TV time is when I now do the bulk of my knitting.
So here's where you come in. I have these three skeins set aside: Trekking Maxima in color 911 (shown above) or Cherry Tree Hill's Fingerpaints in either Lilac Lily or Pebble Beach. (shown below).
I'm looking at these because I want to start another simple project that will produce a fun knit, but that will require very little attention on my part. I also like them because the top two would coordinate with anything I wear with jeans, and the bottom is so neutral that it would look very nice with anything gray or taupe. I wear a lot of gray.
So which do you think I should choose and why? I'm also open to completely different suggestions- maybe a project that you've knit recently that you found so satisfying that you'd recommend it? While these are the three yarns I'm initally considering, I'm easily swayed to something else that has the possibility to be addictive.
I think you need to knit the Lilac Lily. With all the snow you have been getting....you need bright colors!
Posted by: Brenda | February 03, 2011 at 10:29 AM
I like the both of the Cherry Tree Hill colorways, but Brenda has a good point!
Posted by: Jennifer | February 03, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I vote for Pebble Beach, maybe a simple shawlette.
Posted by: Patricia Richardson | February 03, 2011 at 02:11 PM
I would do the Cherry Hill Lilac Lily. I started with knitting all my socks in striped yarns and found them much more interesting to knit than the semi solids I'm now doing with patterns.
Posted by: Barbara C | February 03, 2011 at 02:13 PM
I throw my knitting needles at CTH Pebble Beach for a pair of plain vanilla socks.
Posted by: Kay | February 03, 2011 at 02:23 PM
Lilac lily, at least if you live somewhere it's gray, as I do. The brighter the better, so you can find your feet if you walk outside without shoes on. ;-)
Posted by: Melissa | February 03, 2011 at 02:51 PM
I just finished knitting these socks: http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/down-the-rabbit-hole-2.
They were just enough of a challenge to keep it interesting. It's a great pattern for stripes or varigated.
Posted by: Robin | February 03, 2011 at 03:57 PM
With the winter we've all had - I'd go with the CTH Lilac Lilly - something bright and not wintery looking that will go into spring. That color has a lot of cheerful life to it - makes you smile to see the colors!!
Posted by: Diane | February 03, 2011 at 05:33 PM
I have to vote for Lilac Lilly as well. It would definitely brighten up things with all the snow and cold weather we've been getting here in northern Indiana.
Posted by: Debby | February 03, 2011 at 06:38 PM
I think the CTH yarn would make great fingerless mitts (quick, easy, instant gratification!)
But a basic sock is always a great project to have for mindless knitting while waiting or when you're too tired to think about working a complex pattern.
(if you go for the mitts, you could always work up a simple headband to match)
Posted by: SusanB-knits | February 03, 2011 at 06:39 PM
Huge Trekking fan here and although the colors aren't as bright I like the way they gradually transition. Trekking always keeps me knitting because I want to see what's going to happen next.
Posted by: Marsha | February 03, 2011 at 06:53 PM
How about Fleece Artist in the Snow Crocus colors? With all this snow its good to see a reminder of spring colors.
I just finished a baby hat in that color and found it hard to put down.
Posted by: Anne | February 03, 2011 at 07:28 PM
I vote in favor of the Lilac Lily & maybe in a pattern like Sock Bug's Lacy Scallops.
Posted by: Donna | February 03, 2011 at 07:56 PM
Lilac Lily gets my vote.
Posted by: Robin | February 03, 2011 at 08:13 PM
Lilac Lily....something to bring spring early...and socks, or a shawlette, or a lacy type scarf, or, no wait....did I mention socks? :)
Posted by: April | February 03, 2011 at 09:23 PM
I cast my vote with Anne for FA Snow Crocus. This was the only color mentioned that inspired me to cast on. Since I have a hank of Snow Crocus in the stash, that just might be happening for me this weekend.
Posted by: Janet | February 04, 2011 at 06:58 AM
I loved all the colorways but me myself have been into solid colors or neutral colors and bit of texture. My choice would be pebble beach done in a knotted stitch. It's super easy and mindless after the first 2 repeats(only 2 row repeat anyway). I just designed some fingerless mitts with this stitch in a solid color and I love them. I will be more than happy to share the stitch pattern if you don't know it.
Posted by: brandi | February 04, 2011 at 02:50 PM
Cherry Tree in bright, bright, bright! Anything that shows up in the snow!
Posted by: blogless grace | February 05, 2011 at 07:40 PM