On the eighth day of sock yarn, Simply Sock Yarn gave to me...
a prototype skein from our upcoming Valentine Sock Kit!
To have a chance at the special edition skein of yarn shown here (wrapped around the mug that will come with the kit along with some other goodies, for sale in mid-January) simply answer the following question in the comments below:
How do you most often plan your projects? Do you get inspired by a skein or colorway that you just have to have NOW, or do you see a pattern that you must have and then choose yarn? Or are you like I was last month, super cold and in need of warmth, so I immediately cast on a hat... four times?
I'm a sucker for color. If I see something I adore come in at work, it's common that I'll just cast on that night (though it could be a few months til I finish that second sock). Yesterday we received a new shipment from Maegan at The Cyborg's Craft Room, and of course I immediately found several skeins I had to have like Element and Cauldron Bubble.... and Forged. Darn you, Maegan! I don't have time for three new projects! If you don't want to be tempted, don't dare click on these links for Assockilate (merino/nylon) and Assparkilate (merino/nylon/sparkle) because you'll want to abandon everything else you are working on to cast on a new pair of socks or a vibrant Sockhead hat. Wait, please do click. I'm supposed to sell yarn, not hoard it all for myself. And I'm sure Maegan would also love for you to own a new skein of her artistry.
For me, it is pattern first and then yarn. I admire knitters who see yarn and buy without a pattern. I just can't seem to pull that off.
Posted by: Lynn | December 20, 2014 at 09:37 AM
I'm more inspired looking at the project first and seeing how it was knitted using different colors of yarn.
Posted by: SHAWNA | December 20, 2014 at 09:39 AM
Color first!
Posted by: Annette Triner | December 20, 2014 at 09:40 AM
Depends...sometimes it's a patten that I go in search of the perfect fiber for, othertimes it's a gorgeous fiber that calls for the search of the perfect pattern. And then...it's who the gift is for...and then it's really fun to search!
Posted by: Rita aka crescendogal | December 20, 2014 at 09:40 AM
I think I do both. I love love love yarn and sometimes I just have to knit a pattern. Right now!
Posted by: Sue Dial | December 20, 2014 at 09:41 AM
I look at patterns first. I am not good at searching for a pattern after I find a beautiful yarn.
Posted by: Lucy Portland | December 20, 2014 at 09:42 AM
I'm a giant sucker for colors. I tend to "collect" the yarn and then find a pattern. ♡♡
Posted by: Catherine Murzyn | December 20, 2014 at 09:43 AM
I get inspired many ways the smell of new yarn when I walk in to a yarn shop is the strongest, then I see the colors. Wow. A great pattern magazine or book just fuel the fire. Then there are websites and my knitting friends.
Posted by: georgienne westrick | December 20, 2014 at 09:43 AM
The yarn is my muse! i try to plan by pattern but unless it's a sweater it never works.
Posted by: Danielle k | December 20, 2014 at 09:43 AM
Sometimes it's the yarn saying "knit me now", sometimes it's a pattern. It's great when both thoughts arrive at the same time.
Posted by: Jeanne | December 20, 2014 at 09:46 AM
I can do any of them, depending on my mood and need (traveling & weather create lits of casting on!). I tend towards simple patterns to showcase colorful yarn.
Posted by: Karin | December 20, 2014 at 09:46 AM
I would like to think I plan often, the stack of paper patterns on my desk would say otherwise.
Posted by: Elizabeth | December 20, 2014 at 09:47 AM
I'm always scanning through patterns I like, putting them on the project list and then looking for the yarn. I often choose yarn the designer has done and it gives my an opportunity to try new yarns too!
Posted by: Denise Crane | December 20, 2014 at 09:47 AM
I usually like to have a pattern or a project in mind before I go for the yarn since it is usually the most expensive part of the item I will be making. I want to have a person in mind most of the time unless I am doing an anonymous project such as a prayer shawl for the church.
Posted by: Maureen | December 20, 2014 at 09:48 AM
I usually plan around a pattern that I like then I pick the yarn. But lately, the yarn has been the inspiration, and I pick the pattern after.
Posted by: Judi Kennedy | December 20, 2014 at 09:49 AM
I have been inspired by both but usually the pattern I just have to have!
Posted by: Dottie Myers | December 20, 2014 at 09:49 AM
It's the yarn first for me!
Posted by: Lara | December 20, 2014 at 09:50 AM
Ravelry is a big temptation -- so many great ideas. A tea break while checking out that site and seeing a yarn or pattern I like can get me to start a new project any time.
Posted by: Charlotte | December 20, 2014 at 09:50 AM
I am always on the lookout for patterns that I would like to make but I have also found yarn that I just had to have.
Posted by: Helen King | December 20, 2014 at 09:50 AM
For me I am drawn to the yarn first and then need to find the appropriate pattern unless I see a sample and then have to have the yarn. Well that isn't all that clear and explains the size of my stash!
Posted by: Judy | December 20, 2014 at 09:51 AM
i have about a million patterns marked on Ravelry, waiting for yarn choices and time to knit them
Posted by: Carol | December 20, 2014 at 09:53 AM
When I travel, I will pick out a skein that I like and use it for something special that will remind me of my trip and where the yarn was purchased.
Posted by: AutumnsMom | December 20, 2014 at 09:54 AM
It's about 50/50... either I have an idea for a project, then search for the yarn or I find a yarn then find the project to use it for.
Posted by: apryl | December 20, 2014 at 09:55 AM
It varies. Usually yarn first, but sometimes a pattern screams, "Me, me!"
Posted by: Kathy Housley | December 20, 2014 at 09:56 AM
Sometimes it's the pattern. Sometimes it's the yarn. I'll always buy a sock yarn that catches my attention.
Posted by: Janet Gay | December 20, 2014 at 09:56 AM
When a grandchild asks for something to be knit, it almost casts itself on the needles! After we know what they want, we talk pattern and color. I choose the type of yarn for the project last. Now socks...I fall for the yarn most times!
Posted by: Ruth Colville | December 20, 2014 at 09:56 AM
I generally see a finished project and want to make it - could be a blog picture, a podcast, an email, a new pattern on Rav, etc. - then I decide on yarn.
Posted by: Sarah (3trees on Rav) | December 20, 2014 at 09:56 AM
I'm always inspired by the yard. The feel and the color. Love the mug!
Posted by: Lisa Viviano | December 20, 2014 at 09:57 AM
Definitely yarn first. When I can't say no, I get enough yarn for either fingerless mitts, a vest or a sweater. Depends on how much yarn is available, cost, and type of yarn. I like the quest of finding a pattern based on what I have in the stash.
Posted by: Suzy | December 20, 2014 at 09:57 AM
I would say for me it's a litttle of both, but primarily it's the yarn. I just love the whole process!
Posted by: Cherri Simon | December 20, 2014 at 09:57 AM
I think I am a little of both-color and pattern!! I just want every skies you showcase , so I buy and stash..then go later into my stash and get inspired by all the yarn I have !!
Posted by: Stacy | December 20, 2014 at 09:59 AM
When I see a skein of yarn I can't live without I immediately start thinking what patterns do I have, do I have the needles I need and the right person for the project. I have so many skeins of yarn now that I need to make socks from I will never get them all done. Sometimes when I see a skein of neat yarn I think oh well I will just have to buy a pattern to go with it or just wait for the right pattern to come along.
Posted by: Pam Hunter | December 20, 2014 at 09:59 AM
Most of the time, I find a skein of yarn I love and purchase it, then find a pattern that goes with the yarn. I really lean towards colorful yarn!
Posted by: Leann | December 20, 2014 at 09:59 AM
I see the pattern & then have to find the perfect yarn for it (usually NOT the type or color that the pattern calls for...lol).
Posted by: Stacey | December 20, 2014 at 09:59 AM
I see the skein and must make something of it!
Posted by: Erin V | December 20, 2014 at 09:59 AM
Yarn first. Although scanning through patterns on Ravelry has become a habit, so I often have something in mind. But mostly I just have a very difficult time passing up a beautiful skein in an amazing color way.
Posted by: Marie | December 20, 2014 at 10:00 AM
Looking around my knitting room, I would have to say that it is the yarn. Especially for socks as it is easier to find a pattern than beautiful yarn. I just became an addicted sock knitter this year; what a pleasure.
Posted by: marilyn | December 20, 2014 at 10:00 AM
I buy yarn.that I like. Then when I am trying to decide what to do with it, I spend a week or so searching patterns and swatching until I find a combo that I am happy with. Occasionally, a pattern jumps out at me first, but not usually.
Posted by: Jennifer L | December 20, 2014 at 10:00 AM
A lot of times I buy a yarn because it's gorgeous/perfect for someone/love the color(s)…I have millions of reasons to buy yarn!--but for projects to knit I'm usually inspired by someone's project on ravelry - I think all of the Christmas projects this year were started that way!
Posted by: Danyelle | December 20, 2014 at 10:01 AM
Usually it's a pattern calling my name. Sometimes it's a need, like new gloves scarf etc. and sometimes it's the yarn begging to be made into something, but usually it's a pattern.
Posted by: Linda L | December 20, 2014 at 10:01 AM
I buy yarn before I find a pattern. And by "I find a pattern" I mean Rachael finds me many options and I choose from them.
Posted by: Laura Beutler (@darcybear) | December 20, 2014 at 10:02 AM
For me, it's usually fall in love with the color first, then hunt for the right pattern. The only time it's the reverse is with sweaters. Since that's such a big investment, I usually only buy the yarn for that once I know exactly which pattern I want to make.
Posted by: Caitlin | December 20, 2014 at 10:02 AM
I peruse Rav for hours on end...
Posted by: Wendi | December 20, 2014 at 10:03 AM
Usually the pattern comes first BUT all too often I spy a gorgeous skein that I must have, then sift through patterns to find one that will showcase the yarn.
Posted by: Barbara | December 20, 2014 at 10:07 AM
I look at patterns and then find the perfect yarn
Posted by: Beverly | December 20, 2014 at 10:07 AM
I usually buy the yarn first because I'm so addicted to color. I'm definitely a "one skein wonder" kind of gal! Then I knit socks and shawls like Hitchhiker to my heart's content! This kit is SO cute!!
Posted by: Jeanne | December 20, 2014 at 10:08 AM
It depends. Sometimes, I see a pattern I love and go looking for the perfect yarn. More often, I fall in love with the yarn and look for the perfect project.
Posted by: lyknnits | December 20, 2014 at 10:08 AM
My inspiration comes from the yarn... the colors, the feel, even the smell! I get plenty of pattern ideas from the very creative gals in my knitting group!
Posted by: Sandra Moody | December 20, 2014 at 10:10 AM
Yarn first most of the time. (That's why I have a stash to last beyond this lifetime. Lol)
Posted by: MarthaO | December 20, 2014 at 10:10 AM
I usually want to make a gift, so I look for a pattern, the I choose the yarn.
Posted by: Liz Fox | December 20, 2014 at 10:10 AM
Usually it is when I see the yarn colors then I cast on for socks. I love socks and I love brightly colored or jewel colored sock yarn.
Posted by: April Prentice | December 20, 2014 at 10:11 AM
I plan my knitting around the person I am knitting for and the yarn I have in my stash then some times I work on something my favorite color I call myself a yarn snob and only try to work with natural yarns
Posted by: Linda Black | December 20, 2014 at 10:11 AM
I fall in love with the yarn first, usually the colour gets me! Love this kit!
Posted by: Janice | December 20, 2014 at 10:12 AM
Majority of the time, it's the pattern and then the yarn. However, I do buy tons of sock yarn with no pattern in mind because I can't resist the colorway. :)
Posted by: Kristi ~ Ohio | December 20, 2014 at 10:13 AM
I am a sucker for pretty yarn, so I tend to buy whatever I like without a project in mind. My favorite thing to then do is find patterns/projects I like then "shop" the stash.
Posted by: Alexis | December 20, 2014 at 10:14 AM
It's pattern first and then I pick out the yarn....once in a great while it goes the other way around! :)
Posted by: Diane True | December 20, 2014 at 10:15 AM
all i can say is you're a better person than i am--to work at simply sock and still be able to afford to eat! lol! when i see yarn that rings my bell i've got to have it and pray i'll figure out what to do with it. when i see patterns i like i buy them then begin the delicious hunt for yarn.... LOVE the whole process.
Posted by: diana foltz | December 20, 2014 at 10:15 AM
I'm usually a "buy the yarn 1st" kind of girl.
Posted by: Jill | December 20, 2014 at 10:15 AM
I usually fall in love with a pattern then begin a search for the yarn to find just the right color.
Posted by: Denise | December 20, 2014 at 10:16 AM
I get lost in Ravelry and by the time I find my way back out, I've thought of several different projects I'd like to make. Thus, the 4 different WIPs sitting next to my knitting chair.
Posted by: Kristina R | December 20, 2014 at 10:19 AM
Sometimes it's the pattern, but more often it's the yarn. And then I hope I bought enough for whatever I finally settle on doing with it!
Posted by: Melissa | December 20, 2014 at 10:19 AM
Most of the time I can't resist new yarn and find a pattern afterward.
Posted by: Lynn | December 20, 2014 at 10:20 AM
I usually know yarn I want to work with, then frantically find the pattern I want to use. Usually, I'll even cast on and finish the toes of socks (2aat/Toe UP) before I really know what pattern I'm going to try!
Posted by: Angie | December 20, 2014 at 10:20 AM
p.s. there are no local yarn shops here so all my yarn's bought on-line. means a lot of time's spent imagining what the yarn REALLY looks and feels like. i appreciate the good photos at simplysock and i love your blog photos of how yarns knit up. i definitely couldn't be a knitter without the amazing tool of ravelry. happy day 8 to you!
Posted by: diana foltz | December 20, 2014 at 10:20 AM
I usually buy the yarn first and pattern later!
Posted by: Kerith St. Louis | December 20, 2014 at 10:21 AM
Practicality first. Right now I need more black & grey socks....so I ordered a skein (or 2) of every black and black themed yarn from a single vendor. Next is the color and these become hats and scarves. I only keep a few pairs of clown socks. Mostly my socks are variations on neutrals and blues - for jeans.
Posted by: Carol | December 20, 2014 at 10:21 AM
The yarn and the color inspire me!
Posted by: Beth Wilkes | December 20, 2014 at 10:21 AM
I buy the yarn stash it. Then when I see a pattern I love I usually buy more yarn. :)
Posted by: Heather Larson | December 20, 2014 at 10:22 AM
Most of the time, it's a pattern that will catch my eye on Ravelry and then I have to buy the suggested yarn. But. I love color and sparkle so that could explain my stash.
Posted by: Allise Vicens | December 20, 2014 at 10:22 AM
In the past I bought yarn i like and stash i. Lately with a project in mind because my stash was getting to big.
When I find a pattern I like, I look in my stash or often have to buy yarn for it. Sooo I am trying to find patterns I like that match to the yarn I have on hand.
Posted by: Diane | December 20, 2014 at 10:23 AM
Both but most of the time, it's pattern first. Wanting to try something new, needing to make something for someone or just seeing something on Ravelry that makes me go "Oooooo!!!!".
Posted by: Michelle Solomon | December 20, 2014 at 10:24 AM
For socks, hats, and mitts, I pick yarn first; always because I love the color and it will be great with an item in my wardrobe. For sweaters and other garments, I select a pattern first, and then find yarn.
Posted by: Beverly | December 20, 2014 at 10:24 AM
I am crazy about beautiful yarn! I buy it, take it home and try to get to know it! Sometimes I know what it wants to be and sometimes it goes into my stash. The right pattern always comes along.
Posted by: Candace | December 20, 2014 at 10:25 AM
When I first started this journey I always grabbed color first. Now that I have this massive stash and have no idea what to do with it, I try to find a pattern to match the skein that i'm purchasing.
Posted by: Brandy | December 20, 2014 at 10:25 AM
Sometimes I think I am a very distracted knitter, I can have plans for my next project and yarm lined up--and then I find a new pattern or yarn that just MUST be knit...and the best plans go out the window!
Posted by: Joan Morgan | December 20, 2014 at 10:25 AM
I would say, more often than not, it is a pattern that inspires me. But sometimes that yarn says, "buy me"! Lol.
Posted by: Terri | December 20, 2014 at 10:25 AM
Beautiful, colorful yarn first, and then patiently wait for the perfect pattern!
Posted by: Geraldine Scott | December 20, 2014 at 10:25 AM
I seem to be inspired by both color ways or by pattern. Sometimes it's by project. There really is no usual method for planning projects. Often though I do often purchase yarn for socks based upon color way. Scarves and hats have been planned by pattern. And sweaters have been planned by viewing samples and falling in love as well as by pattern.
I find it really doesn't take much for me to plan projects. In fact, it's likely I will ever have enough time to complete all planned projects within the next 20-30 years.
Posted by: Barbara | December 20, 2014 at 10:28 AM
I rarely plan my projects. I will either find a yarn I just love or see a pattern I just have to try and I then begin the search for a match. Usually I am searching through my stash looking for the perfect mate to my latest find.
Posted by: Leta | December 20, 2014 at 10:28 AM
Most of my yarn purchases are impulses, based on color or texture or even a good price on a yarn I want to try. Things hang out in the stash, sometimes finding friends who become inseperable. When I find a pattern I like, I shop my stash first.
Posted by: Beth L. | December 20, 2014 at 10:30 AM
I buy yarn because I love the color of it - then I look for projects. I've been doing lots of test knitting lately and those projects require finding yarn that will shine in the pattern.
Posted by: Shawn | December 20, 2014 at 10:30 AM
I usually fall in love with the yarn and then find the perfect sock pattern to work with the yarn.
Posted by: tammee | December 20, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Most of the time I see the pattern first but it could be that I like the pattern with the yarn they designer used. Sometimes I see a skein I must have and wait until the perfect pattern comes along!
Posted by: jill | December 20, 2014 at 10:32 AM
It's almost always the yarn that speaks to me first. COLOR, COLOR. COLOR. Then I search Revelry for just the right pattern.
Posted by: Mary | December 20, 2014 at 10:33 AM
I buy yarn for the colors...I knit mostly socks, so some of the recipients get the shocking colors....and others the more sedate...I also purchase by feel...
Posted by: Sheila | December 20, 2014 at 10:35 AM
Inspiration from blogs and podcasts mostly. Sometimes a friend will say something about really wanting a hat or mitts and I just make them. It's all about an excuse to go to the yarn store!
Posted by: Matt | December 20, 2014 at 10:35 AM
I do both. Sometimes it's a gorgeously colored yarn that I cast on with a simple pattern, and sometimes the pattern comes first and I have to go look for the yarn. I love the colors in this photo!
Posted by: Jen | December 20, 2014 at 10:36 AM
Yarn and color first!!
Posted by: janet | December 20, 2014 at 10:36 AM
I always start with the yarn, then find a pattern that works.
Posted by: Vicki | December 20, 2014 at 10:37 AM
Yes. Love the entire process. Sometimes the yarn comes first and sometimes the pattern.
Posted by: Martha from Ohio | December 20, 2014 at 10:37 AM
If knitting for myself I usually start with the yarn that I have (or can't resist purchasing) and find a pattern to match. When knitting for others I start with the type of item I want to make (shawl, socks, etc.) and choose yarn and specific pattern from there.
Posted by: Rebekah | December 20, 2014 at 10:37 AM
My projects generally begin on Ravelry. I see a project I love, go back to look at it a few times, eventually decide to do it and then start considering yarn choices.
Posted by: Shirley | December 20, 2014 at 10:37 AM
I think my projects plan me! But usually it starts with the yarn. I have big bowl that contains my latest find. It sits near my knitting nest. I listen.
Posted by: Joan Grahlfs | December 20, 2014 at 10:37 AM
I look for projects on Ravelry and then match it with yarn. Or I look at projects others have done in that yarn.
Posted by: Heather H | December 20, 2014 at 10:40 AM
I am a sucker for the names of colorways. I bought Robot Overlord because of the name, and Zombie Prom, and Bigger on the Inside.
Posted by: Cara | December 20, 2014 at 10:40 AM
Usually the yarn comes first, and the project comes later. I have issues with impulse control. When I see some awesome yarn, I buy it and plan projects later!
Posted by: Melanie Meyer | December 20, 2014 at 10:40 AM
I do both although more often the yarn will speak first. Texture and color draw me in. Sometimes I have a pattern waiting for the right yarn an sometimes the yarn will sit on my stash until I see just the right pattern.
Posted by: Leigh Ann Brown | December 20, 2014 at 10:41 AM
I usually find the pattern and then select the yarn but there are times that I find the yarn first and then look for just the right pattern. That happened with the Poste Yarns Jollyville, TX. Had to have it and now I'm on a quest for the perfect pattern. I'm thinking mitts so it will last forever and I can look at it so much easier if it's on my hands instead of my feet!
Posted by: Cindy Lou | December 20, 2014 at 10:41 AM
Definitely yarn/color first. That's why sock yarn is like crack to me! I just want it…need it… and then later I'll figure out what to actually do with it.
Posted by: Jennifer S. | December 20, 2014 at 10:41 AM
I am a sucker for yarn. When I see something I have to have, it is right now! I see patterns I love, but forget about them. I never forget the yarn!
Posted by: Deborah Graham | December 20, 2014 at 10:43 AM