Spring 2024 Knitting Queue

March 17, 2024August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaerLeave a comment

Skeins of yarn on a bed, 6 are a pink linen blend, 4 gray wool blend.

Hey everyone and welcome to my Spring knitting queue! Every season I come up with a bit of a Wishlist of projects I would like to make during that given season. I don’t share it on here usually, but I thought it would be fun to share and see what every one else is planning for Spring whether that be knitting, crochet, or reading. I would love to know! Anyway, here are the four items I would love to make over the coming season.

This first project I have actually already started, but did not get to far into it because I joined a test knit and needed to put it to the side. Anyway the project is called Brienne (Ravelry Link) by Brienne Moody. I am actually already almost done with the first sleeve so it is off to a good start! I am hoping to finish this first out of all the items on my list because I think it would be perfect for Spring nights and early mornings as a nice little sweater running to and from the car. For this I actually got the recommended yarn, which I don’t do very often, in the colors of the tan and pink sample.

This next pattern is called Hazel Kjole (Ravelry Link) by Sandnes Design, I have had the yarn for this since January 2023 and have had the yarn since then as well. I really would love to finally get this yarn out of my stash and this lovely easy going dress in my wardrobe. I have made a dress in the past as a test knit that I love, but is more formal, this would be a fun relaxed one with longer sleeves to also help in the cool mornings and evenings. I picked up the recommended yarn for this pattern since I needed to buy the yarn to get the pattern book. I do love the yarn though it is a really fluffy alpaca nylon blend.

The next two patterns are more of a two for one. They are the Flutter Buttshirt and Flutter Buttshorts (Ravelry Link) by Jessie Maed Designs. While these are two different patterns, they make a really cute set to wear around the house. I don’t have air conditining so staying cool around the house is a bit difficult. My current lounge wear is mostly sweat pants and long sleeve shirts so making these will really fill a need. I already have the yarn for this project, I ended up getting undine by Ritual Dyes in a really vibrant fuchsia color called Drago fruit I believe.

All of these projects I have the patterns and yarns ready to go, I just need to get the few projects off my needles and be on my way. I recently started a new method of managing my WIPs called the Gideon Method, which you can read more about in my post called, Trying the Gideon Method to Manage My WIPs. So, I feel like this will really help me dedicate the time needed for these larger projects, but also allow me to move though different projects so I am enjoying myself as well. Anyway, that is my knitting queue for the Spring Season, I hope you enjoy a little peak into my project planning! What are you planning to make or read this season?

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.

Let's Talk

Trying the Gideon Method to Manage My WIPs

March 3, 2024August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaer5 Comments

Hello and welcome to my little explanation of a knitting productivity I am planning to give a go in the coming months! While my February was great for getting my WIPs down from 8 to 5, I find that I still need a bit of motivation and focus. I would like to make something very clear, I actually learned about this in one of my knitting zoom groups that I am a part of where these two blog posts were shared. The first is by knit365 and the second is Wool and Honey. I am building my knowledge of this method mainly off of their posts and not much more.

The Rules

Pick 5 projects from your WIP pile
Create a priority list/order
You work on the first project for 12 hours or until it is complete, which ever comes first.
If it is not finished within the 12 hours, it is placed at the bottom of the pile and you move onto the next project, rinse and repeat.

There are some bonus things that I noticed that I am not quite sure I am going to follow. The first is when one is finished you can cast-on a new project. I think I will save this new cast-on for when the mood strikes not just automatically. I say this because I am a huge mood knitter so I want to have a little bit of flexibility to save for when I am really craving something new. The second is keeping the five projects in a special basket. I am just going to continue storing my projects as I have been because it works for my environment.

My 5 WIPs in Priority Order

Bliss Cardigan Test Knit for Winter’s Weather Knits
Coorie In Poncho by Amy Palko
Sastrugi Tree Skirt by Amy Gunderson
Brienne by Brienne Moody
OPEN!

As you can see from my list, I only have 4 WIPs that I am focusing on at this point in time. I am leaving one spot open for that new cast-on mood hits. I am also going to continue to work on my Scrappy Sunday Blanket on Sundays to get that under control as well. I have so many scraps to add it is not even funny at this point! I also plan on keeping track of the time spent on each project using clockify which I have on my desktop and as an app on my phone for ease of tracking. It will also stop me from rounding up so I can switch faster than I should be.

Anyway, this is the knitting plan I am going to try at least for the month of March. Depending on how it goes and how I enjoy it, I might continue beyond that. I decided a month based on the idea that it is a good chunk of time, but not too long where if it is not working I feel trapped by it.

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.

Monthly Intent & TBR

Monthly Intent & TBR | June 2023

June 1, 2023August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaer2 Comments

Reading Plans

This month I am not planning on picking up and starting a new book, but I would really love to finish a book I am currently reading. That would be Happy Place by Emily Henry. So far I am really enjoying it, but to be fair I am not too far into it at all, only about 40-50 pages in.

Knitting & Crochet Plans

This month I am focusing on finishing up some WIPs I am currently working on. I am planning on doing a little post to share my WIPs separately though because I really want to focus on a WIP down going into the second half of the year. I will say, out of these I really want to focus on the Intersections (Ravelry Link) Socks by Marceline Smith. I am loving this popcorn pattern and the yarn has been a dream to work with. I am using a limited edition color by TheLittleWolfKnits.

Random Goals

The past few months I have been working on transitioning this blog from a book blog into a more rounded experience. In doing that you might have noticed that I have changed some things, but other changes are on the way. I would like to finish these changes in the next month. Fingers crossed I can find the time.

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.

Monthly Intent & TBR · To Be Read

Monthly Intent & TBR | January 2023

January 1, 2023August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaer4 Comments

Hello and welcome to my monthly intent post where I share my monthly TBR and other goals I have for the month ahead. I am really excited about a few things this month and am looking forward to. I am planning on trying to address my goals for this year early since my motivation is high currently.

Various skeins of yarn in different bases surrounding an eReader displaying the cover of Ninth House.

Reading Plans

This month I am going to be focusing on two weeks, both are buddy reads. The first is one I am very behind on that I was reading with my friends Reg and Jenna. For the Halloween season we decided to read Sundial by Catriona Ward. I have yet to finish it, they both have…oops! The second book I am planning to read is Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo and I am reading this one with Misty from Misty’s Book Space. I am really excited about reading these.

Crochet & Knitting Plans

This month I would really love to make the By the Fire Socks by Danielle Jorge. They are an ankle sock where the cuff is a few little trees. I have never made ankle socks or socks where the cuff isn’t a standard cuff, so I think it will be a lot of fun to give a go. Other than that I would like to start a Big Cozy Cardi by Andrea Mowry. It is a very oversized comfortable looking sweater, which I think would be perfect to wear around the house during these colder months as well as transition months. I don’t think I will get to finish it, but I know I want to at least start it.

Random Goals

This month I would really love to do two things, I would love to go for a walk in the snow as well as read in front of the fireplace. The first being totally dependent on the weather and is totally out of my control, is more like a dream than a goal. The latter I can certainly do this month without much hassle. I just really want to enjoy the fireplace while it actually makes sense to use it. Once it gets warmer, it is not something I can do without melting.

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.

Bullet Journal & Planning

2023 Bujo Setup

December 18, 2022August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaerLeave a comment

Hello and welcome to a bujo set up post! One thing I really enjoy about the new year is being able to start a new notebook and setting it up for my current needs. I have been using a bujo for many years and I still feel like my set up changes constantly and is in flux, which is great because my planner/noteboook of sorts is changing right along side me. Anyway, here are the 2023 spreads I have added for the new year!

My Notebook

This year I am using a notebook from Olive and Archer, I use the dotted B5 size. This past year I saw they had a sale and ended up picking up this bright orange notebook with an antique camera on it. They seem to still have it in stock and you can find that here if you are interested in taking a closer look at this notebook.

2023 Goals

The first thing I decided to set up are my 2023 goals. I like to break up my goals into categories, I decided I wanted to focus on my reading, life, and maker goals this year. In regards to reading I would like to read 6 non-fiction books and get my owned TBR under 10 books. As for general life I would like to try or do something new and track my spending better. My maker goals are pretty simple as well, Knit 6 pairs of socks and create more from my yarn stash.

Reading Plans

Since my Owned TBR is so small I decided to dedicate a page to listing the books I own and need to read. So, on the left page I just listed the titles. I ended up with 27 books. I ended up with 27 books because I actually went through all of my audio and ebooks. On the other page I ended up doodling a bookshelf filled with books and a little plant. If you want to see my owned tbr book shelf in detail, here is the link to my goodreads shelf Owned TBR.

Knitting Plans

Since one of my goals is to make more from my stash of yarn I decided to assign all of my yarn to a project. I am not saying I can’t change what I end up making with it, but this gives me something to visualize. For these spreads on the left I decided to add a knitting overview page where each month has a square and then I added pictures of some of the projects I wanted to complete that month. I also left some free for some wiggle room too. On the right hand side I decided to add a picture of my make 9 for 2023. These are top 9 projects I really want to complete this year. I did a detailed post about each of these projects, you can find that here: My 2023 Make 9!

Winter Plans

52 Weeks of Socks and Knitting Plans for January and February

Last year I picked up a copy of 52 Weeks of Socks and this year I really want to utilize this book. So, I decided I would pick a number from a jar and knit that pattern. I picked my first number and it was #48, which I am pretty sure is Tributary by Diana Clinch. I added a page in my bujo for this project since it would likey be a year long one knitting various pairs of socks from these pages. I added the heading “Make Some Socks” printed a picture of the cover of the book and doodled so it looked like a polaroid. I then added the number of my first pick from the jar. On the righthand side I made a collage of all the things I would like to make in January and February of this year. These include, The Sophie Shawl, Hazel Neck, Velvet Mirror Cowl, Woodlark Shawl, and the Kuutar Beret.

Knitting Queue

I also added a spread for my knitting queue, since I did all the work tracking all my yarn and connecting it to projects I decided to record what I decided. For each project I added the pattern name, yarn to use, and I made a section for month to record what month I completed the project and a place for a check mark.

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.

Monthly Intent & TBR

Monthly Intent | September 2022

September 1, 2022August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaer2 Comments

Hello and welcome to my blog! I am just taking a moment to write some goals I have for myself this upcoming month. This month I feel like I am already ready to say goodbye to the heat of summer and embrace the light chill in the air of the start of fall later in the month. I don’t know about you, but I am already noticing the days getting shorter. Anyway, with all that in mind here is my intent for the month of September

Reading Plans

This month I would like to finish my two current reads, Maledictions: A Horror Anthology by Cassandra Khaw and I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy. I mentioned yesterday in my Monthly Digest | August 2022 post that I have really been enjoying both of them for different reasons. I am about 30% into both of them so I feel like I will fly through the rest of both of them.

Crochet and Knitting Plans

Collar and start of zigzag section of the colorwork yolk on needles and balls of yarn attached.

This month I have the goal of completing a sweater called Alpenglow I by Andrea Mowry. I have never made a colorwork sweater, but so far I am really enjoying it! It has been engaging so I don’t think I will have a problem finishing it up.

Random Goals

As for my random goal of the month, I really would like organize my space a bit more. I did a lot of unhauling of books, items, etc. because I had to downsize. While I was able to take some things out of my space, I kind of just shoved things where ever they would fit instead of organizing. So it has been a little difficult finding items and my space just doesn’t seem to be working for me. I feel like it is going to take some time, but I really want try to tackle it. or at least most of it, this month.

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.

Bullet Journal & Planning

BUJO | August 2022

August 7, 2022August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaerLeave a comment

Hello and welcome to a little showcase of what I did with my bujo for the month of August. I have been pretty lax with keeping up with this in recent months mainly because I was not carrying it around so much. I was putting everything on my phone and organizing my life digitally, nothing wrong with that, but not my preferred. I like textile feedback and I remember more if I write it down so I really wanted to get back to this. Anyway, here are the spreads I have done for the month of August and one for the Summer season.

Calendar page and dashboard page with name of month and picture of the beach,

I decided to keep it super simple with the dashboard page, I just added the month and year. Then I decided to dress it up a bit by adding a picture of the water hitting a rocky shore and boats in the distance. As for the calendar, I kept it simple I made a rectangle for each day and labeled the days of the week. If you like the picture I used you can find it here.

Picture of BUJO spreads; august notes and jots, my august goals, weekly knitting goals.

For August I decided to add a place to add notes about things I did or need to do. This “August Notes and Jots” page is almost like a brain dump and memory keeper combined. On the other page I placed two things related to goals I have for myself this month. The top section of this page is for general goals I have for the month of August. The bottom half is specifically for keeping up with my current WIPS or future WIPS I plan to start this month. I labeled each of the weeks in August and made a column for each project I plan on working on, but also left two blank incase I change my mind. I am not someone who can work on one project, but I want to make sure that if I have more than one or two on the go, I am actually making progress on them. I do plan on working on my Miss May Shawl, Picnic Basket Socks, and Pressed Flowers Shawl, but we shall see what I am in the mood for.

This last spread is just a printout of an infographic I made on canva of the projects I want to complete this Summer. When I do complete one I add the date it was completed. I have done this for the past three seasons and love it, but I will say if I don’t work on one or finish one it is not a big deal either. It is just a nice visual reminder. I want to work on Miss May Shawl, Pressed Flowers Shawl, Anker’s Summer Shirt (already done), Morning Rituals Sweater and Heel Toe Do Si Do socks.

So, there are the spreads I am using this month to organize myself and keep me focused on my goals. I hope you have a wonderful month ahead of you!

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.

Knitting, Crochet & More

What’s In My Project Bag, Vacation Edition

July 11, 2022August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaer1 Comment

Hello all! I am writing this quick little post to share what I am packing in my project bag while I am off on vacation visiting my family. I don’t plan a doing a ton of things while on vacation other than hanging out so I feel like that will leave a ton of time for me hopefully work on my projects.

Sock Week 2022

It just so happens that Sock Week, hosted by Knitty Natty is taking place while I will be on vacation so of course I am bringing along a sock project. I am using a mini skein set by Zeezee Textiles, the main skein is a gray toned rainbow and the mini is a rusted red color. I can’t wait to use it! I tend to knit my socks at the same time, I’ll knit both cuff before moving onto the next section as an example. Due to this I am taking 2 Chiaogoo 9-inch circulars in the size US2 to work on. I have my start of round parkers and lightbulb safety pins to help keep track of my rows so I don’t need to recount constantly, I just put a clip every 20 or 10 rows depending on the type of sock I am making. O am also bringing a darning needle to weave in my ends and a pair of scissors. Lastly, my project bad is a Summer Sock Camp bag that is by the lovely MntStateStitches. Summer Sock Camp is hosted by
Crazy Sock Lady.

My Larger Project

While I plan on working on a pair of socks, I feel like I am mainy going to be working on those during th traveling parts of this trip. I also want to give my handsw a bit of a break from working with such a small size needle so I am also going to be bringing my Miss May SHAWL MKAL hosted by Helen Stewart. I am only about half way into clue 1 so I am very much behind, but I had a few other projects that took precedence. So I am packing up my yarn.

I am using a skein of Madelinetosh Euro Sock in Urbane Gray and three skeins of Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in one of a kind colors that are a blue with brown speckles, a pink color, and a white with brown/orange speckles. I am knitting these on a 40 inch Knitting needles in the size US 6, specifically Knitter’s Pride Karbonz. This is my first time working this this brand of needles and so far I am amazed at how light they are, but I have not really worked enough to write a review of them. Since I am taking a ton of notions such as scissors and a darning needle with my socks I am not really bringing much else. I may bring some spare yarn to add in a life line here and there though since I think some lace is going to be coming my way.

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.

Knitting, Crochet & More · Let's Talk

Winter 2022 Crochet and Knitting Plans

January 13, 2022August 4, 2025 ClassicBhaerLeave a comment

Hello and welcome to a bit of a planning post where I am going to share the crochet and knitting projects I would love to finish this winter. I am on really good footing to start any project I want right now due to the fact I have no WIPs going into 2022, which has not happened in years. So, I feel like a kid in a candy shop and spoiled for choice. Thankfully, I was able to narrow it down to 5 projects I really would love to start working on and hopefully finish before Winter is through.

Day Date Cardigan by Jess Coppom

This first pattern I actually bought yarn for back in the Summer of 2021 when I was visiting family in Maine. I really want to finish this ASAP and hopefully I can wear it the next time I see those family members. The yarn that I picked up for this project is Berroco Providence in the color Rosecliff – 1115.

Vanilla Latte Socks by Virginia Rose-Jeanes

This pair of socks is actually for my significant other. I had him pick a yarn for me to use and it finally arrived! I am so excited to get to make these for him, I just need to figure out the stitches needed and I am going to have to keep bugging him to try them on as I go to ensure I am making them to properly fit. This will be the first socks I am making for someone else. The yarn that he picked for this pair of socks is Madelinetosh Tosh Sock in the color Ultramarine Violet, which is a really vibrant purple that I swear is going to glow in the dark.

Tube Socks by Mary Anne

This pair of socks is going to be for me. I have never worn tube socks or made them so I wanted to experiment a bit. I used this “pattern” to come up with my own formula of sorts for the ones I am going to be making. This pattern, which is actually a blog post was really helpful in doing that going through different options etc. The yarn I am using for this pattern is Spun Right Round Classic Sock in the color Sly Fox, which is almost like a burn orange.

Apiarist Cowl by Claire Borchardt

This is another selfish creation, I was lucky enough to be gifted a new jacket so I need to make a new cowl to go with it. I saw this pattern first mentioned by Knitty Natty and her looked beautiful and she said it was pretty simple to make. It is the first time I will be knitting something with a pattern of sorts so it will be an experiment as well! I am using yarn died by the etsy shop LanternLightYarn in the color Kraken, which is a red color with variations and Drops Kid-Silk in the color 14, which is red as well, held together to create this winter accessory.

Easy Eyelet Yoke Sweater by Knitatude / Chantal Miyagishima

This last one is really a project I know is going to take me a lot of time and challenge me a lot. I am putting it at the bottom of this list because I really want to work on the other projects and continue to work on the basics before jumping into making a sweater. That being said, the stiches that are used in this I have already used a bunch, but making a sweater I feel like is a huge step. I am using the recommended yarn, Lion Brand Chainette, in the color mustard, which seems to now be discontinued even though I only bought it a month or so ago. I hope I bought enough to finish it!

Thanks for Reading! ClassicBhaer.com

Links to my other socials!

For the record: everything I’ve written here is entirely my own opinion.These views do not reflect or represent those of my current or past employers.