In today’s world, knitting is for fun, relaxation, and creativity. With so many stores available, there is no need to knit something that won’t be worn or that isn’t enjoyable to knit. As you continue to choose projects, it will become obvious if you gravitate towards one kind or another.

Sweater knitters are patient. They don’t mind working on a project that could take upwards of three months to a year to finish. They are also comfortable with patterns that usually involve large amounts of stockinette on the one hand, or, conversely, with those that involve many different complicated patterns. An Aran sweater, for example, will involve a great deal of “chart-chasing”, while a simple mohair sweater can become mind-numbingly boring. If these extremes don’t bother you, and if you can are comfortable with the fibers that work in your neck of the woods, then sweaters can be gratifying projects.

Some people, however, want results more quickly. These people will enjoy accessory knitting. A pair of socks, for example, can be finished in a couple of weeks, and involves a series of short sections. Aside from “Second Sock Syndrome”, it’s hard to get bored knitting socks. The same is true for hats, which are usually also very quick projects. While scarves and shawls, are more involved, there is less shaping involved, which makes the knitting seem to go more quickly.

An interesting fact about knitters is that not all of them enjoy wearing sweaters! Those who live in warm climates may find shawls and wraps to be simply more wearable. Also, those who love fancy stitches and interesting techniques may find that accessories provide more room for experimentation than sweaters do.

There is, of course, another category of knitting: home knits. These don’t have to be shaped to fit body types, and are usually much more forgiving for those who have trouble knitting to gauge. Because of the variations in size, these can either be quick projects or heirloom-quality undertakings, but what they do have in common is the ability to create unusual pieces out of yarn and needles. Ever knit a fish? Or a flower? What about an afghan for a baby shower or wedding present? Or a felted basket for magazines?

Of course, no one is one hundred percent in any category, and it’s always good to push one’s boundaries. An accessory knitter who attempts the occasional sweater or a sweater knitter who decides to take a break and knit a scarf will both enjoy moving out of the comfort zone. After an afghan, a pair of socks can be a nice break. In the end, it’s just more knitting – which all of us love!