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WIP Wednesday & Embracing the Creative Detours

Every knitter knows the feeling—you’re cruising along on a sweater, a shawl, or maybe a pair of socks, when suddenly, you hit a snag. Maybe it’s a challenging section, like picking up sleeve stitches, or maybe your initial excitement has waned. What happens next is almost inevitable: instead of powering through, you start dreaming of casting on something new. Before you know it, you’re knee-deep in three or four projects, all equally exciting… and equally unfinished.

For our 15th anniversary MAL, Cheryl chose the crowd favourite DROPS Air for her Instant Crush sweater by Joji Locatelli. This cozy, textured design is a masterpiece in the making, especially with Cheryl’s dreamy color choices. The soft, romantic hues of DROPS Air—a yarn so popular we have to keep restocking it —add the perfect cloud-like warmth without the weight, thanks to its super-soft alpaca, polyamide, and wool blend. Cheryl has taken her time swatching, adjusting, and carefully planning each color transition, adding custom touches to make this piece uniquely her own.

But like many knitters, Cheryl has found herself at a familiar crossroads: the sleeves. She’s hit a pause on finishing them, and rather than forcing herself to continue, she’s embraced her “sleeve detour” as an opportunity to explore new projects. In fact, she’s cast on about 20 other knits since! From shawls to socks and maybe even a hat or two, Cheryl is enjoying the thrill of new projects while letting her Instant Crush rest, knowing she’ll come back with fresh energy when the time is right.

For many knitters, getting “stuck” isn’t a roadblock; it’s part of the creative process. Casting on something new when you’re feeling uninspired can bring renewed joy to your knitting, giving your brain a break and sparking fresh ideas. And when you return to that original project, it often feels less intimidating and more exciting than before.

So here’s to Cheryl and all the knitters with sleeves on hold, shawls halfway bound off, and hats that just need one more inch. Sometimes, getting “stuck” just means it’s time to follow your inspiration elsewhere—and return when you’re ready to bring fresh life to your project. I can’t wait to see Cheryl’s progress on her Instant Crush sweater as she continues on this creative journey. Stay tuned to follow along and get inspired for your own next cast-on!

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