Make 9 boards haven’t worked for me in the past, but since I want to be more intentional and consistent with my knitting this year, a set plan might serve me well. My overall goals are to finish WIPs, whittle down the bin of yet-to-be started projects I’ve already purchased patterns and yarn for, and reduce stash. With a couple of fun things thrown in as well.

From the top left moving clockwise and ending in the center:

1. Good Grandpa cardigan by Caidree – knit in bulky weight yarn, the pattern description from the website reads: ‘The Good Grandpa Cardigan with pockets is slightly cropped, drop shoulder, deep v neck that buttons up at the front. It is a classic design with a modern twist. It will keep you cozy and in style during any season. It is designed to sit slightly longer than your waist line in length, but it can easily be made longer because it is constructed from the top down.’ This isn’t technically a stash buster, but I do have quite a lot of bulky weight yarn, so I hope to use at least some of it in this knit, even if I have to purchase more to finish the pattern. I like the look of this cardigan and think it will be a good basic wardrobe staple – as someone who does not have any hand-knit garments that I’m comfortable wearing to work, it would be nice to change that and start adding some, gradually.
2. Easy Peasy ribbed socks by Jen Yard – I am going to knit these up just as they’re shown, as scrappy socks, using leftovers from my 2024 Homespun House Advent calendar. I have lots leftover from my Wolop cowl. This pattern is available on Ravelry, or also as a kit on Folksy or Etsy.
3. Bug Collection scarf by Yarnquarium – I blogged about this last week and it’s going to be a slow knit but I really want this to keep the kiddo’s neck warm during her first winter out of high school. Pattern is available on Ravelry or on Etsy.
4. Sockhead slouch hat by Kelly McClure – Definitely a stashbuster. I have so many skeins of sock yarn and I could honestly make a few hats if I had the time (and if I like the pattern). This is available as a free pattern on Ravelry or on Wool & Co.
5. Perfect Knit t-shirt by Kaitlin Barthold – This is a WIP that I’d like to finish for summer wear. It’s actually so close to being finished, but I need to bind off the neckline and rip out the hem and redo it – for the life of me I cannot figure out how to end the six stitch icord bindoff. I like the look of the finished product and actually bought yarn to make another one in a neutral cream color, thinking it would be a nice wardrobe staple. But gotta finish this one first.
6. Cozy Comfort throw by A Homespun House – This is another WIP that I just want off the needles. I’m using minis from my 2021 Homespun House Advent calendar held double with Purl Soho Line Weight merino in Dove Gray. It’s resulting in a beautiful squishy warm blanket that’s taken FOREVER. I’ve promised the kiddo that she can take it to college in the fall so that’s good motivation. Garter stitch is good TV knitting.
7. Basic Bulky Mittens for the family by Marci Richardson – I made this three times last year for the Mittens 4 Detroit initiative and I’m going to use the same pattern in the fall. It’s an easy bulky-weight knit that results in a nice looking, warm mitten with a variety of size options. Will I make three pairs again? I’d like to. I’d also like a pair for myself…I have a skein of deep ruby Malabrigo Chunky that I’ve earmarked but who knows.
8. Easy Heel Colorblock Socks by Purl Soho – I’ve had this kit ready to go for at least three years. No excuses. This is the year they have to get done and clear that space.
9. Wild card – Joker is wild! This is a space holder for a gift knit, a passion project, something that catches my eye that I just can’t plan for. After all, all work and no play.