2025 Color Work Knitting Inspiration | Handmade Wardrobe
Autumn Knitting Ideas
This time of year, when the chilly mornings walking my daughter to the bus stop have me pulling out my sweater collection, I start to really dream about what to put onto my knitting needles.
For me, the ultimate knitting project is color work - 2-stranded color work to be precise. Though there are many other techniques to explore (like the Pressed Flowers shawl in the upper right that uses mosaic knitting), 2-stranded color work is my comfort project. It's both slow and meditative but also engaging enough to not get bored.
So today, I thought that I'd share my dream list so that if you are also looking for some projects to keep you company this fall/winter you may find something you like too. You can find everything in the round-up (and more) over in my Ravelry bundle.
In all honesty, I have already started (and almost finished) my first color work project of the autumn. I just couldn't help myself.
Current Knitting Project:
I have been dreaming of making a stranded yoke sweater with my hand dyed yarn since last winter and was itching to cast it on as soon as I finished my long term sweater WIP, the Agnete Cardigan.
I am LOVING how it's turning out so far - and I also have plans to immediately cast on another version with a couple of edits. I've even already dyed the main color with onion skins (see image below)!
I am designing this one myself, which is a process I enjoy, but it also means that it takes a bit longer than simply following a pattern. Since I am using all my naturally dyed yarns, I was inspired by my garden that gave me the colors - the flowers as well as the soil life where all of the real magic happens. I am using Quince and Co. Owl for this design. The base color is Elf.
Future Knitting Plans:
The design I am most eager to cast on is the Kaliedo Cardigan. This design both excites AND intimidates me because I haven't ever had to purl in 2-stranded color work. I always like to intentionally pick projects that are a bit of a reach and I think this one will be next. My favorite part of this design is that it's also one that I can just use scraps for! Learning and scrap busting? It's a win-win.
Every first Friday and 4th Sunday at the Antiquaria Mercantile shop, we host a Fiber Friends gathering and this autumn/winter we are hosting a MAL (make a-long) for all of the color work-y things! No matter what you're interest, you can interpret this and join in! In the coming weeks I will be setting up a Discord channel to connect our community near and far!
More Ideas:
I have a decent amount of fingering weight wool in my stash that I am dreaming to make a traditional-ish fair isle cardigan. I've struggled to find the perfect one but this 1988 Cardigan by Hannah Kim is the closest to perfect I've found. Perhaps this will be a stretch goal for this coming winter.
How sweet are these Victorian Sock by MAVE knits? AND the pattern is free! My favorite tip for knitting color work socks is to use the little shortie needles so that you can just knit round and round and round.
The Rosie Sweater by Le Knit seems to be the talk of the autumn - for good reason! This design looks comfy and stylish.
My daughter has been obsessed with her Kirsten Larson doll and is wanting all of her beautiful (and now retired and expensive lol) outfits. These Selbu mittens look just like the ones from Kirsten's winter outfit - so I thought it would be fun to knit us some to match!
Ahhh the Pressed Flowers Shawl. This one is in my queue and simply waiting for me to buy the main color yarn. The accent yarn I have already hand spun, so you'll likely be seeing more specifics about this project in the coming months. This is the one design that is done with mosaic knitting - a new technique that I am excited to try!
And lastly, the Iris Sweater. Another reach project that would be a true labor of love. This fingering weight heater is kind of exactly my style. It's just pretty much perfect.
Whether it's sewing, knitting or something else by hand, what are you dreaming of making this autumn?