Our favorite projects of the year

It came to me at 4:30 a.m., as so many “great ideas” do.

I would ask my coworkers what their favorite finished project of the year was and then I would tell you.

Joke’s on me - I thought I’d be giving you a roundup of varied projects for the new year.

Instead, we’re going to talk about something else in a minute.

First up, I’m here to say that my favorite finished object was Laura Nelkin’s Hoodola. 

This is a seriously useful accessory. I don’t love hats because they make my head too hot most of the time, but this is perfect. I added mohair for the hood part which is soft and makes it feel luxurious. I also love the deep ribbing I can cover my mouth and nose with, which I like doing with scarves in the wind. 

Then Janet and Emily showed up with the same project, and this is where my 4:30 a.m. idea got interesting.

It’s this vest, the Rota Sleeveless Top, by Irene Lin.

Janet made it in Mitchell Wool and turned it into a fun layering piece.

Emily embraced the summery vibes and made it with a cotton-blend summer yarn in bright juicy colors.

It is a great example of how the same pattern can be interpreted as a different garment depending on how it’s worn and the yarn you pick to make it. 

(Both of them said it was their favorite finished project because it was fun to make and fun to wear.)

I liked seeing how the same pattern worked for two people of different ages and different style. Emily made hers a little longer than Janet did, another way to make a garment work for you.

My takeaway is not to make a snap judgement about a pattern based on a couple photos. If there’s something that attracts me to a particular design - maybe it’s a textured stitch I’d like to try working, or a new shape or construction method - I’m going to think about what would make that garment work for me.

What was your favorite finished project of 2025?