Ok… I just finished another scarf, and have one more to do. But I’m already planning my first non scarf project, but I just don’t know what it is yet! Most of the beginners patters I’ve looked at scare me! I know I don’t want an afgan, because I’ll get bored and never finish it…lol
Is there a place with free patterns for big chics? All the ones I’m seeing everywhere are for normal sizes… A sweater would be cool!
I’m having so much fun! WOOOHOOOO!
Do you really want to jump from scarves to a sweater? I agree that an afghan would be a bit much, but you could do a sampler afghan–different patterned squares–good help for practicing different techniques.
There are also hats, and mittens, washclothes and and pillows, and, well, all the cool stuff at www.knittingpatterncentral.com .
Childrens’ sweaters are good to start with because they have all the same shaping, but in miniature, if you have a kid to knit for.
This site has resources for ‘ample’ women. Their term. 
My first real project was a pair of felted mittens. They helped me get the hang of reading and following patterns, but since they were felted I could hide my mistakes easily if I made some- and they are small- so I didn’t get bored. So, I guess that is what I would suggest.
What’s after scarves? EVERYTHING!! :roflhard:
Excellent point!! 
My 1st non scarf was a felted handbag. Lots of free felted bad patterns on Patterncentral (that ingrid mentioned) & a great book “Pursenalities” by Weichmann.
Happy Hunting! (for the perfect project!!)
knitbebe
My second project was a felted bag, then a hat. Both of those are easy. I’m now making a sweater and socks.
BTW I’ve been knitting since October 2005 only so don’t be afraid to try anything! With the help of this forum you can do anything!
I’m on my second project now, my first was a scarf as well. I’m working on a poncho. It’s as simple as a scarf, bigger, and I’m learning increase / decrease and basic shaping, not nearly as difficult as a sweater.
The Bernat webpage has quite a few free patterns in a variety of categories.
Mine was a baby blanket… Ok, It’s like a BIG scarf, but ohhh the appreciation you will get when it’s done!!! After the baby blanket I started making cell phone cases for my family (Christmas was around the corner). I believe after that is when I tried a SIMPLE poncho. Have fun ! This site has helped me sooooooooo much in learning !!! I would probably still be on scarves if I never ran into this place 
I went from scarves to bags, and am still in love with bags. a couple blankets and a bunch of clogs later, I’m still in love with bags.
After making a ton of scarves I moved on to easy knitted hats!! Then after a Winter of knitting those I just learned how to knit socks. I’ve done four pair in the past month!! :XX: :XX:
My next thing is to finish a sweater that I began for my gd… I eventually want to knit mittens.
good luck! :happydance:
How about a vest? Many of the same principles of a sweater (seaming, armhole shaping, etc), just without needing to knit SLEEVES as well!
I went from knitting squares and scarves to knitting socks and mittens. Seems like a leap, but it was what I was craving to do.
The only thing that should limit you in choosing your next project, is your inclination. If you are wanting to knit a sweater bad enough, you’ll find a way to do it! Everyone told me that mittens and socks were too difficult right off, but I wanted them bad enough that I figured out how to make them.
As far as plus-size knits, I’m working on one now that is fairly simple and fun to knit - it’s a seamed sweater, so you’ll learn the basics involved in finishing too. Click on Donna in my sig line, it should take you to the pattern, which is archived on Magknits.
White Lies Designs has some great, sassy patterns for plus-size women who are tired of being dressed up like someone’s grandma from the 1960’s. She sells patterns and kits, so you can use the recommended yarn or go on your own to find something in a favorite color. If you want to try one of her patterns, I recommend the Shapely Tank. It’s the basis for a few garments, and a good starter piece. I’ll be making this pattern up for summer wear!
OMG! Thank you all! Looks like I’ve got some wonderful links to go see! Sorry it took so long for the reply, we just bought a house in Texas! Getting ready to move out of state is freakin awesome!
After a few scarves I made, I knitted a few blankets and I’m now hats! I’d love to knit some purses and everything else!
I really enjoyed knitting cotton dishcloths after making scarves. The cotton yarn felt so good in my hands, and the dishcloths were quick to make. There are TONS of dishcloth patterns available for free on the internet, and they are very educational, teaching lots and lots of new stitches.
I made tons of them, and used them as christmas gifts or graduation gifts or birthday gifts. You can put them in a small basket with bathing or kitchen products.
You can buy cotton yarn, like Peaches & Cream, or Lion Cotton, or Sugar and Cream at local retail stores like Walmart or KMart, so the yarn is very easy to find.
Here is a link to the Dishcloth Boutique - LOTS of patterns there.
http://www.jimsyldesign.com/~dishbout/kpatterns/javaindex.html
My favorite dishcloth is the hardest one - it’s done on circular needles and it makes a beautiful flower in a circular cloth:
I was ready to move onto making socks after knitting that one.