A cocoon shrug is a great introduction to making garments because the shaping is minimal. You begin with a flat rectangle, fold it in half lengthwise and add a collar and cuffs. I designed a coordinating knit and crochet version of this pattern. Make one, or make them both!

Note: The body fabric of the shrug can be knit on either straight or circular knitting needles. The collar is worked in the round with many stitches and willl need a circular set of knitting needles with a minimum of 32 in cord length. The sleeve cuffs can either be worked in a small set of circular knitting needles, or with the magic loop technique with a larger set of circular knitting needles. You could also knit the cuffs flat in rows on straight needles and sew the seam to close at the end.