If you're getting bored of garter and stockinette stitch, try something new! I personally love experimenting with the textures of different stitches. Looking through the many stitches on StitchFinder, I always ask "What can I make with that stitch?" The truth is I have too many ideas! Belts, scarves, shawls, blankets, maybe add a little lace here or a cable there... So I thought I'd share a few ideas with you.
First of all, when you're experimenting with a new stitch, you really should do a gauge swatch. But it's not so bad, you'll get the hang of the stitch and you can create a washcloth or squares for a patchwork blanket! Once you know the gauge you'll be able to make a better decision about what to make and how many stitches to cast on.
Making anything square or rectangular with your new stitch will be a cinch! Just decide on the length and width of your project and divide by the length and width of a repeat in your gauge swatch. Just make sure you're starting with the right number of stitches for your stitch pattern (for example, if your stitch pattern says "chain a multiple of 6 + 3" and you want 10 repeats you would chain 63). From there you can make scarves, shawls, blankets, or pillow covers! If you make a long skinny strip and add two D-ring to one end you'll have a belt! If you knit a rectangle, fold it in half, sew two sides together, and add a strap, you have a purse!
You can also add a new stitch to an existing pattern or idea. Substitute stockinette for a more textured stitch; switch out one lace pattern for another or switch cables. By simply switching up the stitch you use you keep your projects interesting!