Crochet scarf
First crochet project. Making 3D things the classic way :)

Simple free pattern from ravelry. Long enough to wrap around the neck and wide enough to cover the face if needed.
As a software developer, I find crochet patterns pretty straightforward (so far). There are specific common operations (chain, single crochet, double crochet, increase, decrease, etc.) arranged in a particular sequence, which sometimes includes loop-like repeats. If there are some unique operations, they are usually described in the pattern.
And it's fun to make something without staring at a screen, especially after doing so for 8 hours a day.