"Where the Sidewalk Ends" - Easy Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so excited to announce my newest blanket knitting pattern called "Where the Sidewalk Ends".  This blanket is very easy to knit with super bulky yarn.

My 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' blanket knitting pattern can be purchased on my FiftyFourTenStudio.com website.

And...the pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Where the Sidewalk Ends - chunky blanket knitting pattern.

For a lighter weight blanket with a similar appearance...check out my Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern here on my blog.

"Where the Sidewalk Ends" blanket knitting pattern.

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The book "Where the Sidewalk Ends" by Shel Silverstein was one of my favorite childhood books.  I loved the quirky pen and ink illustrations and the clever poems.  The poem "Where the Sidewalk Ends" is a reminder to get off the beaten path and slow down...explore new places and find our own path...

Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein

There is a place where the sidewalk ends
And before the street begins,
And there the grass grows soft and white,
And there the sun burns crimson bright,
And there the moon-bird rests from flight
To cool in the peppermint wind.

Let us leave this place where the smoke blows black
And the dark street winds and bends.
Past the pits where the asphalt flowers grow
We shall walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And watch where the chalk-white arrows go
To the place where the sidewalk ends.

Yes we'll walk with a walk that is measured and slow,
And we'll go where the chalk-white arrows go,
For the children, they mark, and the children, they know
The place where the sidewalk ends.

Quick and easy blanket knitting pattern.

This blanket was designed for my teenage daughter.  She loves simple, uncluttered design.  She loved the idea of a bright white blanket with a very simple stripe texture.  (She loves stripes...and I do also!)  The finished blanket looks fantastic in her room with her dark gray chair and light gray comforter.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

The yarn I used is Lion Brand Hometown USA in the color 'New York White'.  This is a clean, bright white!  Hometown USA yarn is very soft and makes a great blanket for anyone.  This is a nice yarn choice for children or babies because it is 100% acrylic and according to the label is machine washable and dryable.  (I have not tried machine washing and will probably choose to hand wash when needed.)  

This pattern will also work well with other super bulky yarns including Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick...as well as many other super bulky yarns.  [affiliate link]

Solid color yarns are suggested so the pattern shows up best.

If you prefer to use a worsted, DK or similar weight yarn...check out my Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern here on my blog. 

A couple stitch markers are helpful reminders for the easy pattern.

Hometown USA is a very economically priced yarn.  It is available in a wide assortment of colors and is sold on Lion Brand Yarn's website...as well as at many US craft stores including JoAnn's and Michael's. [affiliate link]

SIX BLANKET SIZES:

Approximate sizes after blocking...
Baby: 30" wide x 30" long
Small (Crib/Lap): 34.25" wide x 35" long

Medium: 37" wide by 47.5" long

Large: 42" wide x 50" long
XL: 46" wide x 52.5" long
XXL: 50" wide x 55" long

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 2.5" to the length of the blanket.  The pattern includes estimates for additional yardage needed to make each blanket size longer.

SUPER BULKY YARN: 

Amount of super bulky yarn needed for each blanket size:
Baby: 415 - 450 yards
Small: 550 - 600 yards
Medium: 800 - 850 yards
Large: 980 - 1060 yards
XL: 1150 - 1250 yards
XXL: 1300 - 1400 yards

"Where the Sidewalk Ends" blanket - easy to knit!

This pattern is very easy to knit!  With the super bulky yarn the chunky blanket knits up very quickly.  I finished knitting this blanket in only a few days.

I love the texture of the super bulky yarn!

I loved photographing this blanket!  We had brown butcher paper sitting out for wrapping Christmas gifts.  I spread a large piece out on my craft table to try as a background.  The brown paper is a fun contrast with the bright white blanket.

White yarn, red ribbon and simple brown paper.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Click here to purchase the "Where the Sidewalk Ends" blanket pattern on my Fifty Four Ten Studio website. 

The pattern is also available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Thanks so much for reading.  Best wishes for happy holidays!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Where the Sidewalk Ends blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio.

My Annual Tradition - Making Homemade Christmas Ornaments

I love making homemade Christmas ornaments to give to my family and friends each year.  The photo below shows just a few of the many ornaments I have made over the course of many years.

Over the years I have used a variety of craft techniques: knitting, felted knitting, cut out painted cardboard (using old gift boxes), cross stitch, and hand stitched felt (this was one of my favorite crafts for many years!).  The little owl ornament in the center of the photo above was made using my free pattern: Ole the Owl.

The first knitting pattern I published was my Mini Sweater Christmas Ornament.  It was only fitting that that one of my favorite traditions led me on a new path to share my knitting ideas.  Last month (November 2016)  I celebrated my third anniversary since publishing that first knitting pattern!

Mini Sweater Christmas Ornament - Knitting Pattern

Last year I made several of these mini sweaters to give to dear friends.  It was a great way to use up a lot of stash yarn!  My favorite yarn for these ornaments is Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted.  I have used this yarn for many years.  It works up beautifully and lasts very well for heirloom quality gifts.  

Here's a few of the ornaments I made last year.  It was fun to stitch on felt applique decorations for a mixture of textures and a variety of designs!  

I made used my duplicate stitch sailboat design from my Mini Sweater Christmas Ornament pattern to make two more of these nautical themed ornaments.  These were made for dear friends who we have enjoyed sailing with for many years.

Mini Sweater Ornament with Sailboat Duplicate Stitch

I also love making Felt Applique Mitten Christmas Ornaments.  I updated this pattern in January 2016 to include even more ideas for personalizing ornaments with letters or numbers...in addition to hearts, stars, snowman and gingerbread house designs.

Felt Applique Mitten Ornament - Knitting Pattern

I love pulling these ornaments out of the box each year to hang on the tree.  It brings back memories of making special gifts for my family and friends over the years.  

A few of my favorite homemade ornaments.

Now it's just a couple weeks until Christmas 2016!  I need to open my box of ornaments I made last January...these are waiting to be wrapped up and given this year.  And...this weekend I may need to make a few more ornaments!

Thanks for reading!  Wishing you happy holidays! 

Knitting in November

At the end of the month, it is fun to reflect back on knitting projects I have completed.  In November, I published three blanket knitting patterns and one free cowl knitting pattern.  It was also fun to open my box of handmade ornaments to hang on the Christmas tree.

Here's a few photos of my November 2016 knitting....

In the lower center photo you may notice the pale pink hydrangea.  Those usually bloom in the spring and summer here in Kansas City.  This fall was so warm and consistently beautiful that my hydrangea bush was confused and started blooming in early November!

In case you are curious about the knitting patterns...

All patterns shown are knit with super bulky yarn.  Click on each pattern name for more info:

Stones in the Road Blanket (upper left)
Flint Hills Blanket (upper right)
Across the Diamond Blanket (lower right)
Side Line Cowl (lower left) - Click here to download the free PDF.

In the last couple of days I started working on a new blanket design using white yarn.  This new blanket is for my teenage daughter.  She loves simple, modern design.  I love having her input on new pattern ideas!

Knitting with Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'New York White'.

This white yarn is Lion Brand Hometown in the color 'New York White'.  This yarn is so soft and cozy.  It's great for making a blanket!

For updates as this pattern comes together follow me on Instagram and Facebook.

BLANKET PATTERN UPDATE: The design in the works above is my Where the Sidewalk Ends blanket pattern which is very easy to knit!  Click to read more about it on my blog.  The pattern is  available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

I can't believe it's almost December and time to put up the Christmas decorations!  I love making Christmas decorations to give as gifts for my friends and family.  I made these little red houses last January...these are in a box waiting to be wrapped up for gift giving.

The Little House Knitting Pattern with felt applique. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Chunky Blanket Knitting Pattern - Across the Diamond

I'm so excited to announce my new chunky blanket knitting pattern - Across the Diamond.

Across the Diamond blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Across the Diamond blanket knitting pattern.

This blanket is easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color 'Stone".  This yarn is sold at Michael's Crafts.  The yarn is very soft and makes a great blanket.

New chunky blanket knitting pattern - "Across the Diamond".

If you are a baseball fan, you may have already figured out the inspiration for the name of this blanket.  Sets of four purl stitches are similar to the layout of a baseball diamond.  I started designing this blanket while watching the 2016 World Series.  When I read an article in the newspaper about one of the games, the phrase "across the diamond" jumped off the page.  I knew that was the name I wanted to use for this blanket pattern!

I am a life long Kansas City Royals baseball fan.  I remember going to a few games as a child with my family and watching many games on TV.  When I attended college in another state, the Royals won the World Series.  I watched all of the games in the dorm basement on a small television with only one other person...a girl from St. Louis...who was cheering for the other team...the Cardinals.  Last year, our city was decked out in royal blue as we watched the Royals win the World Series. It was a really memorable event that brought our city together.

MARCH 2018 UPDATE: I used my 'Across the Diamond' pattern to make a baby blanket to give as a gift.  I love how it turned out in this bright blue yarn....read more about this project here on my blog.  This yarn is Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Charlotte Blue'.

Across the Diamond blanket knitting pattern in bright blue!

The pattern includes instructions for making five blanket sizes.

Approximate dimensions after blocking:

XL Blanket: 48" wide x 52" long
Large Throw: 41" wide x 47" long
Medium Throw: 37.5" wide x 42" long
Small Crib / Lap Blanket: 34" wide x 37" long
Baby Blanket: 30.5" wide x 32" long

It is easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer.  The pattern includes more information, including estimates on how much additional yarn would be needed to make each size blanket longer.

Easy to knit blanket with wide seed stitch border.

The blanket is knit in one piece, back and forth on long circular knitting needles.  I use US size 13 knitting needles 38" in length.  This length can easily accommodate a 40" -  50" wide blanket...or a bit larger.  It's really worth investing in set of circular needles with a long cord if you like to knit blankets.

Stitch markers are handy for keeping track of the pattern.

Stitch markers are helpful for keeping track of the pattern.  Yes...it's an easy pattern to remember.  But, the stitch markers help knitters remember when to pay attention.  The green stitch markers show in the photo above are Clover Jumbo Ring Markers.  I can't remember where I bought my set of stitch markers but it looks like they are available on Craftsy and at JoAnn's.

Across the Diamond - easy blanket knitting pattern.

I can't believe this is my 10th blanket knitting pattern!  I really love knitting blankets with super bulky yarn.  Cozy blankets make great gifts.  The added bonus is these knitting projects keep me warm as I knit on a cold day!

The Across the Diamond blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting, Craftsy and Etsy.  (See more photos of this design on this blog post.)

Thanks so much for reading!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Free Knitting Pattern - Side Line Cowl

I have been working on a lot of patterns this fall and I'm happy to announce my newest pattern...the Side Line Cowl.

Click here to download the FREE pattern.

This pattern is free...every day...on Ravelry and LoveKnitting.

This cowl will keep you warm when you are sitting on the side lines at a football, baseball or soccer game!  And...the pattern is so easy to knit you can make one while watching a game...from the side lines.

Side Line Cowl - quick & easy knitting pattern.

This chunky cowl is quick and easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  It makes a great gift!

I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color 'Pewter'.  This yarn is sold at Michael's Crafts.  The yarn is 50% wool and 50% acrylic.  It's very soft and makes a great cozy cowl.

This pattern will also work well with other super bulky yarns including:

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick - "wooly" texture & very warm.
Lion Brand Hometown USA - silky soft & cozy (pick a color to match your favorite team!)

You will need about 120 - 130 yards of yarn to knit this chunky, cozy cowl.

I recommend solid color yarn to show off the pattern texture.  The subtle striping effect will not show very well with multi-color yarn.

Use an interesting large button to make your cowl one of a kind.

A couple years ago I purchased this large navy blue button at a craft store.  I wasn't looking for a button...I simply was walking through the store and this button caught my eye.  I love the color navy blue so my eye is drawn to that color.  I sketched out this design two years ago and it unfortunately got overlooked for a while.  I'm excited to have the button and pattern design finally come together as I originally intended.

Warm & cozy chunky cowl knitting pattern.

At first glance you may think this pattern is simple garter stitch.  Look again!  An easy to remember P3, K3 repeat pattern creates a subtle striping effect.

If you like this texture, you might also like two of my other free knitting patterns:
The Boulevard Blanket and the Side Line Scarf.

Click here if you would like to sign up for the Fifty Four Ten Studio newsletter.  I send out an email newsletter 1 - 2 times per month with new pattern announcements, special offers and other knitting related topics.

Thanks so much for reading!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

New Blanket Knitting Pattern - "Stones in the Road"

I'm excited to announce my new blanket knitting pattern called "Stones in the Road".  I'm thrilled with how this pattern turned out!

The "Stones in the Road" blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting  and in my Etsy shop.

Stones in the Road - Blanket Knitting Pattern

When I am working on a new pattern design I love thinking up name ideas as I knit.  I write down any ideas that come to mind and the names that don't get used are saved in a file for future patterns.  

The name for the "Stones in the Road" blanket knitting pattern was inspired by a beautiful fall day spent biking the Katy Trail in Missouri.  The trail was built on an old railroad right-of-way.  This trail is almost perfectly flat and is nicely maintained with a surface of crushed limestone. We biked 20 miles round trip between the towns of New Franklin and Rocheport.  

We were so fortunate to have a perfect day to get out in the country...biking along the long straight road lined with crushed stones..."stones in the road".  Coincidentally, I was working on knitting this blanket around the same time we biked the Katy Trail...the experience and the knitting pattern came together!

Stones in the Road - Biking on the Katy Trail

Old train tunnel near Rocheport, Missouri

This blanket is very easy to knit!  Use super bulky yarn for distinctive texture to make a cozy, chunky blanket.  

I used a few markers to keep track of the pattern.  Even though it's a really easy pattern it's good to have reminders of when to pay attention!

Markers are helpful for keeping track of the pattern.

For my soft tan blanket, I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color 'Mushroom'.  This yarn is available at Michael's Crafts.  This yarn is 50% wool and 50% acrylic.  It is very soft and is perfect for a blanket project.  One thing to keep in mind...this yarn is hand wash only.  The yarn is available in a lovely selection of colors.  I especially like...

'Fleece' - soft white

'Pewter' - soft gray

'Mushroom' - light tan

'Sea Storm' - medium grayish blue

'Sapphire' - great navy blue  

'Stone' - soft bluish gray

'Thunder' - dark greenish blue teal

'Claret' - a great 'Christmasy' red

This pattern will also work well with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick or Lion Brand Hometown USA.  I have made many projects with these yarns and both are available in a wide selection of colors.  If you would like a machine washable yarn...try Hometown USA.  

Stones in the Road blanket - knit with super bulky yarn.

PATTERN UPDATE - SEPTEMBER 2018

Stones in the Road blanket knitting pattern has been updated to include 6 sizes! 

Approximate dimensions after blocking:

Baby Blanket: 29" wide x 29" long

Small (Crib/Lap) Blanket: 35" wide x 39" long

Medium Throw: 37.75" long x 46.5" long

Large Throw: 41.25" wide x 51.5" long

XL Afghan: 49" wide x 59" long

XXL Afghan: 53.5" wide x 61.5" long

It is very easy to make any of the blankets longer.  The pattern includes instructions for adding additional length and estimates of how much additional yarn would be required.

SUPER BULKY YARN

Yardage needed for each blanket size:

Baby: 350 - 370 yards

Small: 550 - 590 yards

Medium: 740 - 770 yards

Large: 880 - 930 yards

XL: 1170 - 1270 yards

XXL: 1450 - 1550 yards

Solid color yarn is recommended to show the texture of the knitting pattern.

Stones in the Road - Chunky blanket knitting pattern.

I love the texture of this blanket.  The pattern would work well in almost any home decor style. 

I recommend blocking the finished blanket.  This takes a bit of time but it really improves the appearance of the blanket.  Note: When I use Loops & Threads Cozy Wool...like I did for this tan blanket...I find it best to dampen the blanket a bit but NOT soak it completely in water.  This yarn soaks up a lot of water and with a big blanket a full soak in water can make for a very heavy, stretchy wet blanket.  So...I just place the blanket in the kitchen sink and run water over it with the drain open so excess water can run out easily.  I do not fill the sink with water when blocking Loops & Threads Cozy Wool.  Just getting the blanket damp all over is adequate.  For more tips see my March 2016 blog post.

Stones in the Road - easy blanket knitting pattern.

More details on the "Stones in the Road" blanket knitting pattern available on Ravelry.  This pattern is also available on Craftsy, LoveKnitting and in my Etsy shop.

Have a wonderful day!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Flint Hills Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm excited to announce my new blanket knitting pattern...the Flint Hills Blanket.

This blanket is knit with super bulky yarn on big needles.  It is an easy pattern that will work well for confident beginners or experienced knitters who enjoy an easy knitting project.

The Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern

This pattern is named for the Flint Hills - a large region in the east central portion of Kansas which features rocky, rolling hills of limestone and flint (hard gray rock).  Early settlers in this area were unable to till the earth due to the rock so the land was mostly used for cattle ranches.  Today, the area is known for the largest intact tallgrass prairie in North America.  You may think all of Kansas is perfectly flat, but the east central portion of Kansas is full of beautiful rolling hills.  Here's a photo I took this past August as we drove through the Flint Hills...

Flint Hills in Kansas

The texture of this blanket design reminded me of that drive through the Flint Hills.

Flint Hills Blanket - the stitch pattern reminds me of rolling hills.

I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool super bulky weight yarn from Michael's Craft Store.  The color is called 'Thunder'.  I have used this yarn many times for other projects.  It is very soft and easy to knit.  One thing to keep in mind...this yarn is hand wash only.

If you would prefer a machine washable yarn you might try Lion Brand Hometown USA.  Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick would also be a great choice for this pattern.

Weaving in the ends on the Flint Hills Blanket.

For best results, I recommend blocking the finished blanket.   Note: When using Loops & Threads Cozy Wool...I find it best to dampen the blanket moderately before blocking...NOT soak it completely in water.  This yarn really soaks up the water and can become very water logged and stretch too much.  I placed my blanket in the kitchen sink and ran water over the blanket...but I did not fill the sink with water.  For more tips on blocking the finished blanket, see my blog post from March 2016.

The Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern includes instructions for five blanket sizes so you can make a very small baby blanket, a crib size blanket, a medium or large throw...or a very large afghan.  It's easy to adjust the length for any of the sizes...details in the pattern.

APRIL 2018 UPDATE:

I made some slight updates to the pattern!  I made the small size blanket with Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Aspen Tweed'.  I love how this natural shade compliments the theme of the blanket design!  See more photos and read more about the Flint Hills Blanket I made in 2018 on my blog.

Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

Pattern includes instructions for five sizes:
XL: 47.5" wide x 54.5" long
Large: 40" wide x 49.5" long
Medium: 37.5" wide x 47" long
Small (Crib/Lap): 35" wide x 37" long
Baby: 30" wide x 32" long

This blanket is knit flat in one piece.  I use 38" long circular knitting needles in US size 13.  The long length makes it easy to accommodate a lot of stitches when knitting a blanket.

Flint Hills Blanket - knit with super bulky yarn.

One more thing about the Flint Hills...a few years ago I had the opportunity to go with a dear friend and her parents to the "Symphony in the Flint Hills".  It has become a tradition for the Kansas City Symphony to hold a summer outdoor concert out on the Flint Hills.  It is an incredible event.  People purchase tickets months in advance.  On the day of the event people drive from all around to park in a field, hike about a half mile or so, and set up their folding chairs on a hill to view the concert.  The backdrop is the panoramic view of the rolling Flint Hills...it's simply breathtaking and my photos from 2010 do not to it justice.

Symphony in the Flint Hills June 2010

After sunset at Symphony in the Flint Hills - June 2010.

Thanks so much for reading!

The Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern is now available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and in my Etsy shop.

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Easy Blanket Knitting Patterns

In the past year and a half I have been addicted to knitting blankets!  I love using super bulky yarn to knit blankets because they are quick to knit.  Also, I love the chunky texture and the cozy finished blanket.

I have two new blanket designs in the works that I hope to publish very soon.  Here's a little look at the projects I have been working on recently...

Stitch markers are helpful even with easy knitting patterns.

The tan yarn above is Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color 'Mushroom'.  This yarn is available at Michael's Crafts Store.

Weaving in the ends on a new blanket.

The yarn for the blanket above is Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color 'Thunder'.  Pattern coming soon!  (Hopefully early November 2016.)

Last week the weather finally started to cool down around here and I pulled a few blankets out of storage.

Belleview Blanket in tan & blue / Brookside Blanket in white

If you are looking for a very easy blanket knitting project here's a few ideas....

My Third Street Blanket knitting pattern has quickly become my best selling blanket pattern.  One of my customers described it as "TV knitting at it's best"!  The pattern is very easy to remember.  Instructions for five blanket sizes including baby, crib, medium size throw and XL afghan.  It's very easy to adjust the length for any of the sizes.

Third Street Blanket knitting pattern

My Westport Blanket knitting pattern is also very easy to knit.  I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in the color 'Dallas Grey'.  I love this yarn! It is very economical and I love how the subtle sheen of the yarn gives this blanket a bit of a modern look.  This pattern also includes instructions for five sizes...and it's easy to adjust the length for any of the blanket sizes.

Westport Blanket knitting pattern - very easy to knit!

If you would like to start with a very easy free knitting pattern...you might like The Boulevard Blanket.  This pattern is easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  It has great texture and makes a super cozy blanket.

The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern - FREE pattern!

I recommend using solid color yarns for any of these patterns so the texture of the knitting shows best.  If you are a beginning knitter...I highly recommend light to medium color yarns and definitely solid colors.  Dark colors and variegated yarns are challenging for new knitters.

These patterns will work with a number of different super bulky yarns. My three favorite super bulky yarns are...in no particular order...

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick - favorite colors 'Glacier' & 'Fisherman'

Loops & Threads Cozy Wool - favorite colors 'Mushroom', 'Thunder', 'Fleece', 'Stone' & 'Pewter'

Lion Brand Hometown USA - favorite colors 'Dallas Grey', 'Houston Cream', 'Chicago Charcoal', 'Washington Denim' and 'New York White'

If you like seeing behind the scenes photos, follow me on Instagram!

Thanks for reading!  Happy knitting! :)

Westport Blanket - Quick & easy knitting pattern!

The Westport Blanket knitting pattern is quick and easy to knit with super bulky yarn!  The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes from baby blanket up to XXL afghan.  Read all the details below!

Westport Blanket knitting pattern - Click to purchase on Ravelry.

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

Last month, I launched a brand new website!  This blog post has been updated on FiftyFourTenStudio.com and features several customer projects.

Click here to purchase the pattern on the Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

The Westport Blanket knitting pattern is also available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and in my Etsy shop.

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The Westport Blanket is named for the oldest neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri...my hometown. The blanket design was inspired by the many old brick buildings that line the streets of Westport. Though the design is inspired by very old buildings, the knitting pattern has a simple, modern appearance.

Westport was settled, starting in about 1835, along the Santa Fe Trail.  Businesses there provided goods for those traveling west.  Today, Westport is located in the heart of the Kansas City metropolitan area and is home to many local restaurants, bars and small shops.  My favorite shop in Westport is Pryde's - "the hardware store for cooks".  This charming store is located in a very old brick building and the inside is packed from floor to ceiling with the best kitchen products available.

Westport Blanket Knitting Pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

SIX BLANKET SIZES:

The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.  Approximate sizes after blocking....

Baby: 31” wide x 31” long
Small: 37” wide x 37” long
Medium: 39.5” wide x 40” long
Large: 42.5” wide x 43” long
XL: 48.5” wide x 49” long
XXL: 51.5” wide x 61” long

All of these sizes are for square blankets but it is easy to make any of the blankets longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  The pattern includes tips on making the blanket longer and estimates of how much additional yarn is needed.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

Baby: 450 - 475 yards
Small: 630 - 660 yards
Medium: 750 - 810 yards
Large: 860 - 920 yards
XL: 1150 - 1220 yards
XXL: 1550 - 1650 yards

I used Lion Brand Hometown USA super bulky yarn in the color "Dallas Grey" for this blanket.  I loved knitting with this yarn!

This was the first time I had used Hometown USA.   I really enjoyed knitting with Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn!  [affiliate link]  It is so soft!  This yarn is 100% acrylic, machine washable and very reasonably priced.  I found a great deal on this yarn and only spent about $32.00 (including shipping cost) for 8 skeins.  This was the perfect amount of yarn to make a 37" x 37" small crib/lap blanket.  I am very pleased with the Hometown USA yarn and I will definitely use it again!

Lion Brand Hometown USA in the color "Dallas Grey"...so soft! 

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I recommend blocking your finished blanket.  It's not essential but it does improve the appearance of the finished blanket.  Here's what I did to block my finished blanket....

Click here to see my updated blog post with lots of tips and photos on FiftyFourTenStudio.com.  

First I soaked the blanket in a sink full of water for a few minutes.

Then I pulled the drain plug and allowed the water to drain out of the sink.  I left the blanket in the sink for a few minutes to drain off excess water.  Then I carefully lifted the blanket out of the sink and set it on a couple of old towels.  The entire time I was careful not to wring or twist the blanket.  

I set up my blocking mats on my craft table.  I transferred the blanket to the blocking mat and carefully spread it out.  I spent at least 10 - 15 minutes arranging the blanket on the mat...adjusting the knitting so that the edges were straight and square...and adjusting the center part of the knitting so the stitches throughout the blanket were in straight lines.  I pinned the blanket in place using rust proof T-pins.

It took about two days for the blanket to completely dry.  I love how it turned out!

This blanket is so soft and cozy!  I will definitely use Lion Brand Hometown USA super bulky yarn again for future projects.  [affiliate link]

Easy to knit chunky blanket - click to purchase the pattern at FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

The Westport Blanket pattern is very easy!  It's a great pattern for beginners who know how to knit and purl confidently...or for experienced knitters who enjoy an easy to remember pattern.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

The Westport Blanket knitting pattern may be purchased on my Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

The pattern is also available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Thanks so much for reading!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Westport Blanket Knitting Pattern