Wednesday, March 22, 2017

Summer Sidewalk Blanket - New Easy Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to announce my new Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern.

This easy to knit pattern is designed for use with DK or worsted weight yarn.  This knitting pattern is a great choice for beginners or experienced knitters.

Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern.
Summer Sidewalk is the light weight, summer version of my popular chunky blanket knitting pattern...Where the Sidewalk Ends.

Click here to purchase the Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern at FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

The Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern is also available on Ravelry LoveKnitting and Etsy.

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:



As of March 2017, I have designed twelve chunky blanket patterns which all use super bulky yarn. Often I hear from customers who like one of my chunky blanket designs but would prefer to work with lighter weight yarn or want to knit a light weight blanket for a summer baby.  This new Summer Sidewalk design is the first adaptation of one of my chunky blanket designs.  I enjoyed knitting this blanket very much and plan to add additional lighter weight blanket designs in the future!

YARN:

This new blanket design started with six skeins of Tahki 'Cotton Classic' that I discovered in my stash back in February.  This beautiful dark denim blue is labeled as #3832...which appears to be discontinued.  However, this yarn is available in over 125 beautiful colors!


The Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern may be used with many DK or worsted weight yarns.

If you are knitting this blanket for a baby or child, look for a machine washable, easy care yarn.  There are many easy care yarn options available including: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton, Berroco 'Comfort' DK or worsted weight, Knit Picks 'Shine Worsted' and Knit Picks 'Comfy Worsted'...just to name a few!

KNITTING NEEDLES:

Tahki 'Cotton Classic' is usually classified as DK weight yarn.  I used US size 7 knitting needles when I knit this blanket. My gauge was about 18 stitches to 4 inches.  However, exact gauge is not essential for this pattern.

To pick a needle size...I would suggest picking a DK or worsted weight yarn that you like and doing a small test knit in garter stitch (knit every row) plus a few rows of stockinette stitch.  Test knit with a couple needle sizes.  Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance with your yarn and your knitting tension. I would suggest trying for stitches that are not too tight and not too loose.  Of course, if you have a different gauge that will mean a slight difference in the overall size of your blanket...but probably not a huge difference if you stick with DK or worsted weight yarn.

FIVE BLANKET SIZES:

Baby blanket (infant): 27" wide x 27.25" long
Small blanket (crib/lap size): 29" wide x 31.25" long
Medium blanket (toddler/crib): 31" wide x 35.25" long
Large throw: 35" wide x 41.25" long
XL throw/afghan: 41" wide x 49.25" long

Finished size may vary depending on differences in yarn weight and gauge used.  However, as I said above...don't worry about gauge too much...pick the needles size that gives the best appearance for your yarn!

Any of the blanket sizes may be made longer by adding pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 2" to the length of the blanket.  In the pattern instructions there are estimates of additional yardage needed make each blanket size longer.

Summer Sidewalk - easy blanket knitting pattern for DK or worsted weight yarn.
This blanket pattern is very easy but I still like using two stitch markers to remind me where to make the easy changes as the pattern progresses.  That way I don't have to worry about counting stitches!


I loved knitting this blanket!  The pattern is simple and easy to remember.  And, I especially love the results!  

Easy to knit blanket - Summer Sidewalk
BLOCKING FINISHED BLANKET:

For best results, I recommend blocking the finished blanket. It really is worth the extra effort!  With this cotton yarn it only took about one day for my little blanket to dry.

Click here to read my step-by-step tips for blocking a blanket on my blog post on FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

ANOTHER PATTERN YOU MIGHT LIKE:

You might also like my new easy to knit lightweight blanket - On the Porch.  Read about it here on my Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

On the Porch blanket knitting pattern.Click to read more about it on FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

WHERE TO GET THE SUMMER SIDEWALK BLANKET KNITTING PATTERN:

FiftyFourTenStudio.com: Click here to purchase the pattern. 

The Summer Sidewalk blanket knitting pattern is also available on RavelryLoveKnitting and Etsy.

Thanks so much for your interest in my knitting patterns!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

p.s.

Monday, March 13, 2017

Winter Returns: Get out all the hand knit blankets!

For weeks we have been experiencing a very early spring here in Kansas City.  But, this last weekend...winter weather returned!  On Saturday we even had a little snow for the first time since December.  The only thing to do is get out all the blankets!  

We keep our house pretty cold so we keep blankets in every room of the house.  No reason to turn the heat up when you can bundle up in a cozy hand knit blanket. My daughter humored me by posing for this photo as the snowflakes were falling...you can see a few white specs in the photo! 

When winter returns...get out all the blankets!
In case you are wondering...here's the blanket patterns shown in the photo from top to bottom...click on each name to read more about these designs on my blog:

All of these blanket knitting patterns are easy to knit with super bulky yarn.

We only received a dusting of snow but it was enough to make things look pretty for a day or so...a few flakes dotted the daffodils in our backyard...

A few March snowflakes in Kansas City.
Of course, cold weather means it's a great time to stay inside and knit!  I have three projects going right now and I'm making plans for a fourth project.  Lots of knitting going on around here!  

I found this beautiful blue yarn in my stash a few weeks ago and I'm so happy that I was finally able to put it to use....details on a new design coming soon.  The yarn is Tahki 'Cotton Classic'.  I have had it for many years and it looks like this color is now discontinued.  This DK weight yarn is still manufactured and comes in over 125 beautiful colors!

Tahki ''Cotton Classic' yarn from my stash.
Here's a little taste of a new design coming soon...

New design coming soon!
It's spring break for my daughter this week.  No out of town plans for us but we are fitting in some fun things like a visit to the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art here in K.C. to see the newly remodeled Bloch Galleries that include a phenomenal collection of Impressionist paintings (I can't wait to go back!), going to a couple restaurants and a bit of shopping at the book store.  And, this week we'll be cheering on all the Kansas basketball teams in the NCAA tournament. I'm a huge college basketball fan and I hope to get a lot of knitting accomplished while watching the games.

Watch for new pattern announcements in late March or early April.

Have a great week!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio