Many Thanks to Two Darling Yarn Shops!

Many thanks to my friends at Yarn Social in Kansas City and Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana for helping make January such a fun month for me and my Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting design business.  I can't thank them enough for their kindness and for recommending my knitting patterns to their customers.

THANK YOU - YARN SOCIAL IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI!

Yarn Social hosted a five day trunk show of about ten of my knitting pattern samples at their darling shop in Kansas City, Missouri.  This was my first knitting trunk show and it was such an honor to be invited to display my samples at Kansas City's newest yarn shop!

My husband built this beautiful display stand for my blanket and scarf samples the night before the show.  (I didn't give him much notice!)

Fifty Four Ten Studio trunk show at Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri.

Samples shown on display in the photo above (from top to bottom) - click any link to read more about each pattern here on my blog:

On the Porch blanket (ivory)
Quality Time scarf (dark blue)
Prairie Fields blanket (green)
Northern Trail blanket (tan)
On the Map blanket (blue)

Quality Time scarf and Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern samples.

Last weekend I taught my first knitting class at Yarn Social.  It was so fun to spend the afternoon with eight delightful, enthusiastic knitters!  They worked on small sampler projects using stitch patterns from four of my patterns and we talked about a variety of knitting topics, including blocking.  (Blocking is one of the best things you can do to improve the appearance of your finished project! Click here to read my blog post about blocking.)

Here's a photo of the knitting class in progress...sampler pattern instructions, pretty yarns, blocking demonstration and snacks!

Knitting class at Yarn Social!

The 'Toast' shade of yarn that I used for the examples of the sampler project (photo above) is Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn from Blue Sky Fibers. I love how this yarn knits up!  Great stitch definition and it blocks beautifully. 

Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' is a blend of wool and cotton.  It's available in a beautiful selection of colorways...see Yarn Social's display below.  I'm looking forward to using this yarn in a future project! (Shh...a secret plan is in the works!)

Spud and Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in beautiful colorways at Yarn Social.

If you live in the Kansas City, or are visiting from out of town, be sure to make time to stop in at Yarn Social!  Trish has a beautiful selection of yarns and she has created a warm and inviting shop. 

Yarn Social is located in the West Plaza / Westport area...near 45th & State Line Road.  

Address: 1707 W. 45th Street, Kansas City, MO (near the antique shops)

Check the Yarn Social website for hours!

Yarn Social - yarn shop in Kansas City, Missouri

THANK YOU - YARN BAR IN BILLINGS, MONTANA!

In January, Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana hosted a 'Cheers to Nifty Fifty Four Ten Studio KAL' - how fun is that?!  They suggested using any of my Fifty Four Ten Studio blanket or pillow knitting patterns as cozy winter project for the knit-a-long (KAL).  

One of their customers finished a throw size Prairie Fields blanket! (Photo below.) I love that she used a beautiful ivory colored yarn so her stitches really shine!  Lovely knitting and blocking. 

Prairie Fields blanket (ivory) made by a Yarn Bar customer!

And, the yellow blanket...that's my On the Porch blanket design that Sue and Linda made up as a sample for their shop!  They tell me the yarn is Cestari Sheep Mount Vernon in the colorway 'Daffodil'.  This blanket is so cheery and full of sunshine!

On the Porch blanket on display at the Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana.

On their website, Sue and Linda shared that the 'On the Porch' blanket pattern has been quite popular with their customers: 

Our friend Teddy zipped in to knit a second one as soon as she got a request from the 'hipster' niece who had received the original one Teddy made, gets the 'where did you get that blanket' comment from fellow hipster parents, and wanted another one in different color.

Such a fun story!

I'm so honored that Sue and Linda hosted this knit-a-long and that they have been recommending my patterns to their customers for a long time.  One of these days I'm going to make it out to Billings, Montana to meet them in person!! 

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I'm excited about other plans in the works for the coming months.  There's lots happening behind the scenes...if only I could knit faster!

Thank you so much for reading!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee 

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Northern Trail - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - Northern Trail.

This blanket design features seed stitch 'stripes' on a stockinette stitch back drop.  The blanket is framed by a seed stitch border.  The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.

The Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

Northern Trail blanket pattern may also be purchased on the Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

It's also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio.

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The name for my Northern Trail blanket pattern is inspired by memorable hikes through the woods...peaceful time to enjoy the beauty of nature and time with my family.

SIX BLANKET SIZES:
Approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 25" wide x 31" long
Small Blanket: 27.5" wide x 35" long
Medium Throw: 30.5" wide x 39" long
Large Throw: 33.5" wide x 43" long
XL Afghan: 36" wide x 47" long
XXL Afghan: 41.5" wide x 51" long

Finished size may vary depending on yarn weight and gauge used.

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 2" to the length of the blanket.

The pattern includes estimates of how much additional yarn is needed to make each blanket size longer.

Working on my 'Northern Trail' blanket with Stonehedge Fiber Mill 'Shepherd's Wool'.

NEEDLES and STITCH MARKERS:

The project is worked flat, back and forth on circular knitting needles.  Circular knitting needles are highly recommended in order to accommodate the large number of stitches for a blanket.

I used US size 8 knitting needles for my Northern Trail blanket.  Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.  The goal is to find the knitting needle that gives the best stitch appearance, without being too tight...or too loose.

Four ring style stitch markers are helpful for keeping track of the pattern.

WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:

Baby Blanket: 550 - 570 yards
Small Blanket: 680 - 710 yards
Medium Throw: 840 - 880 yards
Large Throw: 1000 - 1050 yards
XL Afghan: 1200 - 1250 yards
XXL Afghan: 1500 - 1600 yards

Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your project.

This pattern may be used with slightly lighter or heavier weight yarns.  Select the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.

If you are using slightly lighter weight yarn, such as DK weight, consider following the directions for one size larger than you want the blanket to turn out.

If you are using slightly heavier weight yarn, such as a heavy worsted or Aran weight yarn, consider following the directions for one size smaller than you want the blanket to turn out.

Finished size and amount of yarn needed may vary depending on yarn choice and gauge...so buy some extra yarn just in case!

If you prefer super bulky weight yarn please see my Stones in the Road blanket knitting pattern.

STONEHEDGE FIBER MILL - SHEPHERD'S WOOL:

Last summer I visited Stonehedge Fiber Mill in East Jordan, Michigan.  It was such a treat to visit with the owners of this family run company.  I purchased several skeins of Shepherd's Wool worsted weight yarn in the pretty color 'Beaches'.  This yarn is lovely!  I loved using this yarn for my Northern Trail blanket.  It's a very nice quality wool...a vintage and traditional feel, wonderful stitch definition, and it's a pleasure to knit up.  It's woolly...without being scratchy.

I used Shepherd's Wool for a scarf project in 2017 and I just love it!

This is their tiny shop on their farm in East Jordan, Michigan.  It was a pleasure to chat with the owner on a dreary summer day! Their yarn is also sold in many shops around the US, as well as Canada, Israel and Norway.  Click here to see their list of shops that carry their yarn.

Stonehedge Fiber Mill yarn shop in East Jordan, Michigan.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend taking the time to block this blanket after weaving in the ends.  As you can see in the photo below, the stockinette stitch area between the 'seed stitch stripes' and the seed stitch border tends to pucker and look bumpy...and generally look unattractive. Blocking removed all these issues!

Click here to see my blog post on my new Fifty Four Ten Studio website with lots of tips on blocking your finished blanket project.

Working on my 'Northern Trail' blanket knitting pattern.

SKILLS NEEDED:

This is an easy knitting project for any knitter who has mastered knit and purl stitches, and changing back and forth from knit to purl.  You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends.

If you already know how to work seed stitch and stockinette stitch then you have the skills to work this pattern.

Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Northern Trail blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

Or, click here to purchase the Northern Trail pattern at FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

It's also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

DO MORE OF WHAT YOU ENJOY:

I hope that you are able to have time today to do something you enjoy and that makes you happy.  One of my goals for this year is to: "do more things that make you forget to check your phone."  Knitting, reading books, spending time with family, going for a walk...these are always at the top of my list.  And, this year I'm adding to the list to try some new recipes, go to the art museum (more than once a year!) and take walks through some beautiful spots in our city (when the weather warms up!).

My friend gave me this beautiful amaryllis - the blooms were stunning!  

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading.  Have a wonderful day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

My Favorite Knitting Projects from 2018

Before we get too far into the new year, I wanted to take a minute to say THANK YOU for your interest in my knitting designs, for purchasing my knitting patterns and for all your kind feedback. It means so much to me to hear that you have enjoyed using my patterns!

In November, I celebrated five years of designing and publishing knitting patterns. This past year was an outstanding and rewarding year for my little home based business...I appreciate your support so much!!

Here's a collage of my favorite knitting photos and projects from 2018...

Fifty Four Ten Studio - Favorite Knitting Projects from 2018

Here's a guide to the photos shown.  Click the links to see the blog post about each pattern:

Top Left: Childhood Wishes cable blanket knitting pattern
Top Right: Piece of Home blanket knitting pattern
Center Left: Quality Time scarf (and blanket) knitting pattern
Center: River of Dreams bed runner blanket knitting pattern
Center Right: Plymouth Select yarn I used for my Stay on the Ridge blanket pattern.
Lower Left: Game Time blanket knitting pattern
Lower Center: Stay on the Ridge blanket knitting pattern
Lower Right: Window Seat blanket knitting pattern

THREE FAVORITES:

It's hard to pick favorites...because I only publish the designs that I really love! (Yes - there are designs that didn't make it past a few inches of knitting...or I finished but wasn't pleased with the results.)  Here's my three favorite knitting pattern designs from 2018:

1. My favorite project of 2018 is my River of Dreams bed runner blanket!  I absolutely love how this project turned out!  And...I love that knitters have really enjoyed using this pattern.

My goal for this design was to create a classic style with a modern twist...take a basic, simple cable and make it really stand out with super bulky yarn.   The bed runner has a seed stitch border on all of the edges.  The pattern includes instructions for twin, full, queen and king size bed runners.  (Note: this is an accent blanket intended for the end of the bed...it does not cover the entire bed!)

River of Dreams bed runner blanket knitting pattern

River of Dreams bed runner knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Designed for Super Bulky Yarn:
I used Lion Brand Hometown USA super bulky yarn for my River of Dreams bed runner.  I picked the 'Springfield Silver' shade which looks great with the neutral color palette in our guest room.

Lion Brand Hometown USA is very soft and very economically priced. The yarn is available in a wide range of colors. I especially love the neutrals such as 'Dallas Grey' (see it shown in my Westport Blanket knitting pattern), 'Chicago Charcoal' (see it shown in my North of the River blanket), and 'Houston Cream' (I'm working on a project with this right now!).

Note that 'Springfield Silver' is one of the "print" or "tweed" colorways and comes in 64 yard skeins.  Solid color Hometown USA skeins are 81 yards.  Be sure to double check the yardage when purchasing.

If you prefer a woolly texture and appearance...try Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.  I've used it with many designs - such as my Game Time blanket below.

Working on my River of Dreams bed runner blanket knitting design.

2. My second favorite pattern from 2018 is my Game Time blanket (and scarf) design.  In late September, I decided I really wanted to make a fall inspired blanket and it called for branching out from my standard blue and gray color palette!  I ordered 8 skeins of the 'Mustard' colorway of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick. The day the yarn arrived I cast on for this blanket...and I finished knitting the blanket within eight days!  I enjoyed knitting outside on some beautiful fall days when the leaves were changing colors...matching my mustard yellow yarn.

Game Time blanket knitting pattern.

Game Time blanket & scarf knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy, Craftsy    and LoveKnitting.

This pattern uses an easy to remember four row repeat stitch pattern that gives great texture and is reversible!

I made the medium size throw which is 41" wide x 45" long.  The pattern includes instructions for 6 blanket sizes...plus a scarf.

This blanket is a favorite because I loved the experience of knitting it last fall, outside when the weather was beautiful, and I'm so pleased with how the color worked with the texture of the pattern.

3. And...my third favorite pattern from 2019 is my Quality Time scarf (and blanket) knitting pattern.  It's the worsted weight version of the Game Time blanket (above).  This pattern is a favorite because of the memories of the day I bought the yarn...and because I have worn this scarf on every cold day this winter!

Quality Time scarf knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio.

Quality Time blanket and scarf knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy, LoveKnitting and Craftsy.

I used two skeins of Malabrigo Rios in 'Bobby Blue' which I bought at a cute shop in Fairfield, Iowa called At Home Store.  They have a beautiful selection of kitchen, home and baby gifts...as well as a lovely selection of yarn!  This scarf  reminds me of one of my favorite days of 2018 when I got to spend some quality time with someone special.

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Here's a sneak peak at one of the projects I'm working on right now...

Working on a new blanket knitting pattern design.

The yarn for this project is Lion Brand's new 'Color Made Easy' bulky weight yarn in the colorway 'Basalt'.  I'm thrilled with the stitch definition of this yarn and I absolutely love the color.  A really nice rich medium gray...a lovely neutral shade.

I have a long list of knitting goals for 2019!  Stay tuned!  I'll share updates on Instagram and  Facebook.  And, sign up for my email announcements using the 'Subscribe to our email list' option on the right side of your computer screen - near the top of the blog page. (This may not show up as an option when viewing on your phone - still working on how to successfully provide this option without annoying pop-ups!)  

To learn more about each of my patterns, visit my pages on Ravelry, LoveKnitting, Etsy and  Craftsy (soon to be called Bluprint).

Best wishes for a healthy and happy new year!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio