Knitting the First Square of the Traveling Afghan Project and How to Block It

Last weekend I knit up the first square of the Traveling Afghan project!

This 10” x 10” square was really quick to knit and I love how it turned out!

Alexandra of Two of Wands released the pattern for this first square on her website earlier this month. She said this basket weave stitch pattern was inspired by designers from 7 different countries coming together to collaborate on this year-long project.

First square of the Traveling Knit Afghan project...before blocking.

As I knit this square, I reflected on how much I value the opportunity to connect with knitters close to home in Kansas City, throughout my country and around the world through our love of yarn and knitting. I was thinking of my in person knitting friends and the wonderful makers I have connected with on Instagram, Facebook and Ravelry. 

Keep reading below for tips on how to block the Traveling Afghan squares.

Click here to get the instructions for square #1 on the Two of Wands website.

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

WHAT IS THE TRAVELING AFGHAN PROJECT:

The Traveling Afghan is a collaborative project being created by designers around the world.  The project is sponsored by Lion Brand Yarn (they are providing yarn and underwriting all shipping costs!) and is being coordinated by the lovely and super organized Alexandra of Two of Wands.

Approximately every two weeks the Traveling Afghan will be mailed to a designer who will add their 10"x 10" square to the blanket.

When the designer reveals their square they will provide the instructions on their website for free. Makers can follow along through the year, collect the pattern instructions from each designer’s website and create their own sampler style afghan.

You can participate by using worsted weight yarn from your stash, purchasing a kit from Lion Brand Yarn website [affiliate link], or purchasing your preferred worsted weight yarn.  (The project will require approximately 3,150 yards.  More yarn needed if using multiple colorways.)

I am thrilled to be one of 25 knitting designers participating in the Traveling Knit Afghan project! This year-long collaborative effort will feature stories from the designers about their paths as makers, and will give you the opportunity to learn new stitches.

Would you like to participate?  It’s not too late to join in the fun! Click here to read LOTS more about this project on my new Fifty Four Ten Studio website, including a list of all the designers participating in the project, on my Traveling Afghan blog page.  


HOW TO BLOCK A TRAVELING AFGHAN SQUARE:

For best appearance, I highly recommend blocking each of the squares for the Traveling Afghan.  Blocking works wonders to train your knitting to the desired dimensions and will improve the appearance of stitches.

If you have not blocked your knitting before this project is a great time to give it a try!

My plan is to block each square as I complete it so it won't be a huge project to block all 24 squares at the end of the year....that's the plan anyway!

NOTE: You may notice in the photos that I did not weave in the ends on my knitted square.  Normally...I recommend weaving in all of the ends on the knitting project before blocking.  For this project where many 10" square knitting pieces will be sewn together...I left very long ends and I will use those end pieces to sew the squares together as I join together the squares.

Here are the steps I used to block my first Traveling Afghan square....

1. Soak the finished square in a bowl of cold water for about 20 minutes.  Use your hand to push the knitting under the water so all parts of the knitting are submerged and wet.

Soak in a bowl of cold water.

2.  Transfer the knitting to a colander (a bowl with holes in the bottom for draining pasta, etc.) and let the knitting sit for 10 - 15 minutes and allow some excess water to drain off.

Use a colander to drain excess water.

3. Place the knitting on an old towel and allow it to sit for a few minutes.  This will help soak up a little more excess water.  Be sure to use a towel that is similar in color to your yarn...or one that will not transfer color to your yarn.  (In other words, don't use a red towel with white yarn or you could end up with a pink knitted square!)

Transfer to an old towel to soak up some excess water.

4.  Transfer the knitted square to a foam blocking mat, adjust the knitting to the desired size (for this project each square should be 10" x 10") and then pin the edges in place using rust resistant T-pins or sewing pins.  

Be careful with the pins...they can go through the mat and scratch the surface underneath!

First square of Traveling Afghan pinned on the blocking mat.

Take your time on this step.  Carefully adjust the knitting so that the stitches on the edges and center of knitting are straight and even.  Use the edges of the mat and a measuring tape or ruler as a guide to make the edges very straight and position the knitted square so it is 10" high x 10" wide.

Check the stitches in the center of the piece and adjust as necessary to make the rows straight and even.

About blocking mats....

I have two sets of POCO-DIVO "child play mats".   Each set includes nine 12" mats that fit together like puzzle pieces. (One piece shown in the photo above.)  I have two sets so I have enough pieces to make a mat large enough to block large blankets.

(Over the last few years, I have published about 30 blanket knitting patterns...so I have blocked a lot of blankets in recent years!) 

There are other blocking mat products available...including this set of 9 white mats with grid lines and 150 T-pins or this set of thick mats with grid lines and a box of T-pins.

Another idea I learned from one of my customers is to use yoga mats or exercise foam mats for blocking...what a great 'multipurpose' idea!

If you do not have blocking mats...it is definitely possible to have good results without them.  You can set your knitting up on old towels or a sheet...just make sure the surface underneath is water resistant.

5. Allow knitting to dry.  If desired, set up a small fan to expedite the drying process.  Or, place the knitting in front of a heating vent in the winter.

6. When the square is dry...store it in safe place and wait for the next Traveling Afghan square instructions to be revealed!

Square #1 of Traveling Knit Afghan - After Blocking

These small Traveling Afghan squares are a great opportunity to practice blocking!

If you are making a large blanket in one large piece, click here to read more blocking tips on this blog post on my new website.

There have been some questions about how to join the squares together.  I'm planning to do a future blog post on this topic!

Click here to sign up for my email list to keep up to date on future tutorials and new pattern announcements.

I hope you enjoy participating in the Traveling Afghan project!

QUESTIONS: If you have any questions about the project....be sure to CLICK HERE to go to the information page on my website.  There's lots of information and answers to frequently asked questions.

If you still have questions after reading...send me an email at: FiftyFourTenStudio@gmail.com.

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Thanks to Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana for Hosting a Fifty Four Ten Studio Trunk Show!

Recently, I shipped five of my favorite blanket samples off across the country for a trunk show at Yarn Bar...a yarn shop in Billings, Montana.  After the box arrived safely, Sue and Linda, the owners of Yarn Bar, sent this lovely photo of the trunk show set-up.  The blankets will be on display through Saturday, October 5, 2019.

I'm so appreciative of their thoughtful, attractive display of my blanket samples!

Fifty Four Ten Studio trunk show at Yarn Bar in Montana

It's feeling very appropriate that my first 'out-of-town' trunk show is in Montana.  A few months ago, my aunt mentioned that she enjoyed reading my January blog post that mentioned the Yarn Bar store.  She reminded me that her father (my grandfather) worked for a while in Billings, Montana when he was a young man.  He was a traveling salesman - selling candy, playing cards and other small items wholesale to grocery stores - around the Montana and northern Wyoming region.  It was the mid-1930's - early 1940's.  Times were tough.  Jobs were hard to come by.  He didn't talk about this time in his life very often....but he did just enough for us to know that he had persevered through some hard times.

In 1942, he took a chance on a job offer in Kansas City.  One of the biggest challenges was finding a place to live - it was war time and housing options were very limited.  He was able to rent a one- bedroom apartment on the 7th floor of a 'hotel'.  Soon, his wife and two very young daughters joined him in Kansas City.  It was a tight living situation that he thought would be short term.  The four of them lived in the one-bedroom apartment for eight years...far longer than he planned.

After looking for a long time (housing was scarce during the war years) - they purchased their first home.  The house number was 5410....the number that inspired the name Fifty Four Ten Studio.  Here's a favorite winter photo of the house....

My grandparent's house - 5410.

My frugal, hard-working grandfather would be quite pleased that I've made this connection with a yarn shop in Billings.  He died in 1998...so it would be hard for him to comprehend that I connected with Sue and Linda through the internet and social media!  He was of the paper, pencil and land-line telephone era.

Here's a closer look at the blankets that I sent to Yarn Bar for the trunk show...

Fifty Four Ten Studio - blankets for knitting trunk show!

The patterns shown in the photo above - clockwise starting from the top:

Click links to learn more about the patterns here on my blog...

Green: Prairie Fields blanket
Blue: On the Map blanket
Stone: Stay on the Ridge blanket
Turquoise: Dance on the Breeze blanket
Light Stone / Tan: Northern Trail blanket

Sue and Linda added their store sample of my 'On the Porch' blanket knitting pattern to the trunk show.  They have had this beautiful yellow blanket on display in their store for quite a while.  They used Cestari Sheep Mount Vernon worsted weight yarn in the colorway 'Daffodil'.  (Sue and Linda rave about this yarn - it's on my list to try!)  This blanket is so full of sunshine!

On the Porch blanket - store sample by Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana

One of these days I'm going to make it out to Montana to meet Sue and Linda in person!  I can't thank them enough for all their kindness and support.

In other news....I'm working on a couple of new knitting projects (more on those soon!), reading a good book (Meet Me at the Museum by Anne Youngson), watching the Country Music series by Ken Burns on PBS, and patiently waiting for some nice, cool fall days to arrive here in Kansas City!

Have a great day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

New Blanket Knitting Pattern - Dance on the Breeze

I'm so happy to introduce my new blanket knitting pattern - Dance on the Breeze.

This blanket pattern is designed for worsted weight yarn and the pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.

This design was inspired by many customer requests for a lighter weight version of my popular Winter Dance chunky blanket knitting pattern.

Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern may be purchased on my Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

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

Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

If you are a fan of the movie Mary Poppins then you have probably guessed the inspiration for the name of this pattern. The song "Let's Go Fly a Kite" is one of many cheerful songs in the movie...and it reminds us to take some time to have fun...especially with the children in our lives.  Summertime is a great time to get outside: have a picnic in the park, go to the playground at a park, play catch with a Frisbee, go for a walk in a scenic place, go for a bike ride...or go fly a kite!  It doesn't have to be an expensive outing to make wonderful memories.

Here's a bit of the lyrics from 'Let's Go Fly a Kite'....

Oh, oh, oh!
Let's go fly a kite
Up to the highest height!
Let's go fly a kite and send it soaring
Up through the atmosphere
Up where the air is clear
Oh, let's go fly a kite!

When you send it flyin' up there
All at once you're lighter than air
You can dance on the breeze
Over 'ouses and trees
With your fist 'olding tight
To the string of your kite


SIX BLANKET SIZES:
Approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 27.5” wide x  31” long
Small Blanket: 31.5” wide x 36” long
Medium Blanket: 35.5” wide x 40” long
Large Throw: 39” wide x 45” long
XL Throw: 43” wide x 51” long
XXL Afghan: 53” wide x 60” 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 .67" to the length of the blanket.

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

The blanket shown in the photos is the small size blanket - about 31.5" wide x 36" long.  I used approximately 775 yards of Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn for this project.

Dance on the Breeze blanket pattern features a seed stitch border and
an easy to remember four-row repeat pattern for the center of the blanket.

WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:

Baby Blanket: 600 - 620 yards
Small Blanket: 780 - 800 yards
Medium Throw: 1000 - 1030 yards
Large Throw: 1250 - 1300 yards
XL Afghan: 1500 - 1600 yards
XXL Afghan: 2250 - 2350 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.

I used Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in the 'Splash' colorway.  This yarn is made of 55% superwash wool and 45% certified organic cotton and is part of the Blue Sky Fibers family of yarns.  I am a huge fan of this beautiful yarn.  The stitch definition is fabulous!  I purchased the yarn for this project at Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri.

Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern

I also used the Spud & Chloe Sweater yarn for my Making Plans blanket knitting pattern design.

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 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 Winter Dance blanket knitting pattern.

NEEDLES:

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.  If you are tackling the XXL or 3XL size blanket, look for needles with a very long cord...such as 40" or longer.  The needles do not have to be the same width as the project, but need to be long enough to accommodate a large number of stitches that can be slightly scrunched together.

I used US size 8 Knitter's Pride Nova Platina knitting needles for my Dance on the Breeze 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.

The blanket is knit flat in one piece using long circular knitting needles.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend taking the time to block this blanket after weaving in the ends.  Spending a little extra time carefully blocking the project can really improve the final appearance of the project!

January 30, 2020 Update: Click here to see my updated blog post on how to block your blanket.  The post includes lots of tips and step-by-step photos.

Dance on the Breeze 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.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Fifty Four Ten Studio Website: Click here to purchase at FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

Ravelry: Click here to purchase the Dance on the Breeze blanket knitting pattern on Ravelry.

Etsy:  Click here to purchase the Dance on the Breeze knitting pattern on Etsy.

HAPPY SUMMER!

I hope you are able to enjoy some relaxing time with family and friends this summer!

Thanks so much for your interest in my knitting patterns!

Mary Lee

Projects Made Using Fifty Four Ten Studio Knitting Patterns: Volume #2

This is the second installment of "How Knitters Use Fifty Four Ten Studio Patterns"!  It's such a joy to see how knitters have used my patterns to make special items for their family and friends...as well as their own home.  These are just a few of many lovely finished projects.  (Click here to see the first post about customer projects from March 2019.)

All photos shared with the permission of each knitter.

Click the links on each pattern name or photo to read more about each pattern on my blog.

Moza's Lovely 'Westport Blanket':

In April, I received a sweet message from Moza sharing this lovely work-in-progress photo of the Westport Blanket. Her blanket looks gorgeous!!  The light, neutral yarn color allows her beautiful stitches to shine. She is using DMC Natura Just Cotton XL yarn in the ‘Cream’ colorway. It’s a super bulky weight yarn that’s available in 30 colorways.

Westport Blanket made by Moza

Moza lives in UAE - United Arab Emirates. It’s such a joy to be able to exchange messages with knitters who live on the other side of the world from me!  I grew up in the 1970’s and 80’s so I will never take for granted how amazing this experience is thanks to technology. (When I started my first job after college in 1991 the office did not have a fax machine yet. Customers had to call on the phone to place an order! That was before email and internet, too.)

My Westport Blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Jenny's Wonderful 'Westport Blanket':

Here's another Westport Blanket made by Jenny.  These are two of several wonderful project photos Jenny shared on Ravelry.  She used Bernatt Softee Chunky super bulky yarn in the 'True Grey' colorway.  Her finished blanket looks fabulous!

Westport Blanket project by Jenny

Love this photo Jenny captured when she started her Westport Blanket project!

Kim's Beautiful Blue 'Piece of Home' Blanket:

Kim shared this pretty blue version of the Piece of Home blanket on her @jediknightling Instagram page and on Ravelry.  I love how she included a little Lego mini-figure in each of her photos!  Her finished blanket measures 56" wide x 68" long...that's big cozy blanket!

Piece of Home blanket made by Kim

Kim used an acrylic yarn called Spotlight Value Ball Spot Saver USA Style in the 'Peacock' colorway.  The results are beautiful!  

Piece of Home blanket: work-in-progress by Kim.

Piece of Home blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Ruth's Pretty Pink 'Piece of Home' Blanket:

Ruth also made the Piece of Home blanket in this lovely 'Rosebud' colorway of Berroco Comfort Worsted.  She made this pretty pink blanket as a gift for her friend's first granddaughter....so sweet!

Ruth's Piece of Home blanket project

Sandy's Wonderful 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' Blanket Project:

It was so fun to spot this Instagram photo of Sandy's 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' blanket carefully blocked and drying outdoors on a sunny spring day.  She used Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Bulky in 'Colonial Blue' for her blanket project.  And...how about that darling little cardigan?!  Sandy used the Frida Baby Cardigan knitting pattern from WEBS Yarns.

'Where the Sidewalk Ends' blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Sandy's 'Where the Sidewalk Ends' blanket project.

Dawn's Beautiful 'Boulevard Blanket':

Dawn made this striped version of The Boulevard Blanket using Caron Chunky Cakes in the 'Plum Perfect' colorway.  The yarn is self striping in a super bulky weight.  The yarn worked beautifully with this easy to knit pattern!

The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern is FREE everyday on Ravelry and LoveKnitting.

The Boulevard Blanket made by Dawn

Anyone notice the blue and raspberry pink theme going here with several of these projects?!  It's just a coincidence! 

Sherri's Splendid 'On the Porch' Blanket:

I love this close-up photo of Sherri's cheerful, green On the Porch blanket that she shared on Instagram.  She made her beautiful blanket with Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton worsted weight yarn in the 'Pickle' colorway.

On the Porch blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

On the Porch blanket knit by Sherri - using Blue Sky Fibers Organic Cotton

Thank you so much to Moza, Jenny, Kim, Ruth, Sandy, Dawn and Sherri for sharing their Fifty Four Ten Studio project photos....and for allowing me to share their beautiful photos with you here on my blog.  It's such a treat to see how other knitters use my knitting patterns!  

Thanks for sharing your Fifty Four Ten Studio project photos!

How to share your photos and be considered for a future blog post:  

Instagram: Share your Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting project on Instagram and tag your photo with @FiftyFourTenStudio and #FiftyFourTenStudio.  (If your account is private, I won't be able to see your photo.)

Ravelry Projects: It's so fun to see all the Fifty Four Ten Studio projects that have been shared on Ravelry.  I try to look for recently shared projects every month or so.

Or...send me an email anytime!  My email address is in every pattern.  I love hearing from knitters!

Photos selected based on an attractive project and interesting, clear project photos.  Taking good quality photos can take some practice.  But, it's easier than ever to practice photography skills thanks to the amazing capabilities of the cameras on most smart phones.

Tips for taking photos of your knitting projects:

1. Natural light is best!  Turn off lamps and ceiling lights.  Arrange your project near a window with soft daylight or take your project outside. 
2. Avoid harsh, direct sunlight. An overcast day is great for photos.
3. Turn off the flash on your camera.
4. Take at least 10 photos.  Try different angles.  Pick your favorites and delete the rest!
5. If you don't like how the photos turn out...try a different location.

Here's a sneak peek at the new design I'm working on now!  I'm using Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' organic cotton and superwash wool blend yarn in the 'Splash' colorway.  I purchased this yarn at Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri.

My current knitting project - working on a new design
using Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in the 'Splash' colorway.

Thanks so much for reading!  Have a fabulous day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Making Plans - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - Making Plans.

This blanket design features an easy to remember four-row repeat and a seed stitch border.  The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.

Making Plans blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

The pattern may also be purchased on the Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Making Plans - blanket knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn.

January 28, 2020 UPDATE: My blog has a new location at FiftyFourTenStudio.com!  Click here if you would like to read this post on my new website. 

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

Each little purl stitch in the center of the Making Plans blanket represents the numerous little tasks that must be completed when making plans…especially big plans.  Every big step in life requires the accomplishment of many small details in order to achieve the bigger goal:  starting a new business, changing jobs, graduating from school, welcoming a child to the family, moving to a new home, getting a first apartment, starting college, celebrating a wedding…and so much more.  

I met Trish in October 2018 when she was making plans to open her yarn shop….YarnSocial.  This blanket design is inspired by her!  

Connecting with Trish started when I attended my first SunflowerKnitters Guild meeting and someone mentioned a new yarn shop was in the works in the Kansas City area.  Through Instagram I found @yarnsocial and soon received a kind invitation from Trish to stop by and meet her.  The first day I visited her shop she was so warm and cheerful…and excited about taking this new step in her life to begin on a new career path.  Her list of tasks was incredibly long in order to accomplish her goal of opening the shop about a month later – but she was calm and obviously organized.  As we chatted for over an hour about her plans for the shop, the yarn she would stock and all things knitting, I immediately felt fortunate to have connected with Trish.  She is so welcoming, kind, smart and enthusiastic.  With a lot of hard work and carefully made plans, Yarn Social opened five weeks later.  The space that was virtually empty when I saw it in October was transformed into a welcoming, bright and well-stocked yarn shop.  It was such a treat to see Trish soaking up the joy of a mission accomplished!  Here’s to celebrating the joy in making plans.

This is just one section of the many shelves of yarn at Yarn Social!

If you live in the Kansas City area, or ever find yourself visiting the area, be sure to set aside a bit of time to visit Yarn Social!  (It's very close to The Plaza and Westport areas...and not far from downtown Kansas City.)

Yarn Social - a darling little yarn shop in Kansas City, Missouri

And...look for the yellow 'Making Plans' blanket which is now on display permanently at Yarn Social!

Making Plans blanket on display at Yarn Social in Kansas City.

May 2019: Yarn Social is offering kits to make the 'Making Plans' blanket!

The 'Firefly' colorway from the Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn collection is the perfect match for the Yarn Social logo!   

Yarn Social - yarn shop in Kansas City, Missouri

Making Plans blanket knitting pattern includes instructions for 6 blanket sizes.

SIX BLANKET SIZES:
Approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 26.5” wide x 30” long
Small Blanket: 28.5” wide x 31.5” long
Medium Throw: 31.5” wide x 38” long
Large Throw: 35.5” wide x 42” long
XL Afghan: 41.5” wide x 50” long
XXL Afghan: 49.5” wide x 60” 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 .67" to the length of the blanket.

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

The yellow blanket shown in the photos is the small size blanket - about 28.5" wide x 31.5" long.

Making Plans blanket knitting pattern.

WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:

Baby Blanket: 580 - 600 yards
Small Blanket: 620 - 650 yards
Medium Throw: 870 - 900 yards
Large Throw: 1100 - 1150 yards
XL Afghan: 1500 - 1600 yards
XXL Afghan: 2200 - 2300 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.

I used Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in the 'Firefly' colorway.  This yarn is made of 55% superwash wool and 45% certified organic cotton and is part of the Blue Sky Fibers family of yarns.  I am a huge fan of this beautiful yarn - in fact, I've already started another project with this yarn.  The stitch definition is fabulous.  I'm absolutely thrilled with the results!  Yarn Social carries the full selection of 30 beautiful colorways.

Working on my 'Making Plans' blanket with
Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in the 'Firefly' colorway.

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 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 Third Street Blanket knitting pattern.

NEEDLES:

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 Making Plans 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.

Use circular needles to knit the blanket in order to hold all of the stitches.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend taking the time to block this blanket after weaving in the ends.

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.

I loved knitting my 'Making Plans' blanket with this cheery yellow yarn!
Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' worsted weight yarn in 'Firefly'.

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.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

RAVELRY: Making Plans blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

FIFTY FOUR TEN STUDIO: Click here to purchase on the Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

ENJOYING SPRING DAYS:

It's been a beautiful spring in Kansas City.  Here's a few photos from a recent quick visit to the Kauffman Gardens.  (Tip: It's open every day and it's only two miles from Yarn Social!)

Yellow tulip - close up!

Yellow tulips & a lovely fountain at Kauffman Gardens.

Many varieties of tulips in bloom at the Kauffman Gardens.

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

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

All These Places - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

It's so fun to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - All These Places.

All These Places blanket knitting pattern is designed for bulky weight yarn.  I loved using Lion Brand Yarn 'Color Made Easy' bulky yarn in the colorway 'Basalt' for this project.  More about the yarn below!

All These Places blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry. 

The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

All These Places - blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

All these places bring back fond memories from my childhood...memories woven together with love for the people who were there...

My grandparents' home...that inspired the name Fifty Four Ten Studio.  The house number was 5410.  They purchased the home when my mother was a girl.   I was very young when they sold the house but the memories are preserved through photos of cousins dressed up and posing by the front door.

My other grandparents' home...and the living room where we gathered and celebrated every Christmas Eve.

My childhood home...and the little room where my mother let me use her sewing machine anytime I wanted.  (She really didn't like to use the sewing machine so she was happy to let me use it!)

Stores in Kansas City's Brookside neighborhood where I grew up...especially The Dime Store where we shopped frequently.  I remember the wide selection of merchandise - toys, gifts, office supplies, greeting cards, seasonal decorations, household essentials, etc. - displayed floor to ceiling, the well-worn hardwood floors, the owner greeting us when we walked in the door, and buying our school supplies there every fall before the start of the school year.

All These Places - blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX BLANKET SIZES:

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

Baby Blanket: 27.75" wide x 35" long
Small Blanket: 31" wide x 39.5" long
Medium Throw: 34.5" wide x 44" long
Large Throw: 41.25" wide x 48.5" long
XL Throw: 44.5" wide x 53" long
XXL Afghan: 51.5" wide x 62" long

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 4.5" to the length of the blanket.

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

I made the Medium Throw which is about 34.5" wide x 44" long after blocking.

All These Places - blanket knitting pattern for bulky weight yarn.

BULKY WEIGHT YARN:

Baby Blanket: 550 - 580 yards
Small Blanket: 690 - 730 yards
Medium Throw: 860 - 900 yards
Large Throw: 1150 - 1200 yards
XL Throw: 1330 - 1400 yards
XXL Afghan: 1850 - 1950 yards

Be sure to buy additional yarn if you plan to add length to your project.  Estimates for additional yardage needed to make each size longer are noted in the pattern.

This pattern may be used with slightly lighter weight yarns.  Select the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.  To adapt for worsted or Aran weight yarn, follow the instructions for 2 or 3 sizes larger 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!

I used Lion Brand Yarn 'Color Made Easy' bulky weight yarn in the colorway 'Basalt'.  This bulky weight yarn has a lovely, light weight feel.  The stitch definition is fantastic!! I'm absolutely thrilled with the final appearance of this project.  This yarn is 100% acrylic, easy care and affordably priced. And, it's available in more than 20 pretty colorways. I really enjoyed knitting with it! (In fact, I've already started on another design using this yarn!)

All These Places blanket knitting pattern - work in progress.

NEEDLES:

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

I used US size 10.5 knitting needles for my All These Places 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.

BLOCKING OF FINISHED BLANKET HIGHLY RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend taking the time to block this blanket after weaving in the ends.

As you can see in the photos below, the stockinette stitch area between the garter stitch squares tends to pucker and look bumpy.  The knitting also tends to gather in at the center a bit.  Blocking removed all these issues!

I made the medium size blanket which measured about 28" wide x 43" long before blocking.  After blocking...the same blanket measures 34.5" wide x 44" long....the width changed by more than 6"!

Click here to see my blog post with lots of tips on blocking your finished blanket project.

Before blocking - center of blanket is bunched together.

Before blocking - the garter stitch border does not lay flat.

Recently, I've been using an old clear plastic quilting ruler to adjust stitches when blocking my projects.  I use the edge of the ruler to push the stitches into a straight line.

Using a quilting ruler to push stitches into a straight, even line.

SKILLS NEEDED:

This is an easy knitting project for a confident knitter.  The pattern is a 20 row repeat so it does require some attention to keep track of which row is being worked.  It's not hard...just not as easy as some of my other patterns. You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, change back and forth from knit to purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind off stitches and weave in ends.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

All These Places blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

It's also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

______________________________

As February comes to a close, we're anxiously awaiting signs of spring here in Kansas City.  Spring flowers, watching Royals' baseball games, getting outside for an afternoon walk, knitting on the deck...all things to look forward to!

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

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

All These Places - blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio