"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

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! :)

Felt Applique Mitten Christmas Ornament - Updated Pattern!

I've completely updated one of my first knitting patterns!  My Felt Applique Mitten Christmas Ornament knitting pattern has received a cosmetic update as well as new ideas.  I made some revisions to the pattern layout and updated some photos.  The best part is...the update includes new felt applique design ideas.  I've added patterns for felt uppercase letters in a cute font style, as well as numbers in two sizes.

My Felt Applique Mitten Christmas Ornament knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting, Etsy and Craftsy.

Felt Applique Mitten Ornament - Updated Pattern!

Initially, I planned to make some minor updates to my pattern layout so it would more closely match the style of my newer published patterns.  As I was working on the updates and knitting lots of mittens with my stash worsted weight yarn, I came up with the idea to stitch felt letters and numbers on the mittens.

I love how the letters and numbers look stitched on the mittens!  There are so many ways to use the letters and numbers to make special personalized gifts.  Children love receiving gifts with the first letter of their name.  For a family gift I'll make custom mini mitten ornaments with the last name initial.  The number patterns can be used to celebrate a child's age or team number.

My pattern includes two sizes of number patterns.  The larger font size matches the letter patterns in scale and works well for one digit numbers (see #7 mitten above).  I've also included smaller, narrower numbers so you can fit two digit numbers on the front of the mitten (see the #24 mitten above).

Did I mention that all of the felt patterns are easy to print and cut out?  No resizing of patterns is necessary!

I've succeeded in using a good amount of stash yarn by knitting a bunch of mitten ornaments to give as Christmas gifts.  The #7 ornament will be for my nephew who will be seven years old by next Christmas.  The "R" ornament will be for my son.  The red mittens below were knit with Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride in 'Red Hot Passion'.  The light blue gray #24 mitten is the first for a countdown to Christmas mitten garland!  I'm really excited about this project.  I'm going to use as much stash yarn as possible and have the mittens be a variety of colors.

Pattern includes full set of uppercase letter & two sizes of numbers.

It's fun to stitch on a felt letter to make a personalized gift!

This month I also made a few mitten ornaments with felt hearts and another mini mitten ornament with a felt house...which kind of matches our home!  The blue mitten below was knit with Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted in the color 'Brite Blue'.  I used aqua colored felt for the heart and light aqua DMC embroidery floss to stitch the heart on the mitten.

Mini Mitten with Felt Heart Applique Design

The white mitten below was knit with Berroco Vintage.  I purchased my felt for these projects from SweetEmmaJean on Etsy.  I love their selection of colors and they ship very quickly!

Mini Mitten Ornament with Little House Felt Decoration

My mitten ornament pattern still includes instructions for all of the original designs: heart, house, star and snowman.  These mini mittens can be made with just about any worsted weight yarn.  Each mitten requires about 25 yards of yarn.  You will also need felt in desired colors, DMC embroidery floss or #5 pearl cotton, US size 3 & 5 knitting needles, two stitch holders, two stitch markers, a tapestry needle and a sharp embroidery needle.  And, if you would like, an old button for the heart and star designs.

Pattern includes Heart, Star & House felt applique designs.

This pattern is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Thank you so much for reading!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Knitting my way into the new year!

It's possible that I did more knitting in December than any other month last year!  I was definitely motivated to knit several Christmas ornament gifts as the deadline for wrapping up gifts approached.  (Happens every year doesn't it?!)  Then, in the last week of the year I got started on gifts for Christmas 2016.  It's possible (maybe!) that I won't be in such a rush next Christmas.  :)

Here's a few photos of my December knitting projects...

I made this mini sweater Christmas ornament for a sweet girl who is like a niece to me.  I stitched on a felt heart with DMC embroidery floss and added an old button to the center of the heart. (By the way...my pattern includes directions for how to make a mini wire hanger!)

Mini Sweater Christmas Ornament with Felt Heart Applique

I liked the aqua sweater with a heart so much that I made one in red!  I used Lamb's Pride Brown Sheep worsted weight yarn to knit these ornaments.

Mini Sweater Ornament in Red with a White Felt Heart

Buy the Mini Sweater Ornament Knitting Pattern on Ravelry, Etsy or FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

For a boy who played football last fall, I modified my mini sweater ornament pattern to make a "jersey" style ornament with his team colors and his #11 jersey number.  I hear that he loved seeing his jersey number on his custom ornament.  (I'm working on writing up the pattern for this short sleeve sweater ornament with options for felt applique numbers and letters....more info soon!)

These are just a few of the small knitted gifts I made for Christmas gifts! To see all the photos check out my Instagram page.

After all the Christmas festivities were done I had time to do more knitting.  I pulled out that red yarn again and knit a few little red houses.

I used my knitting pattern - The Little House - which can be found on Ravelry, Craftsy and Etsy.

Little Red House..."under construction".

After sewing up the seams on the base structure of the house, I knit the roof in white...to represent a snowy roof.  Did you notice the cute holiday sweater napkin in the photo below?  My sweet sister-in-law gave a package of those to me last year.  Pretty much a perfect little gift for a knitter!

Roof construction in progress.

Then I stitched a felt door to the front with DMC embroidery floss. A french knot makes the perfect door knob.  I added tiny windows to each side of the house.  After the felt applique pieces were complete, I stuffed the house with a little bit of polyfil and stitched on the roof piece.  I will thread a piece of yarn to the top of my tiny red house to use it as a Christmas ornament on our tree next year.  And, I have a few more of these little red houses in progress to give as gifts next Christmas!

Finishing up a few little red houses!

The Little House knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

I also ended 2015 having discovered Instagram...finally!  I love it!  I'm so inspired by the many talented knitters, makers, photographers and artists I have discovered on Instagram.  If you would like to see more behind the scenes photos of my knitting, follow me on Instagram @FiftyFourTenStudio.

I'm really looking forward to designing more knitting patterns in 2016!  Happy knitting and best wishes for the new year.  :)

I love how these little red houses turned out!