Happy Endings - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to introduce my new blanket knitting pattern - Happy Endings.

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern is very easy to knit with bulky weight yarn. This is a great project for a confident beginner...or an experienced knitter who enjoys a relaxing, easy project.  And, this blanket is reversible! An easy to remember two-row stitch pattern creates a texture that is attractive on both sides of the blanket.

The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.  Read all the details below!

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

It means so much to see how knitters use my patterns...and to hear their stories of how they demonstrate their love for their family through their handmade gifts.

They often make blankets to celebrate happy beginnings...to welcome babies to their family, to give to adult children moving into their first apartment, to celebrate a wedding, and to celebrate a loved one's birthday.  All of these gifts are heartfelt wishes for happiness.  And, each day those blankets will give comfort and be a physical reminder of their love.

Here's to celebrating happy beginnings...and wishing for happy endings.

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern - It's reversible!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX BLANKET SIZES:

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

Baby Blanket: 26” wide x 30” long
Small Blanket: 30” wide x 34” long
Medium Throw: 34” wide x 42” long
Large Throw: 42” wide x 52” long 
XL Afghan: 46” wide x 58” long 
XXL Afghan: 50” wide x 62” long 

It's very easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.

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

I made the small blanket size which is about 30" wide x 34" long.

This blanket pattern looks attractive on both sides.

BULKY WEIGHT YARN:

Baby: 460 - 480 yards
Small: 650 - 670 yards
Medium: 850 - 880 yards
Large: 1300 - 1340 yards
XL: 1600 - 1650 yards
XXL: 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.

I used Lion Brand Yarn 'Color Made Easy' bulky weight yarn in the colorway 'Shade'.  This bulky weight yarn has a lovely, light weight feel.  This is my second blanket design with this yarn and I'm thrilled with the results.  This yarn is 100% acrylic, easy care and affordably priced. And, it's available in more than 20 pretty colorways.

Chunky texture in bulky weight yarn - Color Made Easy in 'Shade'

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 Happy Endings 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.

SKILLS NEEDED:

This is a very easy knitting project.  The main section of the design is a two-row repeat stitch pattern.

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.

Blocking of the finished blanket is suggested, but not essential for this pattern.  Click here to see my blog post for tips and information about blocking a blanket.

The 'Happy Endings' blanket is very easy to knit with bulky weight yarn.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Happy Endings blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

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

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

How Knitters Use Fifty Four Ten Studio Patterns - Sharing their projects!

Today, I'm sharing photos of some projects customers have made using my Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting 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.

All photos shared with the permission of each knitter.

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

Patti's Pretty Blanket Projects

Patti has made several blankets using my knitting patterns.  She sent me this photo of the Westport Blanket she made for a birthday gift...neatly folded and boxed up for gift giving.  It looks absolutely lovely!

Westport Blanket - knit by Patti

Patti also made the Over the Rooftops blanket in this pretty pinkish cranberry shade.  (I'm sorry I forgot to ask her the yarn color!)  Beautiful stitches!

Over the Rooftops blanket knit by Patti

Khonnie's Traveling Bed Runner Project

Khonnie is knitting a River of Dreams chunky cable bed runner blanket and has shared several gorgeous progress pics on her @atticus_fynch Instagram account.  It was hard to pick just two photos to share!  Her caption for this one: "I take my projects around so I can say they were made in different places. #madeinsac#madeintahoe #madeinLA"

River of Dreams bed runner - knit by Khonnie

How about the pretty composition of the photo below: the open window...the dark shadow in the foreground...the cable knitting appearing out of the shadow and drawing our eye to the window. 

Khonnie's caption: "Adding #madeinoakland to this cable bed runner. I’m renting a small room this weekend while finishing a weaving workshop in Oakland."  Head over to Khonnie's Instagram account to see her posts about weaving!

River of Dreams bed runner - work in progress by Khonnie

UPDATE: Khonnie posted this finished project photo of her beautiful River of Dreams bed runner on Instagram on April 7, 2019:

Khonnie's finished 'River of Dreams' bed runner knitting project.

Eleri's Cozy Blanket Projects

Here's a work in progress photo of Eleri's Stones in the Road blanket.  She used Drops Andes yarn in the 'Gray Lilac' colorway. I love how the chunky texture of her knitting looks with all the fabric designs on her couch...so cozy!

Stones in the Road blanket knit by Eleri

And....she also made this beautiful Across the Diamond blanket for her parents last year.  Such a special gift with perfect stitches...and a gorgeous yarn color!

Across the Diamond blanket knit by Eleri

Carla's 10th Knitting Project!

Carla knit the All These Places blanket in a lovely navy blue yarn.  She told me the yarn is Kramer Yarns Perfection Chunky in the colorway 'Admiral'. 

When I emailed Carla to ask if I could use her project photo for this blog post, she shared with me that this is her 10th finished knitting project...and she's only been knitting for about four months.  She started knitting in November 2018 and she made this blanket in March 2019....it looks fabulous!

All These Places blanket knit by Carla

Carla's Beautiful Birthday Gift

Carla, from Mexico, shared this lovely photo of the beautiful blanket she made as a birthday gift for her adult son. She used my Where the Sidewalk Ends knitting pattern and Lion Brand Hometown USA in the 'Dallas Grey' colorway.  Her stitches are gorgeous!  Such care and love shows in her presentation of flowers, cake and her handmade gift.

Where the Sidewalk Ends blanket - knit by Carla

Shona's Cheery Stay on the Ridge Blanket Project

Shona, from New Zealand, made a gorgeous blanket with the Stay on the Ridge knitting pattern using Malabrigo Worsted yarn in the 'Frank Ochre' colorway.  She shared several beautiful progress photos on her @lilbidypurl Instagram account last year....these are my two favorite:

Stay on the Ridge blanket - work in progress by Shona

I love this September 2018 photo of Shona's finished Stay on the Ridge blanket!  

Stay on the Ridge blanket - knit by Shona

Liz's Beautiful Boulevard Blanket Knitting Project

Liz, who lives in Alaska, shared this pretty work-in-progress photo of The Boulevard Blanket on her Instagram account (check out her beautiful photography!) in mid-January. She said: "I must finish this blanket soon, so it can keep me warm!!! And of course there's Watson, never too far away.  My little quality control specialist." (See more cute photos of her dog Watson on her Instagram account!)

The Boulevard Blanket - knit by Liz

Liz used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Lake Tahoe Blue' for her Boulevard Blanket project...it's gorgeous!  I love how the very subtle variegation of the yarn works with the stitch pattern.

Liz used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Lake Tahoe Blue'

The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern is *free* everyday on Ravelry and LoveKnitting.  It's easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes!

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Thank you so much to Patti, Eleri, Carla, Khonnie, Liz, Shona and Carla (yes...two knitters named Carla!) 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 a joy to see how other knitters use my knitting patterns!  

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

Instagram: If you are sharing your Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting project on Instagram...be sure to tag your photo with @FiftyFourTenStudio so I will see it!  (Keep in mind that if your account is private, I won't be able to see your photo.)

Email: My email address is in all of my pattern documents...drop me a line anytime!  I love hearing about your projects!  

Ravelry Projects: I love seeing Fifty Four Ten Studio projects that are shared on Ravelry!  I try to check on Ravelry and look for new projects every few weeks.  

Thanks so much for reading!  Have a fabulous day!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Projects made with Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting patterns - 2019

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

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.

_________________________________________

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

Game Time - New Chunky Blanket & Scarf Knitting Pattern

I'm so excited to introduce my new easy to knit chunky blanket (& scarf!) knitting pattern...Game Time.

The Game Time knitting pattern has instructions for six blanket sizes...plus a cozy, chunky scarf!

This design features a four row repeat pattern that is easy to knit.  This is a great pattern for any level of knitter, including a confident beginner.

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

Game Time chunky blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

Game Time...is 8:00 a.m. on a crisp fall Saturday morning when parents and grandparents, bundled in coats, blankets and scarves, take their spot on the sidelines to cheer for the kids. 

Game Time...is a chilly afternoon in late November at the championship game where the bleachers are packed with fans...all huddled together for warmth...while the game is played in drizzle and snow.

Game Time...is relaxing at home on a Sunday afternoon...cuddled up under a warm blanket watching a favorite team on television.

Game Time...is pulling out an easy knitting project to enjoy making while watching the game.

The Game Time knitting pattern is very easy to knit while watching a game...or make a blanket or scarf to keep warm at the game!

Game Time chunky scarf knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SCARF + SIX BLANKET SIZES:

The Game Time knitting pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes, plus a scarf.

Approximate sizes after blocking...

Scarf: 8.5" wide x 64" long

Baby Blanket: 30.5" wide x 33" long

Small (Crib/Lap) Blanket: 36" wide x 40" long

Medium Throw: 41" wide x 45" long

Large Throw: 44" wide x 49" long

XL Afghan: 47.5" wide x 54.5" long

XXL Afghan: 51.5" wide x 57" long

It is very easy to make any of the sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 1" - 1.25" to the length of the project.

The pattern instructions include estimates of how much additional yarn is required to add length to size. 

Game Time blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

SUPER BULKY YARN:

This blanket pattern is designed for super bulky yarn.  

Amount of yarn needed for each size:

Scarf: 205 - 225 yards

Baby Blanket: 440 - 465 yards

Small Blanket: 630 - 660 yards

Medium Throw: 800 - 850 yards

Large Throw: 970 - 1020 yards

XL Afghan: 1200 - 1250 yards

XXL Afghan: 1350 - 1450 yards

Solid color yarn is recommended to show the stitch pattern best.

Click here to see my worsted weight version of this design - Quality Time scarf and blanket knitting pattern.

I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Mustard' for the blanket and 'Pumpkin' for the scarf.  I loved using these fall inspired colors...they are beautiful!  I have used Wool-Ease Thick & Quick for many chunky knitting pattern designs.  There's a reason why I return to this yarn again and again...great color choices, dependable quality and great stitch definition.  The yarn is an acrylic / wool blend that has a pleasing 'woolly' feel.  Some of my favorite colorways in the Wool-Ease Thick & Quick are 'Denim' (dusty dark blue), 'Glacier' (icy blue) and 'Fisherman' (classic ivory).

If you prefer a softer yarn without any wool content...this project would work great with Lion Brand Hometown USA.  If you prefer a more neutral colorway...I'm a big fan of 'Dallas Gray'...which I used for my Westport Blanket knitting pattern.  

REVERSIBLE!

The Game Time pattern design is reversible!  The stitch pattern does not appear exactly the same on both sides but it looks attractive on both sides.

Game Time knitting pattern - it looks great on both sides!

EASY KNITTING PATTERN:

The Game Time blanket and scarf is very easy to knit!  

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.  The two stitch techniques in this design are garter stitch and a K1, P1 repeat (like used for ribbing).

A couple of stitch markers (ring and clip-on style) are helpful for keeping track of the pattern.

WHERE TO PURCHASE THE PATTERN:

Game Time blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  

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

Game Time chunky blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

We're enjoying an absolutely beautiful fall here in Kansas City....gorgeous fall color and bright sunny days.  I've enjoyed knitting on the deck and taking walks everyday to soak up all the pretty fall colors.  

I loved knitting the Game Time blanket and scarf...inspired by the beauty of fall and the fun of going to a game. 

Have a wonderful day!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Stones in the Road blanket knitting pattern - updated!

I'm happy to announce that I have updated one of my favorite blanket knitting patterns - Stones in the Road.  The updated pattern includes new photos and instructions for six sizes!

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 by Fifty Four Ten Studio

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The name for my 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 which is paved with crushed stones...stones in the road.  I happened to bike the trail for the first time in the fall of 2016....when I was working on this blanket design.  Here's a photo of the Katy Trail:

Katy Trail - bike path in Missouri

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX SIZES:

The Stones in the Road blanket knitting pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes.

Approximate blanket sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 29" wide x 29" long

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

Medium Throw: 37.75" wide 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 by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 2.5" to the length of the blanket.

The instructions include estimates of how much additional yarn is required to add length to each blanket size. 

SUPER BULKY YARN:

This blanket pattern is designed for super bulky yarn.  For the gray blanket in the photos...I used Sprightly Acrylic Wool Super Bulky sold exclusively by Craftsy.  This yarn is available in a beautiful selection of colors. I love this 'Grey Heather' colorway! The stitch definition for this yarn is excellent!  The yarn is a machine washable wool / acrylic blend that has a 'woolly' feel and is very sturdy.  The yarn seems to soften up a bit after washing. 

Yarn 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 stitch pattern best.

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

EASY BLANKET KNITTING PATTERN:

The Stones in the Road blanket is very easy to knit!  You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, bind of stitches and weave in ends.  The two stitch techniques in this design are stockinette stitch and seed stitch.

A couple of stitch markers are helpful for keeping track of the pattern.

I used Sprightly Acrylic Wool Super Bulky in the color 'Grey Heather'. 

I recommend blocking the finished blanket.  This takes a bit of time but it really improves the appearance of the blanket.  For tips on blocking...see this blog post.

Stones in the Road - chunky blanket knitting pattern

WHERE TO PURCHASE THE PATTERN:

Stones in the Road blanket knitting pattern is 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 - Easy to Knit Chunky Blanket

Recently, I knit a little blanket using my Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern.  I love the texture of this easy to knit pattern!

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

Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

This blanket knits up very quickly with big needles and super bulky yarn!

See my Stay on the Ridge blanket knitting pattern if you prefer worsted weight yarn.

The Flint Hills Blanket is named for the Flint Hills - a large region in the east central portion of the state of Kansas which features rocking, 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 know for the largest intact tallgrass prairie in North America.  I know what you are thinking...you thought Kansas was perfectly flat!  But...much of the eastern portion of Kansas has beautiful rolling hills.

I love how this 'Aspen Tweed' shade of Lion Brand Hometown USA represents the natural, rocky, rolling hills landscape that inspired this pattern.

Flint Hills Blanket - knit with Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Aspen Tweed'.

FIVE BLANKET SIZES:

The knitting pattern includes instructions for five blanket sizes.

Approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 30" wide x 32" long

Small Crib/Toddler/Lap Blanket: 35" wide x 37" long

Medium Throw: 37.5" wide x 47" long

Large Throw: 40" wide x 49.5" long

XL Afghan: 47.5" wide x 54.5" long

Any of the blanket sizes may be made longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 2.5" to the length of the blanket.  

Flint Hills Blanket is quick to knit with big needles and super bulky yarn.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

This blanket knitting pattern is designed for super bulky yarn.  

Approximate yardage required for each size...

Baby: 380 - 410 yards

Small: 520 - 560 yards

Medium: 690 - 740 yards

Large: 820 - 900 yards

XL: 1150 - 1250 yards

The pattern includes estimates for additional yard needed to make each blanket size longer.

Circular knitting needles are recommended to accommodate the large number of stitches.  The knitting needles I used (in photo below) are US size 13 Knitters Pride Nova Platina fixed circular in 32" length.

I love knitting a chunky blanket with Lion Brand Hometown USA.

I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Aspen Tweed'.  I love how this lovely nature inspired yarn color works with the design!  I have used this yarn for many blanket projects and I'm always very pleased with the results.  Hometown USA is very, very soft with a lovely silky texture.  See all the beautiful color options for Hometown USA on the Lion Brand Yarn website.

Be sure to note...tweed options of Hometown USA have less yardage than solid color options.  Hometown USA tweed colorways have 64 yards.  Solid color options have 81 yards per skein.  

Also...I suggest sticking to solid colors of Hometown USA for baby blankets.  The tweed colorway has little flecks of contrasting color fibers that give extra texture and dimension...but would not be good for little ones who could pull the fibers off.

Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

Where to get the pattern:

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

Happy spring!

I love spring and watching everything outdoors brighten up.  And...the sunshine is the best!  At the end of March I went to visit one of our Kansas City treasures...The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art.  It was the perfect day for a walk through the garden in front of the museum and perfect timing to see the daffodils in full bloom. (It's hard to believe that since that day it has snowed on at least two days!)

Daffodils in bloom at The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City.

As the days get longer...and the temperatures warmer...I get motivated to spruce things up around the house. The other day I moved a few things around in our spare bedroom and added my Parkway Pillow to accent the bed.  I love how the texture of the pillow and this pretty icy blue color yarn looks with the dark gray headboard and the bright white bedding!  (Yarn is Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Glacier', white bedding is from IKEA and my husband made the headboard!)  Read more about The Parkway Pillow knitting pattern here on my blog. 

The Parkway Pillow - easy knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

Thanks so much for reading!

Happy spring!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio