25+ Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Knitters

Looking for a gift for a knitter....here's some ideas!  If you are looking for a gift idea for a birthday, Mother's Day...or just a little treat for yourself...here's a list of over 25 thoughtful gifts for knitters.

I've been keeping a running list of ideas for knitting related gifts for a long time.  Scraps of paper with notes about items I've admired are tucked between other papers on my desk, my 'Gifts for Knitters' Pinterest board has accumulated many ideas, and I've taken more than a few screenshots of interesting gift ideas on Instagram ....now I'm finally merging those lists and picking my favorite gift ideas to include in this blog post!

25+ Thoughtful Gift Ideas for Knitters

These are my favorite gifts for knitters (narrowed down from a much longer list) that I have either purchased or admired over the last couple of years.

I've included approximate prices currently listed for the items.  These are meant to give you an idea but, of course, the price (and availability of items) could change!  All links are to a website or Etsy shop that sells the item.  

I do not have a connection to any of the businesses listed in this post. All photos were taken by me...unless specified.

Bags - Knitters Love Project Bags!

There are many knitting project bags available...these are my favorites!

Fringe Supply Company 'Field Bag' - Fringe Supply Company's sturdy canvas bags are quite popular!  Beautiful, classic, functional design. (about $65)  This bag is on my wish list!

'Knitting Necessities' Tote Bag by Fringe Supply Company - cute, humorous screen printed tote bag at an affordable gift-giving price. (about $20)

'Maker Essentials' Notions Bag by Ozetta on Etsy - natural canvas little notions bag with cute 'makers essentials' screen printed design. (about $10)

Books

Look for any of these books at your local yarn shop or book store.  (Links provided for Amazon.)

Stories about knitting...

The Yarn Harlot: Secret Life of a Knitter by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee - the first in a series of books filled with humorous and poignant essays about her love of knitting and yarn.  I've enjoyed all of her books! (about $15)

Knitlandia: A Knitter Sees the World by Clara Parkes - a book of essays reflecting on memorable journeys and experiences with knitters around the world.  I love the cover art!  (about $15)

'Knitlandia' by Clara Parkes

Knitting Ephemera: A Compendium of Articles, Useful and Otherwise, for the Edification and Amusement of the Handknitter by Carol J. Sulcoski - don't let the long title overwhelm you!  This little book is packed with tidbits and fun-facts about knitting. (about $15)

'Knitting Ephemera' by Carol J. Sulcoski

Great reference books...

The Knitter's Book of Knowledge: A Complete Guide to Essential Knitting Techniques by Debbie Bliss - this is a big book packed with just about everything you need to know about how to knit...casting on, knit and purl, cable knitting, casting off, advanced knitting techniques, and more.  It's a valuable reference book for the beginning or somewhat experienced knitter. (about $25 - $30)

The Knitter's Book of Knowledge by Debbie Bliss

Vogue Knitting The Ultimate Knitting Book: Completely Revised and Updated  The essential knitting reference book was updated in 2018 to include even more about knitting.  "From beginners needing to learn the very basics to seasoned knitters wanting a refresher on a complex technique, every knitter will cherish this guide for years to come."  I own the previous edition...this book really is the ultimate book about knitting! (about $35 - $40)

Mastering Color Knitting: Simple Instructions for Stranded, Intarsia and Double Knitting by Melissa Leapman - the is a great 'how to' book for any knitter who wants to learn all they can about using multiple colors of yarn in their knitting projects.  I own this book...it's a great resource! (about $20)

'Mastering Color Knitting' by Melissa Leapman

Magazines

Vogue Knitting - it's the knitting magazine that's been around forever!

Making Magazine - this lovely publication has two issues each year.  The high quality magazine includes beautiful patterns for a variety of crafts (mostly knitting) all wrapped up in an inspiring, keep for the long-term, high quality book-like magazine. (2 issues per year about $50)  You can also purchase back issues on their website. (about $25 each)

Making Magazine - two issues per year - it's lovely!

Jewelry

Wood Knit Stitches Earrings by Katrinkles - these earrings are unique and beautiful! (about $15)

Sheep Earrings by One Happy Leaf on Etsy - a cute little sheep silhouette is laser cut from honey brown bamboo wood. Made in Australia. (under $20)

"Knit" and "Purl" hand stamped silver earrings from sparklegarden on Etsy - silver earrings with 'knit' stamped on one earring and 'purl' stamped on the other. So cute! (about $25)

"Knit" silver earrings by rosetwistllc on Etsy.  Check out rosetwistllc's shop for other knitting and yarn themed jewelry, hair barrettes, shawl pins, etc.  (about $20 - $40)  Photo below provided by Rosetwistllc. 

"Knit" silver earrings by Rosetwistllc on Etsy

Keep Calm and Carry Yarn pendant necklace from ThePendantEmporium on Etsy. (about $10)


Knitting Tools: Notions, Scissors, Yarn Bowls, etc.

Beautiful Wood Yarn Bowl by IdeasInWood on Etsy - these 'bowls' are really wooden boxes that look absolutely stunning.  (around $75+)

'Knitters Rule' Wood Gauge Tool by Katrinkles on Etsy - such a pretty and functional gauge tool!  I love all of her pretty bamboo buttons, too!  (about $10)

Sheep Scissors - little project scissors for clipping yarn from Barrett Wool Co. (about $11)

For the Knitter's Home

"Knitted" Notions Dish or a "Knitted" Coffee Mug handmade by CreativeWithClay on Etsy - the texture of knitting stitches in clay!  ($28 - $50)

"Knitter's Eye Chart" Poster Art by ILiveOnAFarm on Etsy - this 12" x 18" art poster is a creative twist on the traditional eye chart - designed using knitting terms and abbreviations. (about $25)

Just for Fun! Pins, Stickers & T-shirts:

"Knitrovert" Enamel Pin from MakersMerch on Etsy - it's a little blue flag pin for all of us who are introverted knitters....or knitroverts! These are brand new as of April 2018...I just received mine in the mail! (under $10)

'Knitrovert' Flag Pin - Gift for Knitters

Knitting Sheep Enamel Pin from Knit Picks - a cute little sheep knitting! (under $10)

"Knit Girl" Vinyl Car Decal by AbbysVinylWallArt on Etsy.  Whimsical and cute design!  If you love another crafts...check out her other designs in her shop. (under $10)

"Love to Knit" t-shirt from DesignsbyKimW on Etsy - cute screen print design!  (about $20)

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

Other ideas...

A free gift...the gift of your time!  Simply make plans to spend time with your favorite knitter....even if you don't knit, they will enjoy spending time with you!  Or, offer to do the chores around the house for your favorite knitter...so they can spend time relaxing and knitting. :)

If you want to splurge on the knitter in your life...treat them to a shopping trip to their local yarn store.  Let them pick out their favorite yarn for a project for themselves. (Plan on at least $50 - $100 for the shopping spree!)  It's really hard to buy yarn for someone else so this is a case where it's nice to let them do their own shopping.

_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _

I hope you enjoy this list and discover interesting gift ideas to celebrate the knitter(s) in your life.

When I discover new gift ideas I'll add them to this post!

Thanks so much for stopping by!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Free Blanket Knitting Pattern - Meadow Lane

I'm so happy to introduce this new free blanket knitting pattern - Meadow Lane.

The Meadow Lane blanket is very easy to knit with Aran, worsted, or DK weight yarn.  The pattern may also be used with other similar weight yarns.  Just pick the needle size that works best for your yarn and knitting tension. (See more info below.)

APRIL 2023: The Meadow Lane blanket knitting pattern was originally published in 2017.  I recently updated the pattern instructions to reflect the gauge, yardage and measurements from a new project sample.  

Click here to download the updated PDF pattern file for the Meadow Lane Blanket.

Or, click here to download the pattern for free on Ravelry.

This pattern is very easy but once in a while knitters need a little extra help getting on track.  Here's a free PDF tutorial for the Meadow Lane Blanket to address the most common questions.

If you prefer super bulky weight yarn...check out my popular free chunky blanket knitting pattern....The Boulevard Blanket.

The Boulevard Blanket - free pattern for super bulky weight yarn.

The Meadow Lane blanket is the lighter weight version of the two blankets.

At first glance you might think this blanket is simple garter stitch.  Look again!  An easy K4, P4 repeat pattern creates a subtle vertical stripe effect.

This pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX SIZES:
approximate dimensions after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 28" wide x 30" long

Small Blanket: 30" wide x 36" long

Medium Throw: 34" wide x 37" long

Large Throw: 38" wide x 44" long

XL Afghan: 42" wide x 46" long

XXL Afghan: 47" wide x 50" long 

It's very easy to make any of the blankets longer...just work additional rows until the blanket is the desired length or you run out of yarn. Be sure to purchase more yarn than noted below if you want to make your blanket longer.

ARAN OR WORSTED WEIGHT YARN:
Amount of yarn needed for each blanket size...

Baby: 670 - 700 yards

Small: 850 - 880 yards

Medium: 1000 - 1050 yards

Large: 1300 - 1400 yards

XL: 1500 - 1600 yards

XXL: 1850 - 1950 yards 

The pattern includes estimates for approximately how much additional yarn is needed to add about 2" to the length of each blanket size.

This pattern will work well with worsted, Aran, DK, or other similar weight yarn.  Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn and knitting tension.

YARN UPDATE 2023: The yarn I used for this blanket project has been discontinued.  However, the pattern will work with many worsted or Aran #4 weight yarns.  

Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti-Pilling (100% Acrylic) - This is not your grandmother’s 1970’s acrylic yarn!  It’s very soft to the touch… not scratchy or ‘sticky’.  I love how this stitch pattern works with this yarn!  Available in a large selection of attractive colorways including ‘Silver Heather’, ‘Mustard’ and ‘Turquoise Heather’ (shown in photo below).  Machine washable and dryable. Shop: LionBrand.com | Amazon

Lion Brand Heartland (100% Acrylic) - Nice stitch definition and a lovely, soft texture.  Great for blanket projects.  A nice selection of muted heathered and tweedy colorways that are perfect for home décor projects.  Machine washable on gentle cycle.  Shop: LionBrand.com | Amazon

This yarn has been discontinued.  See notes above about other yarn suggestions.

GAUGE:

I used US size 8 knitting needles and my gauge in pattern stitch is about 15 - 16 stitches = 4".

Exact gauge is not essential for this pattern.

It's more important to pick the needles that work best for your yarn and your knitting tension.

TEST KNITTING:

To test the pattern and decide which needle size is best for your yarn....cast on 20 or 28 stitches with the needle size suggested for your yarn.  Work in the stitch pattern as noted in the pattern....

Row 1: *K4, P4; repeat from *, end K4
Row 2:  same as Row 1 (be sure to start the row with K4)

Repeat rows 1 and 2 until work measures about 2" or more.  It can take at least 2" of knitting for the subtle vertical line effect to show up.  If your stitches are too loose the pattern may not show up as desired so try switching to one needle size smaller.  If you think your knitting is too tight...try one needle size larger.

DOWNLOAD THE FREE PATTERN:

You can download the Meadow Lane blanket knitting pattern for free on Ravelry or click here to get the instant download PDF. 

Thanksgiving is just about a week away.  I'm looking forward to spending lots of time with my family over the holiday week.  Hope you have a nice holiday if you are celebrating Thanksgiving in the U.S.!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Meadow Lane - easy blanket knitting pattern - FREE!

On the Porch - New Easy Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - On the Porch.

This blanket is very easy to knit and the pattern includes instructions for six sizes.

On the Porch blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

This pattern name is inspired by many fond memories of time spent on the porch with dear friends and family.  The simple textured stripe design reminds me of the old painted wood floor of a special porch from my childhood.  This lightweight blanket is perfect for cool summer evenings...on the porch.

Click here to purchase the On the Porch blanket knitting pattern at FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

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

This blanket is designed with a wide garter stitch border.  The border is designed to be wider at the top and bottom...and just a bit narrower on the sides.

On the Porch - easy blanket knitting pattern.

I really enjoyed knitting this blanket!  I used Blue Sky Fibers 'Organic Cotton' Worsted in the color 'Drift'. I purchased this lovely yarn at Yarn Shop and More in Downtown Overland Park, Kansas.  This yarn is absolutely gorgeous...so soft and luxurious!

Blue Sky Fibers 'Organic Cotton' Worsted in 'Drift'

I used US size 9 knitting needles and had a gauge of about 15 stitches x 20 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. I found Blue Sky Fibers 'Organic Cotton' Worsted to be a bit thicker than some worsted weight yarns...which was part of why it was a delight to knit with this yarn!

This pattern will work well with many worsted, Aran or DK weight yarns. Simply pick the needle size that gives the best appearance for your choice of yarn and your knitting tension.

Don't worry if your gauge has one or two stitches more...or less...per 4 inches.

If your gauge is 17 or more stitches per inch you may want to follow the directions for one blanket size larger than your desired finished size.

If your gauge is 13 or fewer stitches per inch you could consider following the directions for one size smaller than your desired finished size.

In either case, if your gauge is significantly different than 15 stitches to 4 inches...you many end up needing more...or less...yarn.

Instructions for Six Sizes:

Baby: 28" wide x 30.5" long
Small: 30" wide x 35" long
Medium: 33.5" wide x 38" long
Large: 38" wide x 41" long
XL: 42" wide x 47" long
XXL: 46" wide x 50" long

These are approximate sizes after blocking.  Size will vary with different yarn and/or gauge. Any of the blanket sizes may be made longer by adding additional pattern repeats. More details in the pattern.

Worsted Weight Yarn:

Baby: 600 - 620 yards
Small: 730 - 750 yards
Medium: 880 - 900 yards
Large: 1100 - 1150 yards
XL: 1400 - 1450 yards
XXL: 1600 - 1700 yards

Be sure to purchase additional yarn if you plan to make your blanket longer.  And...if you use a different weight yarn, have some extra yarn on hand just in case you need it!

I like using two small ring style stitch markers to keep track of the transition between the garter stitch border and the center stockinette stitch pattern.  These little green stitch markers are made by Clover.

Stitch markers are helpful...even with an easy knitting pattern.

It was fun to knit this blanket with such beautiful yarn!

I loved knitting with Blue Sky Fibers 'Organic Cotton' Worsted.

Blocking of the finished blanket is highly recommended!  It really helps straighten up all the stitches and flatten out the stockinette stitch sections. A worsted weight blanket only takes about a day to dry...it's really worth the time and effort!

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

On the Porch blanket knitting pattern...after blocking.

This blanket is easy and fun to knit.  With the six size options included in the pattern you can make just about any size blanket...including a tiny infant blanket, a small crib or lap blanket, a toddler/child size blanket, a nice size throw or a really big afghan.

What does the back of the blanket look like?

In case you are wondering...here's a look at the back of the blanket.  I don't consider this pattern reversible.

Back of the 'On the Porch' blanket.

If you like this pattern, you might also like my other easy lightweight blanket knitting pattern...Summer Sidewalk.

On the Porch - an easy blanket knitting pattern.

Thank you so much for your interest in my knitting patterns.

WHERE TO GET THE 'ON THE PORCH' KNITTING PATTERN:

FiftyFourTenStudio.com:  Click here to purchase on my website.

Ravelry: Click here to purchase on Ravelry.

Etsy: Click here to purchase on Etsy.

I'm making plans for lots of summer knitting!  My kids will be out of school in a few days and that means the start of summer for us.  I love being able to spend more time with my family during the summer months.

Happy summer! Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

On the Porch - Easy blanket knitting pattern

North of the River - New Chunky Cable Blanket Knitting Pattern

I am so excited to announce my newest blanket knitting pattern - North of the River.

This is an easy to knit chunky blanket that features big, bold cables.  Knitting this blanket with super bulky yarn gives these classic cables a modern look!

North of the River - chunky cable blanket knitting pattern.

The North of the River chunky cable blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

I have been wanting to design a new big chunky cable blanket for a while now.  I decided to use a dark color yarn to see how that worked to show off the big cables.  

I am thrilled with how this blanket turned out! I used Lion Brand Hometown USA super bulky yarn in the color 'Chicago Charcoal'.  I'm crazy about this rich dark gray!  The yarn has a subtle heather quality to it that gives the color depth and a rich quality.  

North of the River blanket features big chunky cables.

If you are familiar with my knitting patterns, you probably know that many of my pattern names are inspired by streets and neighborhoods in my hometown...Kansas City.  The name for this new North of the River pattern is also inspired by Kansas City.  The city was founded on the Missouri River and over the years the city grew to the south and to the north of the river.  I have lived south of the river my entire life.  When I was growing up we would use the phrase "north of the river" to refer to the northern half of the Kansas City area. "North of the river" has almost always been a fun destination for me...picking up a friend at the airport, going to a party at a friend's house, camping, sailing at Smithville Lake, shopping at a unique store...or driving further north to go on a family vacation...all good memories! 

Of course, you can guess the bold cables in this blanket design made me think of the wide, flowing Missouri River.

North of the River - pattern includes instructions for 3 sizes.

The blanket is knit flat in one piece, back and forth on long circular knitting needles.

Instructions for Three Sizes:

The North of the River pattern includes instructions for three sizes.  I made the large throw size blanket with five cables across. The medium size would work well for a cozy throw blanket, lap blanket or for a young child.  The small blanket size has three cables and would work for a lap or toddler/crib blanket. 

Large (5 cables): 45" wide x 56" long

Medium (4 cables): 37.75" wide x 49" long

Small (3 cables): 30.5" wide x 42" long

Any of the blanket sizes may be made longer by adding cable pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 7" to the length of the blanket.  My pattern includes estimates for additional yardage needed to make blankets longer.

Super Bulky Yarn:

Large: 925 - 975 yards

Medium: 700 - 725 yards

Small: 475 - 500 yards

This pattern is designed for use with super bulky yarn (knit single strand).  You could also experiment with knitting two strands of worsted or bulky weight yarn together....just remember you will need at least double the yardage.

FEB 2018 UPDATE: If you are looking for a cable blanket for worsted weight yarn check out my new Childhood Wishes blanket knitting pattern.

Cable Knitting Experience Recommended:

This blanket is easy to knit but I highly recommend having some basic cable knitting experience. Knitting these chunky cables is not hard!  However, I would not want anyone to invest in the yarn for a big blanket unless you are confident in working a basic cable.  I used a cable needle designed for bulky weight yarns.

Cable knitting with super bulky yarn.

I use a clip on marker to mark the first stitch when I complete a cable.  Placing that one marker on the first cable in the row helps me easily identify where I worked the cable so I can count the rows and know when to work the next cable row.  These Clover jumbo locking stitch markers are very handy!

Clip on markers help keep track of rows when knitting cables.

FEB 2018 UPDATE: You might also like my chunky cable bed runner blanket - River of Dreams.  Click to read more about it here on my blog.

Blocking of Finished Blanket Recommended:

I highly recommend blocking the finished blanket. Taking the time to carefully block the finished blanket really makes a difference in the appearance!  

If you need some tips...see my step-by-step blocking tips on this blog post.  I also wrote about blocking on this blog post and this blog post.

Blocking highly recommended.

The photo above shows my blanket pinned on the blocking mats.  I spent at least 15 - 20 minutes carefully arranging the blanket on the mats, straightening the edges and center cables, and pinning the edges in place.  It took about three days for this big blanket to dry...it was worth the wait!

I really loved knitting this blanket!  Did I mention that this yarn is incredibly soft?!  Lion Brand Hometown USA is 100% acrylic...it's incredibly soft and silky to the touch.  (It's also a very economically priced yarn.)  

Hometown USA is an easy care yarn that says it is machine washable...however, I would not put this big blanket in the washing machine.  I think my washing machine would be really hard on a hand knit blanket...especially of this size...and I would choose to hand wash this blanket and lay it flat to dry on blocking mats.

North of the River - cable blanket knitting pattern

I absolutely love how this blanket turned out!

Big chunky cables add texture to any room.

My new North of the River blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Thanks so much for reading!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

"A Bit of Good Luck" Easy Shawl Knitting Pattern

I'm excited to announce my new shawl knitting pattern - "A Bit of Good Luck".  This shawl is knit with super bulky yarn so it's quick and easy to knit.  

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

"A Bit of Good Luck" shawl knitting pattern - quick & easy to knit.

This shawl is easy to knit and would make a lovely gift...to wish a friend or loved one "a bit of good luck".

MARCH 2023 UPDATE: The knitting pattern was recently updated to correct a typo.  In the abbreviations section a typo for K2tog has been corrected and now reads: knit 2 stitches together.

I made several test shawls before I finalized the design for this simple shawl pattern.  My goal was a design that would be very easy to knit, could be made at a low cost ($10 - $20 depending on choice of yarn), had a classic, timeless style and was easy to adapt to multiple sizes. (See info below about three size options.) After trying several ideas I think I achieved all of my original goals!

The shawl is knit side to side with a seed stitch border.  The main center section is stockinette stitch with balanced increases and decreases to create a gently curving shape for the lower edge of the shawl.  Click here for the updated tutorial for the M1L increase used in this pattern.

Easy to knit shawl pattern.

The pattern includes instructions for three sizes:

Small/Petite: 51" long x 13.5" wide (at widest point)
Medium: 55" long x 14" wide
Large: 59" long x 14.5" wide

All of the shawl sizes are about 7" wide at the ends.  It's also easy to make any of the shawl sizes longer by adding rows in the middle (back) portion.

The size shown in the photos is the small/petite version.  It's about 51 inches long and about 13.5" wide at the widest point.

"A Bit of Good Luck" shawl knitting pattern - it's easy to adjust the length.

This shawl is knit with super bulky yarn which makes it chunky, warm, cozy...and quick to knit.

"A Bit of Good Luck" Shawl shown in 'Vermont Green' Lion Brand Hometown USA

Blocking of the shawl is highly recommended!  Blocking makes a huge difference in the final appearance as it sets the shape of the shawl.

I have written about blocking several times.  For more tips and photos on blocking you might want to check out my full collection of tips on this blog post.

A couple key things...after soaking the shawl for several minutes in a sink full of water, carefully set it on an old towel to allow excess water to drain off.  Handle your knitting with care...do not wring or twist!

Handle wet knitting with care - do not wring or twist.

Another important part of blocking is to carefully arrange the knitting on the blocking surface.  The reason to block is to train the knitting to be neat and tidy with even edges...in the exact shape desired.  For this shawl, make sure the stockinette stitches in the main body of the shawl are straight from one edge to the other.  The photo below shows the straight stockinette stitches for the main body of the shawl, with the increase band curving gently to the right.

"A Bit of Good Luck" shawl - block carefully to shape.

Use T-pins to set the knitting in place after carefully arranging the knitting.

Use T-pins to hold knitting in place for blocking.

Of course, I picked green to go along with the pattern name..."A Bit of Good Luck"!  With St. Patrick's Day coming up soon it seemed like a fitting choice!  (If you are wondering...I'm about 3/8ths Irish.)

SUPER BULKY YARN:

I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in the color 'Vermont Green'.  I love this rich forest green!  If you have not used Hometown USA you might want to give it a try...it's very soft to the touch and very enjoyable to knit.  If you are sensitive to wool this could be the perfect choice for you as it has no wool content.  Also, this yarn is a very economical choice...I spent about $12 for the yarn to make this shawl. (As I said above...my goal was to design a classic shawl that doesn't cost a lot to make.)

When I was looking for green yarn I found that there are a lot of choices!  Of course, you can use any color for your shawl but I thought it would be fun to share the choices of greens that I found for a few super bulky yarn options:

Lion Brand Hometown USA - look for these colors on Lion Brand Yarn's website:

'Vermont Green': dark forest green (shown above in shawl)
'Green Bay': true kelly green - bright St. Patrick's Day green (see photo below)
'Oklahoma City Green': avocado green (see photo below)
'Saint Louis Sage': soft grayish, slate green
'Grand Rapids Green': bright green
'Montpelier Peacock': dark, rich, slightly bluish green
'Savannah Sage': light, soft green

'Green Bay' in Lion Brand Hometown USA is perfect for St. Patrick's Day!

'Oklahoma City Green' in Lion Brand Hometown USA

If you like a woolish texture for your yarn, try Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.  It is available in a few green shades including: 'Grass' and 'Cilantro' (an earthy green),

Another yarn option is Loops & Threads Cozy Wool.  Cozy Wool is a blend yarn that includes a bit of wool. This yarn comes in several green shades including 'Spearmint' (bright aqua green), 'Thunder Blue' (dark teal), 'Moss Green' (earthy green), 'Sweetgrass' (light avocado green).  This yarn is sold only at Michael's Crafts.

This pattern would also work well with variegated or multi-colored yarns, including hand dyed yarn.

An easy to knit chunky shawl - "A Bit of Good Luck".

Since this shawl was specifically designed for use with super bulky weight yarn, I am unable to assist with questions regarding how to adapt this pattern for lighter weight yarn.  This pattern could be adapted for lighter weight yarn but that would require writing a whole new pattern!  Thanks for understanding!

"A Bit of Good Luck" shawl knitting pattern is now available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

You may have read on my previous post that I have been participating in the #YarnLoveChallenge on Instagram during the month of February.  Since this blog post has been filled with green I thought I would share my photo from day 16 when the theme was "happy color".

My favorite color has always been blue!  I have used various shades of blue yarn for several of my knitting projects in the last couple of years.

my 'happy color' = blue

Patterns shown in the collage are listed below.  Click to read more about these patterns on my blog.
The Parkway Pillow (top left)
Belleview Blanket (top right)
The Boulevard Blanket (lower left) - always free pattern
Third Street Blanket (lower center)
Felt Applique Mitten Ornament (lower right)

Thanks so much for reading and for your interest in my knitting projects!

Wishing you a bit of good luck in the days to come! :)

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

"A Bit of Good Luck" easy shawl knitting pattern.

New Chunky Blanket Knitting Pattern: Over the Rooftops

I'm so excited to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - Over the Rooftops.

This chunky blanket is quick and easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  I really enjoyed knitting this blanket!

Over the Rooftops blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

Click here to purchase my Over the Rooftops blanket pattern on Ravelry.

The pattern is also available on my Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

Or, you may purchase on Etsy. or LoveKnitting.

If you prefer to use worsted or Aran weight yarn... please see my Look for Happiness blanket knitting pattern on Ravelry or on FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

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.  One of my favorite scenes is when Bert (played by Dick Van Dyke) and the chimney sweeps dance to the song "Step in Time"...which includes the words "over the rooftops".  I love watching them dance across the rooftops of London. The texture of this blanket reminded me of city rooftops!

Over the Rooftops - chunky texture with super bulky yarn.

FIVE BLANKET SIZES:

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

XL Afghan: 57" wide x 60" long
Large Throw: 48.75" wide x 48.75" long
Medium Throw: 43" wide x 45" long
Small Crib / Lap Blanket: 37.25 wide x 40" long
Baby Blanket: 31.25" wide x 35" long

Any of the blankets may be made longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  In the pattern I have included estimates for additional yardage needed to make blankets longer.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

XL: 1400 - 1500 yards
Large: 1000 - 1100 yards
Medium: 720 - 780 yards
Small (Crib/Lap): 625 - 675 yards
Baby: 425 - 450 yards

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

YARN SUGGESTIONS: 

For this blanket I used Lion Brand Hometown (100% Acrylic) super bulky yarn in the color 'Dallas Grey'.  I really enjoy knitting with this yarn.  It's very soft… but also has great stitch definition so the pattern really ‘pops’.  See all the pretty colorways available and shop for Lion Brand Hometown on the Lion Brand website (US) and LoveCrafts.com (ships to US, Canada, UK, EU and many countries around the world).

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick (80% Acrylic / 20% Wool) - I have used this yarn for many blanket projects including my Winter Dance blanket and Game Time blanket.  Great stitch definition.  Get more details and shop for this yarn on the Lion Brand website and LoveCrafts.com. 

Plymouth Encore Mega (75% Acrylic / 25% Wool) - A great choice for blanket projects.  Get more details and shop for this yarn at local yarn shops in the US and on LoveCrafts.com.

I recommend using a solid color yarn so the texture of the pattern shows up best.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

One thing to know about this blanket...I highly recommend blocking the finished blanket!  The stitch pattern in the center of the blanket tends to pull together ribbing style if it is not blocked.

Here's what my blanket looked like before blocking...

Blanket before blocking...knitting bunches together in the center.

Notice how the center of the blanket bunches together. Taking the time to block the finished blanket makes a huge difference in the appearance of this design.  Blocking your knitting is not hard!  Allow about 20 - 30 minutes for setting up the blocked blanket and about 2 to 4 days for it to dry.

Here is the same blanket after blocking...

Over the Rooftops blanket knitting pattern.

How to block a blanket...

1. Soak the blanket for several minutes in cold water in the kitchen sink.  (I cleaned the sink first!)

2. Pull the plug to allow the water to drain out.  Let the blanket sit for a few minutes to allow excess water to drain off a bit.  Do not wring or twist the knitting.

3. Set the blanket on an old towel for a few minutes to drain off excess water.

4. Set up blocking mats on a carpeted or water resistant floor (don't set up on hardwood floors!).

Last year I purchased two sets of POCO-DIVO "child play mats" on Amazon.  Each set includes nine 12" mats that fit together like puzzle pieces.  I have two sets so I have enough pieces to make a mat large enough to block large blankets. These were the most inexpensive option I could find when I purchased them.  There are other similar products available...this set with grid lines and included T-pins looks very nice.

5. Carefully unfold the wet blanket and spread it out on the blocking mat.  At first your blanket will likely look a bit messy and uneven...

6. Spend some time carefully adjusting the blanket.  Use the edges of the mat and a ruler as a guide to make the edges very straight.  Check the stitches in the center of the blanket and adjust as necessary to make the rows straight and even.  Use rust resistant T-pins or other blocking pins to pin the edges in place.  Here's what my blanket looked like after I pinned it to the mat...

I usually set up a fan next to the wet blanket to try to expedite the drying process.  It can take 2 to 4 days for a large blanket to dry depending on the yarn, air temperature, etc.  It's worth the wait!

Here's another photo of the blanket after blocking...

Over the Rooftops blanket - knit with Lion Brand Hometown USA super bulky yarn

This is an easy pattern to knit for a confident knitting.  Even with an easy pattern, stitch markers are helpful for keeping track of the pattern changes. The green circle markers shown in the photo below are Clover Jumbo Ring Stitch Markers.

Stitch markers are helpful even with a fairly easy pattern.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

The Over the Rooftops blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

If you enjoy knitting chunky blankets with super bulky yarn you might also like my other blanket patterns...

Click here to see all of my blanket patterns on Ravelry.  

Or, click here to see my blanket knitting patterns on Etsy.

I started designing and knitting this blanket over the New Year's weekend.  I really enjoyed knitting this design and I am thrilled with how the blanket turned out.  It's super soft, chunky and cozy!

Thanks so much for reading!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Ready to weave in ends on my new chunky blanket design.