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

New Blanket Knitting Pattern - Together Again

I'm so happy to introduce my new blanket knitting pattern - Together Again.

Together Again blanket knitting pattern is fun to knit with bulky weight yarn.   And, this blanket design is reversible!  A 24-row stitch pattern reveals an interesting geometric design that looks the same on both sides of the blanket.

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

Click here to purchase the Together Again pattern on Ravelry.  

Click here to purchase on Etsy. Or...here to purchase on LoveKnitting.

Together Again - blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The name for this design was inspired by special times spent together again...

with family gathered for a holiday dinner
with an old friend who visits from far away
with friends meeting up for the big city experience 
with in-laws hiking to a scenic vista
with childhood friends on a summer day
with college kids when they are home for school break

It’s the times spent together again that I cherish.

Together Again 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: 29.5” wide x 33.5” long
Small Blanket: 33” wide x 39” long
Medium Throw: 36.5” wide x 44.5” long
Large Throw: 40” wide x 50” long
XL Afghan: 47” wide x 55.5” long
XXL Afghan: 50.5” wide x 61” long

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Each pattern repeat adds about 5.5" to the length.  The pattern instructions include estimates of how much additional yarn is needed to make each blanket size longer.

I made the large blanket size which is about 40" wide x 50" long...after blocking.  I'm thrilled with how this cozy blanket turned out!

Together Again blanket knitting pattern - it's reversible!

BULKY WEIGHT YARN:

Baby Blanket: 610 - 640 yards
Small Blanket: 800 - 840 yards
Medium Throw: 1000 - 1040 yards
Large Throw: 1185 - 1235 yards
XL Afghan: 1650 - 1720 yards
XXL Afghan: 1950 - 2050 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.

I used Lion Brand Yarn 'Color Made Easy' bulky weight yarn in the colorway 'Basalt'.  This 'Color Made Easy' yarn is a great choice for blanket knitting projects.  There is a reason I have used it for four blanket design projects:  the stitch definition is fantastic so the design really 'pops', it's easy care 100% acrylic and it's affordably priced. And, this yarn is available in more than 20 pretty colorways.  This 'Basalt' colorway is one of my favorites...a fabulous medium gray that is truly neutral.  Click here to shop all the pretty colorways on the Lion Brand website. [affiliate link]


UPDATE: KIT AVAILABLE FROM LION BRAND WEBSITE:

My ‘Together Again’ blanket design is now available as a kit on the Lion Brand Yarn website.  The kit includes the printed pattern instructions for the large blanket (40” wide x 50” long) and 5 skeins of Color Made Easy bulky yarn (enough to make the large blanket).

And...you may pick from one of six beautiful colorways: Basalt (medium gray I used), Avocado, Birch, Coal, Kombucha or Shade.

Click here to purchase the Together Again blanket kit on the Lion Brand website. [affiliate link]

NOTE: The pattern included with the KIT only includes instructions for *one blanket size* - the large blanket.


NEEDLES:

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

I used US size 10.5 knitting needles.

Be sure to do some test knitting with your yarn and knitting needles and check your gauge.  A different gauge may require more (or less) yarn than listed.  Pick the needle size that give you the closest match on gauge.

GAUGE:

Stockinette stitch with US 10.5 needles:  12 sts & 16 - 17 rows = 4”

Check gauge by casting on 20 stitches and working in stockinette stitch for 4”.  If gauge measures more than 3 stitches per inch the project may require more yarn than listed in the pattern.

SKILLS NEEDED:

This pattern is suitable for a confident knitter.  No fancy stitches involved...all knit and purl stitches.  This pattern requires a bit of attention to detail to stay on track but it's worth it!

It's important to keeping track of exactly which row you are working in this 24 repeat pattern.  I like to check off each row on the printed pattern after I complete it.

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.

Ring style and clip on stitch markers are highly recommended to keep track of the pattern repeats. Ring style stitch markers are very helpful to keep track of the stitch pattern repeat across the row. Clip on markers used to identify the right side (front) of project and track progress.

Using stitch markers to keep track of the stitch pattern.

BLOCKING FINISHED BLANKET:

Blocking of the finished blanket is highly recommended.  Click here to see my blog post for tips and information about blocking a blanket.

Before blocking - the stitch pattern creates some bunching in the center.

Careful blocking makes a big difference in the finished results.  Click to see tips on my blog post.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Together Again blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.

Together Again blanket pattern is also available in my Etsy shop and on LoveKnitting.

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

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Together Again blanket knitting pattern for bulky weight yarn.

Little Moments - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm so happy to introduce my new blanket knitting pattern - Little Moments.

Little Moments blanket knitting pattern is easy to knit with bulky weight yarn.  And, this blanket design is reversible!  An easy to remember six-row stitch pattern creates an interesting texture that looks the same on both sides of the blanket.

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

Click here to purchase the Little Moments pattern on my Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

Click here to purchase the Little Moments pattern on Ravelry.

The pattern is also available on Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Little Moments blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

January 30, 2020 Update: This blog post can now be seen on my new Fifty Four Ten Studio website!

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

My new blanket design is inspired by many cherished memories of little moments...

reading a book to a child at bedtime
singing ‘Happy Birthday’ to a loved one
chatting in the car on the way to school
baking the same cookies every year
gathering for a holiday dinner
listening to life stories of older relatives
building a snowman on a winter day
going to an orchard to pick apples 
meeting friends for lunch in the park

It’s the little moments in life that make wonderful memories.

Little Moments blanket knitting pattern - celebrating memories of little life moments

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX BLANKET SIZES:

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

Baby Blanket: 28.5" wide x 35” long
Small Blanket: 33” wide x 40” long
Medium Throw: 36.5” wide x 46” long
Large Throw: 41” wide x 52” long
XL Afghan: 44” wide x 55.5” long
XXL Afghan: 50.5” wide x 60” 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 large blanket size which is about 41" wide x 52" long.  I love how it turned out!

Little Moments blanket - easy to knit & reversible!

BULKY WEIGHT YARN:

Baby: 700 - 720 yards
Small: 910 - 940 yards
Medium: 1160 - 1200 yards
Large: 1400 - 1480 yards
XL: 1680 - 1730 yards
XXL: 2100 - 2200 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.

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

LITTLE MOMENTS BLANKET KIT: 
Lion Brand Yarn offers a kit to make the Little Moments blanket!  The kit includes pattern instructions for the Large size blanket (about 41" wide x 52" long) and six skeins of Color Made Easy bulky weight yarn in your choice of one of five pretty colorways. (Note that the kit includes instructions for one blanket size.)  Click here to get more information about the Little Moments Blanket kit on the Lion Brand website.  [affiliate link]

Little Moments blanket - easy to knit with bulky weight yarn.

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.

NEEDLES:

The project is worked flat, in one piece, 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 Little Moments 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.

Knitting my 'Little Moments' blanket with Color Made Easy yarn.

SKILLS NEEDED:

This is an easy knitting project that requires a bit of attention to stay on track with the six-row repeat 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.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

Fifty Four Ten Studio Website: Click here to purchase the pattern.

Ravelry: Click here to purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Etsy: Click here to purchase the pattern on Etsy.

Thanks so much for stopping by and reading. 

Have a wonderful day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Little Moments blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

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

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.

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

Working on a new blanket knitting pattern design.

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

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

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

Best wishes for a healthy and happy new year!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

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