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

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

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

Fifty Four Ten Studio trunk show at Yarn Bar in Montana

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

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

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

My grandparent's house - 5410.

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

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

Fifty Four Ten Studio - blankets for knitting trunk show!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Have a great day!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Many Thanks to Two Darling Yarn Shops!

Many thanks to my friends at Yarn Social in Kansas City and Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana for helping make January such a fun month for me and my Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting design business.  I can't thank them enough for their kindness and for recommending my knitting patterns to their customers.

THANK YOU - YARN SOCIAL IN KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI!

Yarn Social hosted a five day trunk show of about ten of my knitting pattern samples at their darling shop in Kansas City, Missouri.  This was my first knitting trunk show and it was such an honor to be invited to display my samples at Kansas City's newest yarn shop!

My husband built this beautiful display stand for my blanket and scarf samples the night before the show.  (I didn't give him much notice!)

Fifty Four Ten Studio trunk show at Yarn Social in Kansas City, Missouri.

Samples shown on display in the photo above (from top to bottom) - click any link to read more about each pattern here on my blog:

On the Porch blanket (ivory)
Quality Time scarf (dark blue)
Prairie Fields blanket (green)
Northern Trail blanket (tan)
On the Map blanket (blue)

Quality Time scarf and Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern samples.

Last weekend I taught my first knitting class at Yarn Social.  It was so fun to spend the afternoon with eight delightful, enthusiastic knitters!  They worked on small sampler projects using stitch patterns from four of my patterns and we talked about a variety of knitting topics, including blocking.  (Blocking is one of the best things you can do to improve the appearance of your finished project! Click here to read my blog post about blocking.)

Here's a photo of the knitting class in progress...sampler pattern instructions, pretty yarns, blocking demonstration and snacks!

Knitting class at Yarn Social!

The 'Toast' shade of yarn that I used for the examples of the sampler project (photo above) is Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' yarn from Blue Sky Fibers. I love how this yarn knits up!  Great stitch definition and it blocks beautifully. 

Spud & Chloe 'Sweater' is a blend of wool and cotton.  It's available in a beautiful selection of colorways...see Yarn Social's display below.  I'm looking forward to using this yarn in a future project! (Shh...a secret plan is in the works!)

Spud and Chloe 'Sweater' yarn in beautiful colorways at Yarn Social.

If you live in the Kansas City, or are visiting from out of town, be sure to make time to stop in at Yarn Social!  Trish has a beautiful selection of yarns and she has created a warm and inviting shop. 

Yarn Social is located in the West Plaza / Westport area...near 45th & State Line Road.  

Address: 1707 W. 45th Street, Kansas City, MO (near the antique shops)

Check the Yarn Social website for hours!

Yarn Social - yarn shop in Kansas City, Missouri

THANK YOU - YARN BAR IN BILLINGS, MONTANA!

In January, Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana hosted a 'Cheers to Nifty Fifty Four Ten Studio KAL' - how fun is that?!  They suggested using any of my Fifty Four Ten Studio blanket or pillow knitting patterns as cozy winter project for the knit-a-long (KAL).  

One of their customers finished a throw size Prairie Fields blanket! (Photo below.) I love that she used a beautiful ivory colored yarn so her stitches really shine!  Lovely knitting and blocking. 

Prairie Fields blanket (ivory) made by a Yarn Bar customer!

And, the yellow blanket...that's my On the Porch blanket design that Sue and Linda made up as a sample for their shop!  They tell me the yarn is Cestari Sheep Mount Vernon in the colorway 'Daffodil'.  This blanket is so cheery and full of sunshine!

On the Porch blanket on display at the Yarn Bar in Billings, Montana.

On their website, Sue and Linda shared that the 'On the Porch' blanket pattern has been quite popular with their customers: 

Our friend Teddy zipped in to knit a second one as soon as she got a request from the 'hipster' niece who had received the original one Teddy made, gets the 'where did you get that blanket' comment from fellow hipster parents, and wanted another one in different color.

Such a fun story!

I'm so honored that Sue and Linda hosted this knit-a-long and that they have been recommending my patterns to their customers for a long time.  One of these days I'm going to make it out to Billings, Montana to meet them in person!! 

__________________________________

I'm excited about other plans in the works for the coming months.  There's lots happening behind the scenes...if only I could knit faster!

Thank you so much for reading!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee 

Fifty Four Ten Studio

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)

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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.

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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

My first visit to WEBS - America's Yarn Store!

This month I spent a week in the New England area visiting dear friends and family...as part of a college visit tour for my teenage daughter.  We packed in tours of six colleges, relaxing time with our friends in Vermont, dinner with my cousin and his family in Boston, and a visit to WEBS Yarn Store in Northampton, Massachusetts. (And...somehow we managed to successfully dodge two big snow storms during our trip!)

Though I am very familiar with the WEBS on-line store, this was the first time I have had the opportunity to visit their beautiful store in Northampton...it was such a treat!

WEBS has a huge inventory of yarn in every imaginable color.  The store is large, spacious, extremely well organized and has great lighting.  The WEBS team is very welcoming!  My only wish is that I had been able to spend all afternoon checking out every corner of the store!

WEBS - America's Yarn Store

WEBS has a number of my most popular Fifty Four Ten Studio knitting patterns available for sale on their website.

And...WEBS included my Westport Blanket knitting pattern in their beautiful 2018 spring catalog!! (If you have the catalog...see page 63.)  I'm so honored to be included in this publication!

If you are interested...click here to request a WEBS catalog.

They knit up the Westport Blanket pattern using their lovely Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Super Bulky in the 'Burgundy' colorway and offer a kit to make the blanket as shown in your choice of five sizes.

It was so fun to see the Westport Blanket sample in person when I visited the WEBS store...I love it!  I took a couple of quick photos shown below...thanks to my daughter for serving as the model outside on a cold New England day!

Westport Blanket knit in Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Super Bulky for a kit!

A note about the yarn color....this yarn is definitely a classic burgundy shade!  In the photos here and in the WEBS listing for the kit, the blanket can appear more of a pinkish, raspberry shade....but this yarn is a deep, rich burgundy.

You may also purchase the Westport Blanket knitting pattern separately from WEBS and then choose your own Valley Superwash Super Bulky yarn color!  This yarn is available in so many beautiful colors!  And, I love the stitch definition of this yarn...as shown here...

Westport Blanket - knitting kit from WEBS Yarn Store

Westport Blanket in Valley Superwash Super Bulky - Kit

I'm so appreciative of the WEBS team for offering my Westport Blanket as a kit in their store and online.  I'm really touched that they selected my pattern to feature in their catalog! 

You can also find my Westport Blanket knitting pattern on Ravelry and Etsy....and read more about the pattern here on my blog.

WEBS - On the Map Blanket Kit:

WEBS also offers a kit to knit my On the Map blanket in their Valley Yarns Valley Superwash in the beautiful colorway 'Colonial Blue' that I used (photo below).  This yarn is a worsted weight and it's simply lovely!

The kit includes the pattern and enough yarn to make your choice of six sizes: Baby, Small (Crib/Lap blanket), Medium Throw, Large Throw, XL & XXL Afghan.

On the Map blanket - kit available from WEBS Yarn Store

The On the Map knitting pattern is also available to purchase on WEBS, Ravelry or Etsy. 

Valley Yarns Valley Superwash is a worsted weight yarn that is available in a beautiful selection of colors on the WEBS website.

Happy Spring!

I've been home for a few days and enjoying the beautiful spring weather here in Kansas City.  I love seeing the bright sunshine!  

Spring always gets me inspired to do a little rearranging of things...tucking away heavy blankets and pulling out a few favorite lighter colored accent pieces.  In the photo below...I added one of my favorite hand knit pillows to the guest bedroom decor - The Parkway Pillow. 

I knit The Parkway Pillow using Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the lovely shade 'Glacier'.  See all the beautiful shades of this yarn on the Lion Brand Yarn website.

The Parkway Pillow - easy to knit with super bulky yarn

Read more about The Parkway Pillow here on my blog.  The pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting.

Plans for the week...

In the knitting department...I'm finishing up a baby blanket using my 'Across the Diamond' knitting pattern. (Photos of this finished blanket coming soon!)  I'm currently reading (and enjoying) The Bartender's Tale by Ivan Doig.  Tomorrow, I'm planning to head to my favorite local plant nursery to pick up some pansies...my favorite for this time of year.  And...this week we'll be cheering on our favorite basketball teams in the Sweet 16 of the NCAA Tournament...the University of Kansas and Kansas State University!   

Thanks so much for stopping by!  Have a wonderful day!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Knitting the Coastline Scarf from 'Making' Magazine Issue No. 4 / LINES

In early February spent most of a Sunday afternoon organizing my yarn and making a list of projects I wanted to work on using some beautiful yarn I have purchased in the last couple of years. A lot of the yarn was purchased when I was on a trip...'souvenir yarn'!

I have a trip planned for March so I decided I really needed to use some of the pretty stash yarn I have on hand before I buy more!  One of the goals in using my stash yarn was to make a few wearable items for myself...it had been a really long time since I've knit something for myself.

Coastline Scarf

The first project I decided to tackle was the Coastline Scarf which is part of the beautiful collection of designs in Issue No. 4 of Making magazine. (See the lovely cover of the magazine included in the photos below.)

I love how my Coastline Scarf turned out! I love the texture...the yarn and the stitch pattern worked beautifully together. Here's how it looks after blocking...

Coastline Scarf knitting pattern from Making magazine Issue No. 4 / LINES.

About the yarn...

For my Coastline Scarf I used the two skeins of Shepherd's Wool in 'Great Lakes' from Stonehedge Fiber Mill that I purchased last fall.  I love this yarn!  It's simply gorgeous.  

This 'Great Lakes' colorway has a subtle tweed combination of rich teal and blue.  I thoroughly enjoyed knitting with this yarn and I'm looking forward to using it again.

Making Magazine - Issue No. 4....Coastline Scarf knitting pattern

This stitch pattern for the Coastline Scarf is easy to remember but it does involve an intermediate knitting skill: knitting...and purling...into the back of stitches.  This twists the stitches to create an interesting appearance and it is a nice companion to the garter stitch stitches.    

I really enjoyed knitting this scarf while watching the Olympics!  I love watching the Olympics...especially figure skating. I'm also intrigued by the cross country skiing and short track speed skating events.

Knitting the Coastline Scarf  with Shepherd's Wool from Stonehedge Fiber Mill

In case you are wondering....the little wood rectangular tray is from Crate & Barrel. It is sold in the 'appetizer' section....but I thought it would make a great addition to my studio table for corralling my knitting notions.  The best part...this beautiful tray was only about $10! 

In the photo below...I only had a couple more rows to finish on my scarf...

Almost finished with my Coastline Scarf - love the texture!

I made my scarf about 68" long...a bit longer than specified in the pattern.  I was able to keep knitting away because I had plenty of yarn.  Shepherd's Wool comes in generous 250 yard skeins.  I used approximately 400 - 425 yards of yarn total.

This scarf definitely needs blocking for best appearance. I used my inexpensive blocking mats and Knitter's Pride T-Pins. 

Blocking the Coastline Scarf

The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

I first discovered this beautiful Stonehedge Fiber Mill yarn when we were in Sheboygan, Wisconsin for a family wedding last October.  My very first stop after checking into our hotel was to visit The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop...it's a darling shop!  

I had heard a bit about the shop in advance because the shop is owned by "the pastor's wife"...."the pastor" performed the wedding ceremony for my brother-in-law and his bride-to-be!  I had a great time shopping at this cute little yarn shop and I will look forward to visiting again in the future.  Here's a couple photos of the inside of the shop:

The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop in Sheboygan, Wisconsin.

I think some of the Stonehedge Fiber Mill yarn is displayed in the metal washtubs on the wall...so cute!  And...note the Green Bay Packers (green & yellow) and University of Wisconsin (red & white) themed yarns offered...since the shop is in Wisconsin!

The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop - Sheboygan, WI.

Look for Shepherd's Wool at your favorite local yarn shop.  There's a handy directory on the Stonehedge Fiber website to check for retailers...sorted by U.S. state.

Working on ideas for my next project...

I have a few other options in my stash yarns that are competing for attention.  I think the yarn that will get used first is this lovely 'Lakeshore' colorway in a super wash option of Shepherd's Wool. I purchased this yarn at The Lost Sheep Yarn Shop also...I have four beautiful skeins (1,000 yards!) to work with...still deciding what I will make. :) 

Shepherd's Wool superwash worsted in 'Lakeshore' from Stonehedge Fiber Mill.

I baked these oatmeal cookies a few days ago.  I had been craving them for a couple weeks...it had been far too long since I made these!  The recipe is not fancy...just the basic recipe provided on the inside of the lid of the canister of Quaker Oats....except I left out the raisins.  I love the cinnamon smell when these cookies are baking!

Today...winter weather has returned...ice and freezing rain.  Hoping we don't loose our power and internet!  

Thanks so much for reading!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Prairie Fields - New Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm excited to announce my new blanket knitting pattern - Prairie Fields.

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, Etsy and LoveKnitting

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

This blanket is designed for use with worsted weight yarn.  The pattern may also be used with DK, Aran or other similar weight yarns.  Just pick the knitting needle size that gives the best appearance for your yarn.

This blanket is fun to knit!  I loved using this stitch pattern....it's just simple knit and purl stitches.

You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern in standard US knitting terms, cast off stitches and weave in ends.  Blocking of the finished blanket is highly recommended!  (More on that below!)

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern.

Prairie Fields is named for the beautiful farms...with crops planted in orderly rows...that surround my hometown of Kansas City. I live in a suburb of Kansas City...on the Kansas side of the State Line.  Though our neighborhood is definitely suburban....beautiful prairie fields are not too far away.

I love the texture of this stitch pattern!

This pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes!  The blanket shown in the photos is a size small...crib or lap size blanket.

SIX BLANKET SIZES
approximate sizes after blocking...

Baby Blanket: 28" wide x 31.25" long
Small Crib/Lap Blanket: 31" wide x 35" long
Medium Throw: 34" long x 38.75" long
Large Throw: 38" wide x 42.5" long
XL Afghan: 42.5" wide x 46.25" long
XXL Afghan: 46.75" wide x 50" long

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  Adding one pattern repeat will add about 3.75" to the length of the blanket.

Of course...be sure to purchase additional yarn if you plan to make your blanket longer!  The pattern includes estimates for how much additional yarn is needed to make each blanket size longer.

WORSTED WEIGHT YARN

Baby: 680 - 700 yards
Small: 840 - 870 yards
Medium: 1030 - 1060 yards
Large: 1260 - 1300 yards
XL: 1600 - 1650 yards
XXL: 1900 - 1950 yards

This pattern will work well with many worsted weight yarns.  The pattern will also work well with DK, Aran or other yarns that are similar in weight to worsted.

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern for worsted weight yarn.

EXACT GAUGE NOT ESSENTIAL

I used US size 7 circular knitting needles and my gauge was about 17 stitches and 24 rows to 4 inches.

When you select your yarn do a test swatch in stockinette stitch with the needle size recommended for your yarn.  Cast on about 25 stitches and knit in stockinette stitch for a few inches.

You may find that you need a smaller or larger needle size depending on the thickness of your yarn and your knitting tension.  If your knitting seems too tight...switch to a needle size one or two sizes larger.  If your knitting seems too loose...go down a needle size or two.

Pick the needle size that gives the best appearance....without worrying about exact gauge.

Just keep in mind...a different weight yarn may require more...or less...yarn.  So...plan ahead by purchasing extra yarn just to be sure you have plenty.

Prairie Fields blanket knit with Cascade 220 Superwash.

BLANKET SHOWN IN CASCADE 220 SUPERWASH

I used Cascade 220 Superwash in the color 'Lake Chelan Heather' #859 that I purchased at The Yarn Barn in Lawrence, Kansas.

This was the first time I have used Cascade 220 Superwash....it's just lovely!  Easy to knit...100% superwash wool...220 yards per skein at a reasonable price for very nice quality yarn...it's a great choice for blankets!  And...this yarn comes in so many beautiful colors!

The Yarn Barn is a lovely store that has been in Lawrence for many years.  In addition to the fantastic selection in the shop, they also publish a fabulous catalog that includes a huge selection of yarn. If you like traditional mail order...using a catalog and calling someone in person...give them a call!  And, if you are near Lawrence, Kansas this store is worth the stop!  (There's also an amazing fabric store across the street if you are into sewing and quilting....Sarah's Fabrics.)

Knitting with Cascade 220 Superwash in 'Lake Chelan Heather'.

BLOCKING HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

I highly recommend blocking this blanket after you have finished knitting and weaving in the ends.

Click here for a link to my blog post about how to block a blanket.

Here's what this blanket looked like BEFORE blocking...

Before blocking!

Before blocking the knitting was bumpy and puckered...especially along the sides next to the garter stitch border.

Here's what the blanket looks like AFTER blocking...

Prairie Fields blanket - After blocking!

Blocking makes everything about the blanket look better!  The texture of the pattern shines and flat stockinette stitch sections of the blanket are smooth and neat.

WHERE TO BUY THE PATTERN

Prairie Fields blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry.  The pattern is also available on Craftsy, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

If you like knitting blankets with worsted weight yarn you might also like these other blanket patterns I designed: Summer Sidewalk, On the Porch and On the Map.

It's fall in Kansas City!

It's feeling more like fall around here in Kansas City.  The leaves are turning beautiful colors and it's much cooler...time to pull out my collection of cozy blankets.  We like to keep our house pretty cold in the fall and winter so we always have warm blankets around to wrap up and keep warm!

Thanks so much for your interest in my knitting patterns!  Hope you have a fabulous day!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Spring Knitting...Lots of Projects in the Works

Spring is here!  After about two weeks of off and on rain everything looks beautiful again in Kansas City!  Last weekend I cut a few branches off the Royal Raindrops Crabapple trees in our backyard.  They only lasted for a couple days in the vase but I loved how they brightened up my messy studio table.  (In case you are wondering, I purchased the vase at IKEA in March 2017.)

Cuttings from our crabapple trees.

We've been working on a lot of projects at our house this past month...knitting, sewing, woodworking, gardening...and more.  Something about spring arriving really gets us motivated to do projects and make things!

For about two weeks I have been working on a chunky cable blanket design.  First I did a test knit using some leftover yarn.  It's Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in 'Glacier'.  I love using this leftover skein over and over for testing out pattern ideas because it's one of my favorite colors...and the lighter color really shows off the pattern details well as the design comes together.

Test knitting with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick 'Glacier'.

After I established a plan for this big chunky cable blanket I cast on with the dark gray yarn I picked for the blanket. The photo below is from last weekend when I was working on this big blanket. I finished knitting the blanket yesterday...so watch for an announcement about this pattern in the next couple of weeks.  (It takes a while to finish the final steps...block the blanket, let it dry, photograph the blanket and finish all the details writing the pattern...and then the pattern can be published!)

  

I love how the pink Crabapple blossoms look with the rich dark gray yarn! The yarn is Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Chicago Charcoal'.  This yarn is incredibly soft and I love how it worked with this chunky cable blanket design.  More details coming soon!

A few weeks ago my in house woodworking team (husband & daughter) built a headboard for the guest room at our house. They painted it a medium/dark gray....Sherwin Williams 'Software'...and it looks fabulous next to the white bedding (from IKEA).  I love how my Westport Blanket adds texture to the room!  (And...that's my Peace Pillow knitting pattern adding a comforting message.  The design includes felt applique letters.)

Westport Blanket knitting pattern - along with new headboard!

When my daughter was on spring break we pulled out the sewing machine and dug through all the fabric in the house and made a big stack of dinner napkins.  We love how they turned out and the assorted fabric patterns remind us of past projects.  And...we're using a lot fewer paper napkins!

We used the directions from this Craftsy tutorial.  Learning to do the mitered corners was the trickiest part of this project but my daughter figured that out!

Homemade dinner napkins made with stash fabric.

It took a lot of hours to make this stack of napkins!  The first challenge was finding stash fabric with big enough sections to cut 18" x 18" squares for each napkin.  We washed, dried and ironed all of the fabric because some had been stored in plastic bins for a long time. We wanted it all to smell fresh and clean.  Then we cut fabric, marked fold lines, sewed the tricky little corners for a professional border (this part took a little practice), used a knitting needle to poke out the corners carefully, ironed folds again and sewed down the final edges.

Marking fold lines.

A knitting needle is helpful for adjusting the corner seams.

All of the fabric was from our stash - leftover from quilting, sewing class projects, etc.

We worked on this project for several days!  It was a fun project to do together and the finished napkins look really cheery at dinner time.

Earlier this week I stopped in at Yarn Shop & More....a LYS in Overland Park, Kansas.  This cute shop is located in Downtown Overland Park....or some call it "Old OP".  It's a quaint, small town feeling shopping district in a suburb of Kansas City.  Yarn Shop & More has a beautiful assortment of yarns!  It's fun to step in the door and see the yarns arranged by color on the shelves...like a rainbow...

Yarn Shop & More in Overland Park, Kansas

Even though the bright colors were very tempting, I ended up purchasing a lovely neutral colored yarn by Blue Sky Fibers...it's Organic Cotton Worsted in the color 'Drift'.

Blue Sky Fibers - Organic Cotton Worsted in 'Drift'

I splurged on this gorgeous yarn to knit a blanket for our house. I tested a few stitches with the yarn and I fell in love with how it looks in a simple garter stitch.  So...this new blanket design will definitely have a wide garter stitch border...

Look for more photos on this project in a future post. :)

Thanks so much for reading.  Hope you have a fabulous day!

Happy spring!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio