Friday, October 16, 2015

New Easy Scarf Knitting Pattern - Side Line Scarf

My Side Line Scarf knitting pattern is quick and easy to knit with super bulky yarn.

This chunky scarf knitting pattern is available for free on Ravelry and LoveKnitting.

Or....click here to download the *FREE* PDF pattern file for the Side Line Scarf.
Side Line Scarf Knitting Pattern
This scarf will keep you warm when you are sitting on the side lines at the game. 
And, the pattern is so easy you can knit this scarf while watching the game from the side lines
Grab some yarn in your favorite sports team's color and start knitting.  You only need about 180 - 200 yards of super bulky yarn to knit up this scarf.
I love the texture of this stitch pattern.  At first glance you might think is just simple garter stitch. Look again!
An easy K3, P3 repeat pattern creates a subtle striping effect.  (Reminds me of the lines on the football or soccer field!)
Side Line Scarf - Free Knitting Pattern

For the ivory colored scarf, I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick super bulky weight yarn in the color 'Fisherman'.
For the gray scarf below I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color 'Stone'.
Side Line Scarf - easy to knit with super bulky yarn.
This pattern will also work well with other super bulky yarns including Lion Brand Hometown USA.  I recommend solid color yarns so the texture shows best.

This scarf makes a great gift for anyone…men, women, teens and kids.
My daughter and I had a great time doing the photo shot for this scarf pattern.  We walked to our neighborhood park on a beautiful fall afternoon.  
Warm, cozy scarf pattern - Side Line Scarf.
If you like the texture of this scarf, you might also like The Boulevard Blanket...my cozy, warm throw blanket pattern knit with super bulky yarn.

You might also like my free Side Line Cowl knitting pattern...read about it here on my blog.
Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Friday, September 18, 2015

"Like a Sweater" Blanket - Cable Knitting Pattern

My new "Like a Sweater" Blanket knitting pattern was inspired by a conversation with my daughter.  I was working on knitting another blanket (The Boulevard Blanket) when she asked me if I knew how to knit cables.  That simple question led to a design for a chunky, cozy, cable knit blanket! 
You can find the "Like a Sweater" Blanket knitting pattern on Ravelry and in my Etsy shop.
"Like a Sweater" Blanket Knitting Pattern
Here's the brief version of the conversation that inspired this design...
Daughter: Do you know how to knit cables Mom?
Me: Yes…it’s done with a special cable needle. (I demonstrated using my work in progress)
Daughter: Would you be able to make me a blanket that looks like a sweater?
Me: What do you mean “a blanket that looks like a sweater”?
Daughter: A thick, chunky blanket with big cables…like a sweater!
Of course, I said "sure"!  We had fun talking about some ideas.  I showed her different cable designs and knitted up a few test squares.  I sketched out several design ideas.  In the end, she liked the idea of three large matching cables in the center with a simple seed stitch border.  
All through the designing and knitting process, I knew what the name would be for this blanket…“Like a Sweater”.
Three Large Matching Cables in this Blanket Knitting Pattern
The “Like a Sweater” Blanket is knit with super bulky weight yarn so it is quick to knit on big needles.  The blanket is knit flat, in one piece, back and forth on US size 13 circular knitting needles.  I used 32" long circular needles which worked perfectly.  Of course, longer circular needles would also work.
I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease "Thick & Quick" in the color Fisherman.  I used about 800 yards of yarn.
This blanket is "throw" size.  Finished dimensions are 36" wide x 49" long.  It is possible to make the blanket longer by adding additional cable sequences.  Just remember to buy more yarn if you plan to make your blanket bigger!



My pattern is written in standard US knitting terms with row by row instructions.
This pattern is suitable for intermediate level knitters who have experience with cable knitting. Before knitting this blanket, make sure that you know how to knit cables!  You don't want to invest in a large quantity of yarn if you are not confident in how to knit cables.  
Cable knitting! 
This cable blanket is great for any decor and makes a nice gift for just about anyone.  Oh...by the way...my daughter loves her new blanket!

The "Like a Sweater" Blanket pattern is available on Ravelry and in my Etsy shop
Happy knitting!

Sunday, May 24, 2015

The Boulevard Blanket - New Free Knitting Pattern

The Boulevard Blanket….it’s quick, easy, chunky, warm and reversible!  

And best of all this throw knitting pattern is free on Ravelry and LoveKnitting!

You may also click here to download the PDF pattern file for free.  

If you need extra help with this pattern, you may download my free PDF tutorial.
The Boulevard Blanket by Fifty Four Ten Studio
At first glance you might think this pattern is just simple garter stitch...but it is not. Notice the subtle stripes? An easy K3, P3 repeat pattern creates this effect.  I love that the texture is the same on both sides for a reversible blanket.
The subtle stripes made me think of roads and all the beautiful streets we have here in Kansas City.  An old promotional slogan for Kansas City said "More boulevards than Paris, more fountains than Rome".  I'm not sure if either of these statements is true but we do have many beautiful tree lined boulevards in my hometown...which inspired the name...The Boulevard Blanket.  (My first pillow knitting pattern was also inspired by a favorite Kansas City street...The Parkway Pillow.)
Quick & Easy Blanket Pattern - Free on Ravelry
This throw knitting pattern is so easy to knit with big needles and super bulky yarn.  I used seven (7) skeins of Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the color Fisherman.  In order to find enough skeins in the desired color and the same dye lot, I ordered the yarn online. This pattern will also work well with Lion Brand Hometown USA and Loops & Threads Cozy Wool (sold at Michael's Crafts).  

Check out the Lion Brand Yarn Website for the largest selection of colors in Wool-Ease Thick & Quick and Hometown.

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

KNITTING NEEDLES:
The blanket is knit in one piece, back and forth on 32” long circular knitting needles (US size 13).  I used Knitter's Pride Nova Platina knitting needles which I purchased at my local yarn shop.  These are great knitting needles!

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX BLANKET SIZES: 

The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern has been completely updated to include instructions for 6 sizes.  

Baby/Infant Blanket: 28” wide x 28” long
Small (Crib/Lap): 35” wide x 40” long
Medium Throw: 38” wide x 46” long
Large Throw: 44” wide x 50” long
XL Afghan: 47” wide x 55” long
XXL Afghan: 53” wide x 60” long
It's easy to change the length by knitting additional rows if desired.  
This is a great pattern for a confident beginner.  If you know how to knit and purl confidently you can knit this blanket!

Once in a while, knitters have some difficulty getting on the right track with this blanket.  I created a free PDF tutorial for The Boulevard Blanket to address the most common mistakes.  (If you have trouble downloading it using the link above, send me an email and I would be happy to send it to you.  My email address is in the pattern.)

I was inspired to knit this blanket because I wanted to knit a warm, cozy throw and I wanted to knit an easy project that would take a while to knit.  The only problem is....it did not take long at all to knit this blanket!  


The Boulevard Blanket is easy & fun to knit!
March 2017 Update:
This winter I worked on a blue version of The Boulevard Blanket. (See photo above.) I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Washington Denim'. I love how this yarn works with this pattern!  The yarn is extremely soft!


The Boulevard Blanket - free knitting pattern on Ravelry
You might also like my other easy chunky blanket patterns. 

Click here to shop all of my blanket knitting patterns on FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

Click here to shop all of my blanket knitting patterns on Ravelry. 

Click here to shop my blanket knitting patterns on Etsy.



HOW TO GET THE BOULEVARD BLANKET PATTERN:
The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern is available for free on Ravelry and LoveKnitting

Or....click the image below to download the PDF pattern file:



The Boulevard Blanket - CLICK TO DOWNLOAD PATTERN

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Monday, November 24, 2014

Merry & Cheers Christmas Pillows Knitting Pattern

I'm happy to announce a new Christmas knitting pattern just in time for 2014 gift giving.  You will find the "Merry & Cheers Christmas Pillows" knitting pattern on Ravelry and in my Etsy shop.

"Merry" Christmas Pillow Knitting Pattern
The "Merry & Cheers Christmas Pillows" pattern includes full size felt applique patterns for both the "merry" and "cheers" designs.  I picked a fun, casual font style and modified the letters to suit the 12" x 16" pillow size.  

In the pattern you will find that the letter patterns are full size....all you have to do is print the page and cut out the paper letter patterns.  No resizing of the patterns needed!

This knitted pillow is a quick and easy project.  It is knit flat and seamed on the sides and bottom. 

This pattern uses super bulky weight yarn.  This pattern knits up so quickly you have plenty of time to knit more than one to wrap up before December 25th!

"Cheers" Christmas Pillow Knitting Pattern
I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool super bulky weight yarn from Michael's Craft Store in the U.S.  This bright, traditional Christmas red is called 'Claret'.  I really like this yarn because it is very reasonably priced and the yarn is very soft.  You can also use many other super bulky weight yarns for this project.

Other supplies needed include an inexpensive pillow form (12" x 16"), nice quality felt, DMC embroidery floss and basic sewing and crafting supplies.  I recommend a good quality pair of scissors for cutting out the felt letters.

I suggest using the best quality felt you can find.  My favorite source for good quality, wool blend felt is Sweet Emma Jean's Etsy Shop where you will find an incredible selection of felt colors.  

This pattern includes detailed, step-by-step instructions for finishing.  As with any knitting project, careful finishing makes all the difference in the outcome of the finished project.  I make every effort to outline each individual step in the pattern and provide close up photos to illustrate the steps.

To find out more about this pattern visit my Etsy shop or see my pattern listing on Ravelry.

Happy Holidays! 


Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Main Line Pillows - Color Block Inspired Knitting Pattern

The "Main Line Pillows" knitting pattern includes two (2) color block inspired designs.  This pattern is available on Ravelry, Craftsy and Etsy.

This design is simple with clean lines and a modern style.  Both pillow designs would look great knit in any number of color combinations to go with any decor.

This version of the Main Line Pillow uses three colors with one "main line" slightly off center (see the white stripe in the photo below).

Main Line Pillows knitting pattern - Two designs included.
The other version (shown below) uses five wide stripes with three yarn colors.  With the colors that I used, the dark navy in the center becomes the "main line".  However, with different color choices other lines could become more dominant and change the appearance.  It would be fun to experiment with colors....and even try knitting each of the five stripe color blocks in a different color.

Main Line Pillow - Five "Main Lines" Design
This pillow is knit with super bulky yarn so it knits up very quickly.  The pillow cover is knit flat in one piece, sideways, and then seamed on the bottom and sides.  There are detailed finishing instructions (with photos) in the knitting pattern.

Knit with super bulky yarn and large knitting needles.  
I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool which is sold at Michael's Craft Store in the United States.  I'm pretty much addicted to this yarn!  It is available in a nice variety of colors.  This is a nice, soft yarn at an economical price.

This pattern will also work well with many other super bulky yarns including Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick or Lion Brand Hometown USA.

This is also a great pattern for using up stash super bulky yarn!

This pattern is designed for a 12" x 16" pillow form.  I used an inexpensive, basic pillow form from the craft store.  For this modern style I prefer a firm pillow form.

This pillow makes a great gift for anyone!  It won't take you long to knit the pillow and you won't spend much on the materials.

These two pillow designs (the Main Line Pillows knitting pattern includes two design charts to do both designs shown in the photos above) would look great in other colors.  For a modern neutral style, either pattern would look fantastic in black, gray and white.  For Valentine's Day it would look so cute in red, pink and white.  For a sports fan, choose favorite sports team colors.  (The design with five lines reminds me of a classic rugby shirt!)  I included more color combination ideas in the pattern.

I have four or five new knitting pattern designs in the works right now.  Now that it is so cold outside I'm knitting every day!  Thank you so much for stopping by to check out my knitting patterns.  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio


Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Line Up Pillow Knitting Pattern - Lots of Stripes!

The Line Up Pillow knitting pattern is all about stripes.  I love stripes.  Stripes are classic and timeless.   There's something about the symmetry and balance of stripes.

The Line Up Pillow knitting pattern includes two (2) stripe pattern charts to knit pillow covers to fit 12" x 16" basic pillow forms.

The pattern also includes blank charts for you to design your own stripe patterns.

The first stripe pattern I designed was centered around my favorite color combination of navy and white.  This pattern has seven thin white stripes with wider navy stripes.  In these colors the pillow has a nautical, summery look.

Line Up Pillow Knitting Pattern - Quick & easy project!
I used Loops & Threads 'Cozy Wool' in the colors 'Sapphire' and 'Fleece'.  I use this yarn all the time because it is so soft and has a nice appearance at very economical price.

This pattern would look great in many color combinations.  For a modern look you could try black (or dark gray) and white.  For neutral decor it would look nice in soft light tan or light gray with white or ivory thin stripes.  How about red and white for Christmas?  Or...for a sports fan use favorite sports team colors.

The second strip design included in the pattern was inspired by all of the leftover bits of super bulky yarn in my stash.  I wanted to knit a pillow using all of these colors but I wanted it to look organized.  I came up with a design chart for 13 stripes in equal widths.  I placed all of my yarn options on the floor and tried out different arrangements for the colors  Then I arranged the colors in the order I wanted to use them in my striped pillow.

Line Up Pillow knitting pattern includes two stripe design charts.
I ended up using one or two neutral colors twice in this sample.  Most of the yarn in this sample is either Loops & Threads 'Cozy Wool' or Lion Brand Wool-Ease 'Thick & Quick".  I still have a lot more odds and ends so I can make another version with the stripes in a different order!  (You may have noticed that I'm addicted to designing and knitting pillows!  I'm sure I can find a spot for one more pillow in the house!)

This is a very easy pattern!  Great for beginning knitters or experienced knitters who want a quick project.  

The pattern is knit flat in one piece with two needles and seamed.  If you prefer, this pattern can be knit in the round.  Cast on the same number of stitches indicated in the pattern.  Join and knit all rounds following the stripe chart of your choice. Be sure to mark the beginning of the round to make sure you start and stop stripes at same point each time.  (This pattern is geared towards beginners, as well as all levels of knitters.  More advanced knitters may prefer knitting in the round and more advance finishing techniques.)

You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, bind off stitches, weave in ends and sew up simple seams.  If you have not sewn up seams before, there are detailed photo illustrated instructions in the pattern.  My patterns include lots of detailed directions to walk you through every step of the finishing process.

Detailed finishing instructions included in the pattern.
If you are wondering how much yarn you need for these pillows....plan on about 220 - 235 yards total.  

For the two color stripe pattern (navy & white version above) you will need about 170 yards of the main color and 60 yards for the thin stripe color.  

For the multi color pattern (where each of the 13 stripes is a different color) you will need about 17 yards for each stripe....with the first and last stripe needing about 24 yards to allow for casting on and sewing up seams.

Grab your stash yarn and start knitting!  (I promise not to tell if you buy new yarn to knit these striped pillows!)

The Line Up Pillow knitting pattern is available in my Etsy shop and on Ravelry.



Monday, November 10, 2014

Joy & Believe Pillows - New Knitting Pattern with Felt Appliqué

One of my favorite things to do is design and make Christmas ornaments.  Last year, I designed and published two Christmas ornament patterns.  This year I've been designing and knitting a lot of pillows so it's not surprising that my newest pattern is....a Christmas themed pillow.

I designed and made the "Joy" Pillow for my mom because she has been saying for months that I should design a "Joy" themed pillow.  I can't tell you how many times I would tell her about my latest knitting pattern and she would be interested and supportive as always....but add "are you working on the Joy pillow design?"  Well, I was working on it....it just took a while for it to really come together in my mind.  Like a lot of my patterns, I think about the design for quite a while before I start knitting.  I am so thrilled with how the "Joy" pillow turned out that I could not wait to give it to my mom.  She stopped by the other day to visit and I gave her an early Christmas gift....she loved it, of course!

Joy & Believe Pillows Knitting Pattern - with Felt Applique
I couldn't stop with just the "JOY" design....I also made another pillow with "Believe" felt applique letters.

The "Joy & Believe Pillows" knitting pattern is available on Ravelry and in my Etsy shop.

Pattern includes patterns for both JOY and Believe letter designs.

My new "Joy & Believe Pillows" knitting pattern includes full size patterns for the felt applique designs to make both the "JOY" and the "Believe" designs.  I love this letter style!  I searched around and looked at a lot of different font styles before settling on this letter design.  In the pattern, you'll find that the letter patterns are already full size....all you have to do is print the page and cut out the paper letter patterns and you are ready to go.  No resizing of the patterns needed!  (It drives me crazy when I have to enlarge pattern pieces on the copy machine to get the right size!)

This is a quick and easy knitting project.  It is knit flat and seamed.  With super bulky yarn and big needles it is easy to finish this pillow project in a weekend or just a couple evenings.  (If you need a last minute DIY gift...this could be the one!)

I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool super bulky yarn in the color 'Claret'.  This is a bright, traditional Christmas red.  I really like this yarn for pillows because it is very soft to the touch.  This yarn is inexpensive but has a very nice appearance.  You can find Loops & Threads Cozy Wool at Michael's Craft Store in the U.S.  This pattern will work will with just about any super bulky weight yarn.  

This pillow would look great in many color combinations.  It would be fun to knit the pillow in white and use red felt for the letters with white stitching.  Or, for a year round look (happy words like "joy" and "believe" never go out of season!) it would look nice in a neutral light tan and white combination.  Or, Loops & Threads Cozy Wool comes in a beautiful dark gray called 'Granite' (reminds me of an old chalkboard).  I'd love to try that color with white letters and use either charcoal gray or red embroidery floss for the applique stitches.   

Other supplies needed include a 12" x 16" pillow form (an inexpensive, basic pillow form is perfect), some nice quality felt, DMC embroidery floss, and basic sewing and crafting supplies.  A good quality pair of scissors (such as sewing shears) is helpful for cutting out the felt letters.

Speaking of felt....I recommend wool blend or good quality polyester felt.  Try to stay away from the inexpensive "craft felt" in the kids crafting section of the craft store.  Most fabric stores carry a nicer quality felt by the yard.  Small quilt shops often carry wool blend felt.  I also like Sweet Emma Jean's Etsy Shop.  They have an incredible selection of felt in many beautiful colors.  You can pick your own colors and get a custom set of 9" x 12" wool blend felt sheets.

Detailed finishing instructions included in the pattern.
This pattern includes detailed, step-by-step finishing instructions.  The finishing is not hard.  But, I put a lot of thought into providing you all the details of how to finish the pillow so that you can obtain the best results possible.  That's why I include every step (such as placing a piece of thin cardboard inside the knitting so it makes it easier to stitch the felt letters in place) and provide lots of close up photos like the one above.

I used some of my ribbon collection and old light bulbs for props.

I had so much fun taking the photos for this new pattern.  I have a box filled with pieces of previously used ribbon...lots of holiday plaids and red and white polka dots.  I also have a set of beautiful ribbons and baker's twine that my mom gave me several years ago.  They are so pretty I've never used an inch of any of the ribbons and twines!  The original set of seven spools are always displayed on a bookshelf at our house.  Look for these in future knitting pattern listing photos.  It was fun to use the spool shapes and texture of the ribbons to add to the holiday theme.  

"Joy & Believe Pillows" Knitting Pattern - available on Etsy
If you have looked at my other knitting pattern listing photos, you have probably noticed a wood cabinet in the background of several photos.  I love being able to use the shelf in the center of the cabinet to change the scene.  The white pedestal candy dish in the photo above was my grandmother's.  The Santa hiding in the shadows is metal and extremely heavy!  Most of my Christmas decorations are hidden away in boxes right now but that heavy Santa was sitting in the "Christmas" closet where I could reach him so he got to be in the photo.

I love combining the textures of knitting with felt applique. My Mini Mitten Christmas Ornament and The Little House knitting patterns both have felt applique. I'm excited to add the Joy & Believe Pillows knitting pattern to my collection.  And...I have a couple more patterns in the works which will add to the felt applique word theme.  Check back soon!