Flint Hills Blanket Knitting Pattern

I'm excited to announce my new blanket knitting pattern...the Flint Hills Blanket.

This blanket is knit with super bulky yarn on big needles.  It is an easy pattern that will work well for confident beginners or experienced knitters who enjoy an easy knitting project.

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

Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern

This pattern is named for the Flint Hills - a large region in the east central portion of Kansas which features rocky, 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 known for the largest intact tallgrass prairie in North America.  You may think all of Kansas is perfectly flat, but the east central portion of Kansas is full of beautiful rolling hills.  Here's a photo I took this past August as we drove through the Flint Hills...

Flint Hills in Kansas

The texture of this blanket design reminded me of that drive through the Flint Hills.

Flint Hills Blanket - the stitch pattern reminds me of rolling hills.

I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool super bulky weight yarn from Michael's Craft Store.  The color is called 'Thunder'.  I have used this yarn many times for other projects.  It is very soft and easy to knit.  One thing to keep in mind...this yarn is hand wash only.

If you would prefer a machine washable yarn you might try Lion Brand Hometown USA.  Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick would also be a great choice for this pattern.

Weaving in the ends on the Flint Hills Blanket.

For best results, I recommend blocking the finished blanket.   Note: When using Loops & Threads Cozy Wool...I find it best to dampen the blanket moderately before blocking...NOT soak it completely in water.  This yarn really soaks up the water and can become very water logged and stretch too much.  I placed my blanket in the kitchen sink and ran water over the blanket...but I did not fill the sink with water.  For more tips on blocking the finished blanket, see my blog post from March 2016.

The Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern includes instructions for five blanket sizes so you can make a very small baby blanket, a crib size blanket, a medium or large throw...or a very large afghan.  It's easy to adjust the length for any of the sizes...details in the pattern.

APRIL 2018 UPDATE:

I made some slight updates to the pattern!  I made the small size blanket with Lion Brand Hometown USA in 'Aspen Tweed'.  I love how this natural shade compliments the theme of the blanket design!  See more photos and read more about the Flint Hills Blanket I made in 2018 on my blog.

Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

Pattern includes instructions for five sizes:
XL: 47.5" wide x 54.5" long
Large: 40" wide x 49.5" long
Medium: 37.5" wide x 47" long
Small (Crib/Lap): 35" wide x 37" long
Baby: 30" wide x 32" long

This blanket is knit flat in one piece.  I use 38" long circular knitting needles in US size 13.  The long length makes it easy to accommodate a lot of stitches when knitting a blanket.

Flint Hills Blanket - knit with super bulky yarn.

One more thing about the Flint Hills...a few years ago I had the opportunity to go with a dear friend and her parents to the "Symphony in the Flint Hills".  It has become a tradition for the Kansas City Symphony to hold a summer outdoor concert out on the Flint Hills.  It is an incredible event.  People purchase tickets months in advance.  On the day of the event people drive from all around to park in a field, hike about a half mile or so, and set up their folding chairs on a hill to view the concert.  The backdrop is the panoramic view of the rolling Flint Hills...it's simply breathtaking and my photos from 2010 do not to it justice.

Symphony in the Flint Hills June 2010

After sunset at Symphony in the Flint Hills - June 2010.

Thanks so much for reading!

The Flint Hills Blanket knitting pattern is now available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and in my Etsy shop.

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Easy Blanket Knitting Patterns

In the past year and a half I have been addicted to knitting blankets!  I love using super bulky yarn to knit blankets because they are quick to knit.  Also, I love the chunky texture and the cozy finished blanket.

I have two new blanket designs in the works that I hope to publish very soon.  Here's a little look at the projects I have been working on recently...

Stitch markers are helpful even with easy knitting patterns.

The tan yarn above is Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color 'Mushroom'.  This yarn is available at Michael's Crafts Store.

Weaving in the ends on a new blanket.

The yarn for the blanket above is Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the color 'Thunder'.  Pattern coming soon!  (Hopefully early November 2016.)

Last week the weather finally started to cool down around here and I pulled a few blankets out of storage.

Belleview Blanket in tan & blue / Brookside Blanket in white

If you are looking for a very easy blanket knitting project here's a few ideas....

My Third Street Blanket knitting pattern has quickly become my best selling blanket pattern.  One of my customers described it as "TV knitting at it's best"!  The pattern is very easy to remember.  Instructions for five blanket sizes including baby, crib, medium size throw and XL afghan.  It's very easy to adjust the length for any of the sizes.

Third Street Blanket knitting pattern

My Westport Blanket knitting pattern is also very easy to knit.  I used Lion Brand Hometown USA in the color 'Dallas Grey'.  I love this yarn! It is very economical and I love how the subtle sheen of the yarn gives this blanket a bit of a modern look.  This pattern also includes instructions for five sizes...and it's easy to adjust the length for any of the blanket sizes.

Westport Blanket knitting pattern - very easy to knit!

If you would like to start with a very easy free knitting pattern...you might like The Boulevard Blanket.  This pattern is easy to knit with super bulky yarn.  It has great texture and makes a super cozy blanket.

The Boulevard Blanket knitting pattern - FREE pattern!

I recommend using solid color yarns for any of these patterns so the texture of the knitting shows best.  If you are a beginning knitter...I highly recommend light to medium color yarns and definitely solid colors.  Dark colors and variegated yarns are challenging for new knitters.

These patterns will work with a number of different super bulky yarns. My three favorite super bulky yarns are...in no particular order...

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick - favorite colors 'Glacier' & 'Fisherman'

Loops & Threads Cozy Wool - favorite colors 'Mushroom', 'Thunder', 'Fleece', 'Stone' & 'Pewter'

Lion Brand Hometown USA - favorite colors 'Dallas Grey', 'Houston Cream', 'Chicago Charcoal', 'Washington Denim' and 'New York White'

If you like seeing behind the scenes photos, follow me on Instagram!

Thanks for reading!  Happy knitting! :)

Westport Blanket - Quick & easy knitting pattern!

The Westport Blanket knitting pattern is quick and easy to knit with super bulky yarn!  The pattern includes instructions for six blanket sizes from baby blanket up to XXL afghan.  Read all the details below!

Westport Blanket knitting pattern - Click to purchase on Ravelry.

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

Last month, I launched a brand new website!  This blog post has been updated on FiftyFourTenStudio.com and features several customer projects.

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

The Westport Blanket knitting pattern is also available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and in my Etsy shop.

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The Westport Blanket is named for the oldest neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri...my hometown. The blanket design was inspired by the many old brick buildings that line the streets of Westport. Though the design is inspired by very old buildings, the knitting pattern has a simple, modern appearance.

Westport was settled, starting in about 1835, along the Santa Fe Trail.  Businesses there provided goods for those traveling west.  Today, Westport is located in the heart of the Kansas City metropolitan area and is home to many local restaurants, bars and small shops.  My favorite shop in Westport is Pryde's - "the hardware store for cooks".  This charming store is located in a very old brick building and the inside is packed from floor to ceiling with the best kitchen products available.

Westport Blanket Knitting Pattern by Fifty Four Ten Studio

SIX BLANKET SIZES:

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

Baby: 31” wide x 31” long
Small: 37” wide x 37” long
Medium: 39.5” wide x 40” long
Large: 42.5” wide x 43” long
XL: 48.5” wide x 49” long
XXL: 51.5” wide x 61” long

All of these sizes are for square blankets but it is easy to make any of the blankets longer by adding additional pattern repeats.  The pattern includes tips on making the blanket longer and estimates of how much additional yarn is needed.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

Baby: 450 - 475 yards
Small: 630 - 660 yards
Medium: 750 - 810 yards
Large: 860 - 920 yards
XL: 1150 - 1220 yards
XXL: 1550 - 1650 yards

I used Lion Brand Hometown USA super bulky yarn in the color "Dallas Grey" for this blanket.  I loved knitting with this yarn!

This was the first time I had used Hometown USA.   I really enjoyed knitting with Lion Brand Hometown USA yarn!  [affiliate link]  It is so soft!  This yarn is 100% acrylic, machine washable and very reasonably priced.  I found a great deal on this yarn and only spent about $32.00 (including shipping cost) for 8 skeins.  This was the perfect amount of yarn to make a 37" x 37" small crib/lap blanket.  I am very pleased with the Hometown USA yarn and I will definitely use it again!

Lion Brand Hometown USA in the color "Dallas Grey"...so soft! 

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I recommend blocking your finished blanket.  It's not essential but it does improve the appearance of the finished blanket.  Here's what I did to block my finished blanket....

Click here to see my updated blog post with lots of tips and photos on FiftyFourTenStudio.com.  

First I soaked the blanket in a sink full of water for a few minutes.

Then I pulled the drain plug and allowed the water to drain out of the sink.  I left the blanket in the sink for a few minutes to drain off excess water.  Then I carefully lifted the blanket out of the sink and set it on a couple of old towels.  The entire time I was careful not to wring or twist the blanket.  

I set up my blocking mats on my craft table.  I transferred the blanket to the blocking mat and carefully spread it out.  I spent at least 10 - 15 minutes arranging the blanket on the mat...adjusting the knitting so that the edges were straight and square...and adjusting the center part of the knitting so the stitches throughout the blanket were in straight lines.  I pinned the blanket in place using rust proof T-pins.

It took about two days for the blanket to completely dry.  I love how it turned out!

This blanket is so soft and cozy!  I will definitely use Lion Brand Hometown USA super bulky yarn again for future projects.  [affiliate link]

Easy to knit chunky blanket - click to purchase the pattern at FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

The Westport Blanket pattern is very easy!  It's a great pattern for beginners who know how to knit and purl confidently...or for experienced knitters who enjoy an easy to remember pattern.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

The Westport Blanket knitting pattern may be purchased on my Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

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

Thanks so much for reading!

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Westport Blanket Knitting Pattern

Third Street Blanket - New Knitting Pattern

I'm excited to announce my new blanket knitting pattern....Third Street Blanket.

This blanket is quick and easy to knit with super bulky yarn.

January 2020 Update: Third Street Blanket knitting pattern can be purchased on my new Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

The Third Street Blanket knitting pattern is also available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

If you prefer worsted weight yarn...please click here to see my Making Plans blanket knitting pattern on my new Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

Third Street Blanket by Fifty Four Ten Studio

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The name for the Third Street Blanket is inspired by maps of one of the oldest neighborhoods in  Kansas City.  Like so many towns, the streets in Kansas City were given numbered names...counting up starting at the river.

The image below is from a 1940 Kansas City road map.  (I love maps!)  The label for 3rd Street is in the center of this photo, just south of the Missouri River.  Note the grid layout of the streets with small square city blocks...this was the inspiration for the name of my new blanket!

1940 Kansas City, Missouri map showing 3rd Street & City Market.

For many years, a weekly outdoor farmer's market has taken place near 3rd Street at the City Market.  In the 1940 map above it says "new" under the City Market label.  This same location was used as a farmer's market back in the 1850's when the city was founded under the name "Town of Kansas".  (The city of Kansas City shown in the map above is actually in the state of Missouri.  There's another city also called Kansas City which is nearby...in the state of Kansas.  If this sounds confusing...it is!)

More about the blanket...

The Third Street Blanket is knit with super bulky yarn so it knits up very quickly.  The easy to remember pattern makes this a fun blanket to knit while watching football or baseball games...or your favorite movie!

Third Street Blanket - easy chunky blanket knitting pattern

INSTRUCTIONS FOR SIX SIZES:
This pattern includes instructions for six sizes including very small baby blanket size, a crib or lap size blanket...on up to an XXL Afghan blanket size.

XXL Afghan: 54.5" wide x 60.5" long
XL: 50” wide x 50.5” long
Large: 41.75” wide x 50.5” long
Medium: : 38.25” wide x 38.75” long
Small (Crib/Lap): 34.5” wide x 34” long
Baby: 28.25” wide x 28” long

It's easy to make any of the blanket sizes longer by adding pattern repeats.  Pattern includes estimates for additional yardage needed to make blankets longer.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

XXL: 1350 - 1420 yards
XL: 1040 - 1100 yards
Large: 860 - 900 yards
Medium: 610 - 650 yards
Small: 490 - 520 yards
Baby: 325 - 350 yards

I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick in the color 'Glacier'.  I love this icy blue colored yarn.  It is a lovely color that changes with the lighting and surroundings...sometimes appearing more gray in tone and other times appearing more blue.

This is a great, dependable yarn at an affordable price.  This pattern can be used with many other super bulky yarns such as Lion Brand Hometown USA.

Or, some knitters like to knit two strands of bulky or worsted weight yarn together to create a similar thickness of yarn. This technique would work well with this pattern.

MAY 2019 UPDATE: If you prefer worsted weight yarn....please click here to see my new Making Plans blanket knitting pattern. 

Making Plans - the worsted weight version of my popular Third Street Blanket pattern

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend blocking the finished blanket.  This is an easy process that makes a big difference in the finished results.  First, I soaked the blanket in a sink full of water for a few minutes.

January 30, 2020 UPDATE: For a full blocking tutorial with lots of photos and step-by-step tips....please click here to read my updated blog post on my new Fifty Four Ten Studio website.

Soak knitting in a sink full of water for a few minutes.

I drained the water out of the sink and allowed the blanket to sit in the sink for several minutes to let excess water drain off.  Then, I carefully gathered the wet blanket up (being sure not to wring or squeeze the blanket!) and set it on a few old towels to allow more water to drain off.

I set up my blocking mats on my water proof work table.  Then I carefully transferred the heavy wet blanket to the blocking mats and gently spread it out to the desired size.  I used a ruler and the edges of the blocking mat as a guide to make sure all the edges were straight and even.  I pinned the blanket in place using Knitters Pride T-Pins which are rust proof.

Knitting carefully set up on blocking mats with T-pins to hold knitting in place.

It took about 2-3 days for the blanket to dry completely.  It's worth the wait!

More tips and step-by-step photos on blocking on this blog post at FiftyFourTenStudio.com.

Third Street blanket knitting pattern for super bulky weight yarn.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

FiftyFourTenStudio.com: Click here to purchase the Third Street Blanket pattern.

Ravelry: Click here to purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

The pattern is also available on LoveKnitting and Etsy.

If you like this pattern, you might also like my other easy chunky blanket patterns!  Click the image below to visit my Fifty Four Ten Studio pattern shop... 

Fall is such a great time for recharging and starting new projects.  The kids are back in school starting a new year and I'm back to knitting and designing.  I feel so fortunate to be doing something that I really enjoy!

Thanks so much for reading!  Happy knitting!

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

The Parkway Pillow - My summer knitting project!

This summer I knit up a blue version of The Parkway Pillow.

The Parkway Pillow was my first pillow knitting pattern that I designed about two years ago.  The pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting, Etsy and Craftsy.

I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick super bulky yarn in the color 'Glacier' for this pillow.  This icy blue yarn is lovely and one of my favorite colorways in the Lion Brand Thick & Quick selection.

I love how my new knitted pillow turned out!

The Parkway Pillow knit with super bulky yarn.

This is a quick and easy knitting pattern which uses one strand of super bulky weight yarn and big knitting needles.

Quick to knit with super bulky weight yarn.

I blocked my knitting before sewing up the edges.  I must admit this is the first time that I have blocked one of my pillow knitting projects and I'm very pleased with the results.

Blocking your knitting is very easy...

Put knitting in the sink and run cold water over the piece.

Carefully arrange knitting on mat so edges are straight.
Pin to measurements indicated in pattern.

It took about two days for my knitted piece to dry completely.  Then I sewed up the side seams, inserted the pillow form and sewed up the bottom seam.

Sewing up the bottom seam of The Parkway Pillow.

FALL 2017 UPDATE: I made this light blue version of The Parkway Pillow when Interweave asked to include this pattern in their Winter 2017 issue of 'Quick & Easy Knits' magazine.  So fun to be included!

The Parkway Pillow - as seen in Quick & Easy Knits Magazine!

WHERE TO BUY THE PATTERN ONLINE:

If you are interested in purchasing The Parkway Pillow knitting pattern it is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

The Parkway Pillow knitting pattern includes detailed, photo illustrated instructions for finishing.

If you would like to read more about how I designed and named The Parkway Pillow see this blog post.  For more details on the pattern see my Ravelry listing.

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

It was a fun, busy summer with my family and friends so I did not do a lot of knitting.  Now that it's fall again I'm getting back to knitting!

Thanks for reading! :)

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio

Belleview Blanket Knitting Pattern - New!

I'm excited to announce my newest blanket knitting pattern...the Belleview Blanket!

The pattern is available on FiftyFourTenStudio.com, Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

This is my fifth blanket pattern designed with super bulky yarn.  It is fun to knit a blanket with super bulky yarn because it knits up very quickly and the finished blanket is so warm and cozy

Belleview Blanket by Fifty Four Ten Studio

FEBRUARY 2021 UPDATE:

The Belleview Blanket is named for a street in the neighborhood where I grew up in Kansas City, Missouri.  The design reminds me of the charming 1920's homes lined up in an orderly fashion on the streets of the Brookside neighborhood in Kansas City.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

The Belleview Blanket is knit with super bulky yarn and knit flat, back and forth on US size 13 circular knitting needles.  You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row knitting pattern, cast off stitches and weave in ends.

I used Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick super bulky weight yarn in the color 'Glacier' for soft blue blanket above and below.  I love this icy blue color!

This pattern will work with many super bulky weight yarns.  A couple other good options for this blanket design include Lion Brand Hometown USA or Lion Brand's new Wool-Ease Thick & Quick bonus bundles which have a generous amount of yarn per skein.

I recommend solid color yarn for the Belleview Blanket so the texture of the pattern will show up in the finished project.

SEPT 2018 UPDATE: If you prefer worsted weight yarn...you might like my Piece of Home blanket knitting pattern. 

JULY 2017 UPDATE: I'm excited to announce that Lion Brand Yarn is now offering a Belleview Blanket Kit which includes enough Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn to make a large throw in the lovely 'Glacier' colorway (shown in photo below).

Belleview Blanket - Instructions for Five Sizes

PATTERN INCLUDES INSTRUCTIONS FOR FIVE SIZES:

XL Blanket: 48" wide x 49.5" long
Large Throw: 37.5" wide x 49.5" long
Small Throw: 37.5 wide x 38.5" long
Crib Blanket: 35" wide x 36" long
Baby Blanket: 27" wide x 27.5" long

Sizes are approximate dimensions after blocking.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I recommend blocking your finished project for best appearance.  Blocking this blanket pattern helps the border and the center pattern settle out nicely and improve its appearance.

Work in progress - before blocking.

After blocking - knitting looks more polished.

If you have not blocked a finished knitting piece before, it is not that hard.  However, with super bulky yarn I have found it's good to be cautious in how much I soak my finished knitting.  Each yarn reacts differently to the water in terms of how much it soaks up.  With super bulky yarn, the finished knitting can become heavy and stretch more than desired if it soaks up too much water.

Click here to read my newer blog post with lots of tips about blocking.

I found that Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn does not soak up too much water and the knitting did not stretch after being soaked in a sink full of water.

On the other hand, Loops & Threads Cozy Wool soaked up too much water and became very water logged and heavy after I soaked it in a sink full of water.  It did not ruin my project but the blanket did stretch to a little larger than intended.  Next time I block Loops & Threads Cozy Wool, I will go back to the technique I used with my Brookside Blanket and hold the blanket under cold running water to slightly dampen it.

If you would like more info on blocking, read on...

Blocking Belleview Blanket Knit with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick:

First, I cleared off a flat, water resistant surface large enough to accommodate the size of my finished blanket.  (Don't block your knitting on a wood table!  To protect your surface you could use either blocking mats (or children's play mats) or perhaps a plastic tablecloth.)

I used my work table that has a Formica surface. The dimensions were the perfect size for my blue blanket.  I folded up my blanket and put it in my (clean!) kitchen sink.  I ran cold water over the blanket.  I noticed that the water sort of repelled from the Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn so I decided to try soaking it in a sink full of water.  This worked fine for this yarn since the yarn did not completely soak up the water like a sponge.

Run water over blanket in the sink.  This blanket knit with Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick yarn.

I left the blanket in the sink for a few minutes to allow excess water to drain out.

Press out excess water and allow blanket to sit for a few minutes to drain in the sink.

Then, I placed the wet blanket on an old towel and gently pressed out excess water.  I tried not to wring or twist the knitting!  Then, I placed my knitting on my water resistant work surface and carefully spread it out...flattening and adjusting the knitting to line up the stitches evenly.  I used a measuring tape to adjust the knitting so that all of the edges were as straight as possible.

I looked at the blanket from each side and adjusted the knitting as necessary.  I did not have blocking mats when I blocked this blanket.  I found that pins were not necessary for the super bulky yarn.  The knitting stayed pretty much in place over the course of drying.

Carefully spread out blanket on water resistant table.

Blocking Belleview Blanket with Blocking Mats:

I recently purchased a set of mats to use for blocking, as well as a box of  rust resistant T-pins.  I purchased two sets of POCO-DIVO "child play mats" on Amazon.  Each set includes nine 12" mats that fit together like puzzle pieces.  I purchased two sets so I'll have enough pieces to make a mat large enough to block large blankets.  I set up nine of the mat pieces on my work table to block my baby size blanket made with Loops & Threads Cozy Wool in the 'Mushroom'.  

When I put this blanket in a sink full of water it soaked up the water like a sponge.  The last time I blocked a blanket with this yarn, I held it under the water and did not allow it to get overly wet.  That is what I would do the next time.  Soaking the blanket in the sink made the blanket far too wet and heavy due to the thick yarn.  It stretched a bit more than I wanted it to...but it did not ruin the project.  That's the great thing about blankets...the finished size does not have to be exact!  

Blanket knit with Loops & Threads Cozy Wool - it soaked up too much water.

After squeezing out the excess water in the sink and on an old towel, I carefully spread out the small blanket on blocking mats.  Then I adjusted the knitting so the edges and knitting pattern in the center of the blanket were straight.  I used rust proof T-pins to pin the edges of the blanket in place.

Blocking with mats and rust proof T-pins.

It took about three days for my tan baby blanket to dry but it was well worth the time.  Yes...the knitting stretched a bit after I soaked the blanket in water.  But, after drying it looks lovely.

After Blocking - Loops & Threads Cozy Wool yarn - Belleview Blanket Pattern.

I love how this baby size Belleview Blanket knit with Loops & Threads Cozy wool in the color 'Mushroom' turned out after blocking.  The knitting shaped up beautifully!

Summary - Blocking Super Bulky Yarn/Knitting:

Blocking super bulky weight yarn in not hard.  As with all yarn, each yarn will react differently to being blocked.  Some super bulky yarns can soak in so much water that the knitting becomes very heavy and the knitting can be overstretched when you spread it out on the work surface (see my tan blanket above).  The knitting just needs to be very damp...not soaked...to have successful blocking.  If you are nervous about the knitting getting overly soaked, just hold your knitting under gently running water so it gets moderately damp.

WHERE TO GET THE PATTERN:

The Belleview Blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

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

Happy knitting!

Mary Lee

Fifty Four Ten Studio

Brookside Blanket Knitting Pattern - New!

On Super Bowl Sunday I published my newest blanket knitting pattern...the Brookside Blanket.  It's knit with super bulky yarn on big needles so it knits up very quickly.

I am so pleased with how this chunky, warm blanket design turned out.  I love the subtle block design.

Brookside Blanket knitting pattern is available on Ravelry, LoveKnitting and Etsy.

Brookside Blanket Knitting Pattern - Knit with Super Bulky Yarn

FEBRUARY 2020 UPDATE:

INSPIRATION FOR THE PATTERN NAME:

The Brookside Blanket is named for the Brookside neighborhood in Kansas City, Missouri.  I grew up in this older, charming neighborhood.  The grid inspired pattern in the knitting reminds me of the grid layout of the neighborhood streets in Brookside.  The neighborhood blocks are lined with charming homes that were built in the 1920's.  There aren't any dead end cul-de-sac streets like so many newer suburban neighborhoods.  Nearly all of the streets are set up in a uniform grid.   

Brookside Blanket - Pattern includes directions for 4 sizes.

OCTOBER 2017 UPDATE:

The Brookside Blanket pattern now includes directions for SIX sizes:

Baby Blanket: 25" wide x 31" long
Small (Crib/Lap): 32.5" wide x 38" long
Medium Throw: 39.5" wide x 41.5" long
Large Throw: 43" long x 52" long
XL Afghan: 46.5" wide x 55.5" long
XXL Afghan: 50" wide x 59" long

It's easy to make your blanket longer by adding pattern repeats.  Adding an additional pattern repeat (the subtle block pattern in the center of the blanket) will add about 3.5" to the length of the blanket.  The pattern includes estimates for amount of additional yarn needed to add length to each size blanket.

Brookside Blanket is knit with super bulky yarn.

SUPER BULKY YARN:

Baby: 335 - 350 yards
Small: 480 - 510 yards
Medium: 640 - 680 yards
Large: 900 - 940 yards
XL: 1050 - 1100 yards
XXL: 1200 - 1250 yards

This blanket can be made with many super bulky weight yarns.  I used Loops & Threads Cozy Wool from Michael's Craft Store.  This is a very soft, light weight yarn that knits up easily.  The colors are very nice as well.  The navy blue yarn I used is called 'Sapphire'.  This is a lovely shade of navy!  The ivory / white yarn I used is called 'Fleece'.

Other great yarn options for this blanket include Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick and Lion Brand Hometown USA.

BLOCKING RECOMMENDED:

I highly recommend blocking your finished blanket for this pattern.  Blocking of this pattern will help flatten out the border edges nicely.  

Click here to read my completely updated blog post with step-by-step tips for blocking a blanket.

For the white blanket, I folded it in thirds and held it under cold running water at the kitchen sink.  I flipped the folded blanket over to get all sides moderately wet.  I covered my durable, Formica work table with an old sheet.  Then I carefully unfolded the wet blanket.  Then I spent some time adjusting all the edges so they were straight.  I checked dimensions with a tape measure to make sure I had the blanket evenly positioned and I looked the blanket from many sides to double check that the grid knitting pattern was as even as possible.  

Blocking recommended!  

I set up a fan to try to encourage quicker drying time!  The photo above was taken at night right after I arranged the blanket.  With the super bulky yarn, I found that I really did not need pins to hold the knitting in place.  (Note that it is important to set up this wet project on a water proof surface!)

By the next morning I could already tell that taking the time to block this blanket was worth it!  Even without pinning, the knitting remained in position.  The blanket was still very damp so I turned the fan on for a few more hours.  (Since this was set up in my home studio, I did not have the fan running all the time...it got too cold on chilly winter days!)  

Blanket blocking in progress.  The fan helps!

I think it took about a day and a half for the blanket to dry completely.  I am very pleased with how the blanket looks after blocking!

Brookside Blanket - after blocking!

I used US size 13 circular knitting needles which are 32" in length.  This length is essential to make a throw size blanket and accommodate all the stitches.  A little bit shorter length circular needle could be used for the crib or baby size blanket.  However, if you are going to buy only one set of circular needles for blankets...I'd pick at least 32" in length so you'll have the flexibility to make a larger size blanket if you decide to later. I used Knitter's Pride Nova Platina knitting needles.  I've used them for many projects and would definitely recommend these knitting needles.

The Brookside Blanket is an easy knitting pattern.  You will need to know how to cast on stitches, knit and purl confidently, read a row by row pattern, cast off stitches and weave in ends.

As discussed above, blocking is recommended.  If you haven't blocked a project before, not to worry!  It's not that hard and you will be glad you did it.

If you would like to purchase the Brookside Blanket knitting pattern, it is available on Ravelry, Craftsy, LoveKnitting and in my Etsy shop.

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

Mary Lee
Fifty Four Ten Studio